A young zebra who was born on Mother’s Day is thriving at Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Savannah keepers have named the foal Falah, which means happiness and success in Arabic, one of the many languages spoken throughout Africa.
Falah’s mother, Furaha, gave birth just two years after undergoing extensive medical treatment for a malignant tumour that grew behind her right leg.
Following her successful recovery from surgery to remove the tumour, Furaha is now back at home on the zoo’s savannah alongside Falah, whose father is a zebra named Melako.
Werribee Open Range Zoo senior veterinarian Natalie Rourke said Furaha was displaying all the positive maternal behaviours associated with a first-time zebra mum.
“Furaha has a really lovely nature, and she’s displaying very good mothering behaviour,” Ms Rourke said.
“The baby is also very healthy. She’s been suckling and her coat is looking absolutely magnificent.”
Ms Rourke described Furaha’s story and medical recovery as remarkable.
“Furaha underwent extensive surgery for her condition and required three months of very close management and monitoring to recover,” Ms Rourke said.
“So, it’s super rewarding to see her mother her first foal after overcoming her health issues.”
Plains zebras are native to Africa and are classified as near-threatened in the wild.
Their population of 250,000 is in decline, with habitat destruction, poaching and competition with agriculture as major threats to the species.
Anyone can support zebra conservation through Zoos Victoria’s Beads for Wildlife initiative.
Funds raised through the sale of handmade beadwork via Zoos Victoria’s retail stores go towards protecting the rangelands where zebras reside in Northern Kenya. Details: zoo.org.au
