Born on January 19 to parents Masika and Punda, this newest addition to the Phoenix Zoo’s herd of Grevy’s Zebras weighed in at an even 100 pounds (45.35 kg). This is the nineteenth Grevy’s Zebra born at the zoo since 1987. He enjoys exploring his exhibit and is playing with the zoo's other male foal, Utambo, born just a couple of months earlier in November to mother Afiya. Both foals share the same father.

These babies are important, as they add to the sparse population of this Endangered species. There are less than 2,500 left in the wild due to loss of habitat, competition with livestock and poaching. As the largest zebra species, Grevy’s can be distinguished from other zebras by their longer legs, more narrow stripes, a plain white underbelly and large rounded ears. They are only found in northern Kenya and southeastern Ethiopia.

Photo Credit: Phoenix Zoo

See more pictures and read how his mother will choose his name after the fold:

The little male foal doesn’t have a name yet, but one will be selected soon… by the mother! Zookeepers are working on a plan to have Masika choose from three bags of treats that will each be labeled with a name selected by the zoo’s hoofstock team. The names Masika will choose from are; Pembe, Akili and Bakari. This naming activity will take place in the zebra exhibit on Wednesday, February 6, at 9:30 a.m. and is open to the public.

The Phoenix Zoo is dedicated to saving Grevy’s Zebras through conservation in the wild and on zoo grounds. Both foals are the result of a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which ensures the genetic diversity of select species. The Phoenix Zoo is also a proud partner of the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, an organization dedicated to the conservation of Grevy’s Zebras.