The OKC Zoo and Botanical Garden sends this information as posted below:
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is pleased to announce the birth of a female Plains zebra foal, born Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Expedition Africa presented by Inasmuch Foundation. The foal weighed 97 lbs. at birth.
Born to mother Nebula and father Mars, the new foal is named Lyra, after the constellation listed by 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy. The foal joins her parents, sister Aurora, and relatives Calypso and Atlas in the Plains zebra habitat along Predator Pass in Expedition Africa. But she will soon have some new neighbors.
“Eventually, the zebra herd will merge with the wildebeest herd to showcase their symbiotic relationship,” said OKC Zoo’s Curator of Hoofstock, Bill Smith. “This will represent the great herd migrations seen on the savannas in Africa.”
Guests can see Lyra and the rest of the dazzle—one of the terms for a group of zebras—in their habitat at the OKC Zoo, weather permitting.
“It’s always exciting to welcome a new member to our animal family,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, Executive Director and CEO of the OKC Zoo. “Not only is little Lyra a delight to see for our guests, it’s also a reminder of the important work of zoos in preserving and perpetuating wildlife for future generations.”
Plains zebras are the smallest and most common of the three species of zebra. The species is endemic to the savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. Wild populations of Plains zebras have declined due to loss of habitat and they are listed as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Zebras are one of Africa’s most iconic animals thanks to their distinctive black-and-white striped coats. Social animals, zebras live in large herds called “dazzles” or “zeals” ranging across Africa’s scrublands and savannas. As grazers, zebras play an important role in maintaining ecosystems by preventing the overgrowth of certain plants, leading to increased biodiversity. All zebras have black coats with unique white stripe patterns, like fingerprints. Zebras have a lengthy gestation period, between 11 and 13 months, but they’re ready to move quickly to escape from predators upon birth. Foals can stand and walk about 10 to 20 minutes after they’re born and can run after about an hour.
This holiday season, discover the Zoo’s animal family by day and the magic of SAFARI LIGHTS at night! OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, presented by OG&E, is a must-see attraction with larger-than-life illuminated lanterns highlighting wildlife and seasonal scenes on a 20-minute driving tour through the Zoo. Then enjoy the walking experience featuring more lanterns, interactive displays, and picture-perfect photo opportunities the whole family will love. Each year’s lights and lanterns are all new, presenting a fun and fascinating experience for visitors of all ages. Also new at this year’s OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS are igloo rentals and Safari Sleigh rides. SAFARI LIGHTS runs nightly through Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last check in at 10 p.m. Visit okczoo.org/safarilights for more information and to reserve your tickets.
Established in 1902, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden inspires more than a million visitors annually to take action to conserve wildlife and wild places. From education programs to scientific research, the OKC Zoo is working to save species regionally and worldwide. The OKC Zoo is located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35 and a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District.
During the OKC Zoo’s Winter Hours, now through Sunday, March 1, 2026, park hours will be open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday/Sunday with last entry at 4 p.m. The park will be closed to guests during the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Purchase Zoo admission in advance at okczoo.org/tickets to avoid the entry lines. For more Zoo information, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories.
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