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 Monday, October 19, 2026, in Expedition Africa presented by Inasmuch Foundation. The foal weighed approximately 82 lbs. at birth.
Born to mother Calypso and father Mars, the new foal is named Astra, which is Greek for ‘star’ and continuous with the space-themed names for the Zoo’s zebras. The foal joins her mom, brother Atlas, and relatives Aurora and Lyra in the Plains zebra habitat along Predator Pass in Expedition Africa.
“Our zebra herd continues to grow at the OKC Zoo,” said OKC Zoo’s Curator of Hoofstock, Bill Smith. “This birth is significant to help grow the zebra population in human care. Zebras are a staple of the African savanna, playing an incredibly important part of the natural ecosystem.”
Guests can see Astra and the rest of the dazzle—one of the terms for a group of zebras—in their habitat at the OKC Zoo, weather permitting.
“We are always excited to welcome a new addition to our Zoo animal family,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, Executive Director and CEO of the OKC Zoo. “Astra is a delightful reminder of the important work of zoos in protecting and sustaining 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. They are social animals, living in large herds called “dazzles” or “zeals” ranging across Africa’s scrublands and savannas.
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. All zebras have black coats with unique white stripe patterns, like fingerprints.
At the Zoo, guests will see the zebra and wildebeest sharing the same habitat which showcases the symbiotic connection they have in the wild. Zebras and wildebeest complement each other with a mutually beneficial relationship through grazing, coordinated migration, and shared predator vigilance. By working together in the wild, they not only enhance their survival, but contribute to the overall health of their ecosystem.
Treat yourself to the sweetest Halloween celebration in town with tickets to Haunt the Zoo! Presented by Oklahoma’s Own News 9, Haunt the Zoo has been welcoming generations of Oklahomans for 43 years on a trick-or-treating adventure like no other. This year, guests are able to explore a new Haunt the Zoo trail through the Zoo’s Expedition Africa to enjoy up-close views of African species including giraffes, lions, hyenas, ostrich, and more plus the chance to see little Astra and her zebra family. Festive family-friendly activities, decorative props, seasonal food, and a pumpkin playhouse add to the Halloween vibe. There’s even a brand-new Haunt the Zoo costume parade, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., so guests of all ages are encouraged to wear their Halloween costume to the event. Haunt the Zoo happens Saturdays and Sundays in October ending October 31, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus a limited nighttime Haunt the Zoo celebration on Friday, October 30. General Zoo admission or ZOOfriends memberships plus official Haunt the Zoo treat bags are required to trick-or-treat and must be purchased in advance. Official trick-or-treat bags are $10/bag or $9/bag for ZOOfriends members. $1 from every bag sold will benefit the Zoo’s conservation efforts for Sri Lanka Elephant Project, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, FUNDESGUA, and others. For event and ticket details, visit www.okczoo.org/HTZ.
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 locally and globally. 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. For more Zoo information, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok, LinkedIn, and by visiting our blog stories.
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