Longleat Safari Park is buzzing with excitement as a new zebra named Zigzag arrives for the summer, sparking hopes for a romantic connection and potential new foals. Zigzag, a 15-year-old stallion visiting from Hamerton Zoo Park in Cambridgeshire, has quickly caught the attention of Longleat’s three resident mares—Kichaa, Poppy, and Kibibi.
Keepers are optimistic that this summer pairing could lead to the pitter-patter of tiny hooves in time for Longleat’s 60th anniversary next year. With a zebra gestation period of roughly 12 months, foals may soon be roaming the park’s open plains.
As the first drive-through safari park outside Africa, which opened in 1966, Longleat has long championed conservation, sustainability, and education. Darren Beasley, head of animal operations, emphasized the significance of breeding zebras as they are classified as near threatened, facing potential risks that could drive their population decline in the wild.
READ MORE: HorseWorld Open Day Cancelled Amid Infectious Disease Outbreak
READ MORE: WECA Seeks New Communications Director with Salary Up to £138,000 and Bus Ticket Perks
The three mares—Kibibi and Kichaa (born in 2010) and Poppy (born in 2015)—are all Longleat natives. Eloise Kilbane, lead keeper, shared encouraging observations about Zigzag’s confident and sociable nature. “He quickly integrated into the main park, greeting ostriches, wildebeests, and giraffes sharing the reserve,” she said. While Kibibi keeps her distance, Zigzag frequently checks on her, and the mares’ playful chidings suggest budding relationships.
Zigzag has settled in comfortably within the mixed-species reserve, raising hopes he will sire the next generation of Longleat zebras. Visitors to the safari park this summer have the unique opportunity to see this promising new addition and his potential mates as part of the drive-through experience.