Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park in Gazipur has recently welcomed two new members to its zebra family, bringing the total number of zebras in the park to 30.
The two foals, born on Sunday and Tuesday, were seen roaming with the herd, according to Rafiqul Islam, the official in charge of the park, who confirmed the news on Wednesday.
Anisur Rahman, the wildlife supervisor of the park, said zebras are African hoofed mammals from the equid family. Zebra foals nurse from their mothers for 7 to 8 months, he added.
"In order to protect the newborns, zebras move in herds, which also helps them ensure safety in numbers. Recognizable by their iconic black and white stripes, the zebras at the park live in the same enclosure as giraffes, chitras (spotted deer), and barking deer, among other animals," Anisur said.
Park authorities are keeping a close watch on the foals to ensure they remain safe from other species.
Anisur added: "Female zebras have a gestation period of 12 to 13 months. While zebras typically live up to 20 years in the wild, in captivity they can live for as long as 40 years."
Meanwhile, Rafiqul said several zebras were imported from South Africa in phases through an animal trading company after the establishment of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park.
The zebras roam freely in the African Safari section of the park, a large area covered with bushland and grassland. Other animals, including wildebeests, giraffes, gazelles, elands, and barking deer, also inhabit this section alongside the zebras.
