Zoo Atlanta welcomes handsome 17-year-old zebra, 'Wembe'

This week, Zoo Atlanta welcomed Wembe, a 17-year-old male plains zebra, in a transaction with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

According to a press release, Wembe comes to Zoo Atlanta after recommendations from the AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP), a collaborative program that works to ensure the genetic diversity and long-term sustainability of animal populations in human care in AZA organizations while also making recommendations for individual animal needs.

Zoo Atlanta plans to add a companion for Wembe later this fall. The animals will live in the zoo's African Savanna habitat, which also houses giraffes Calvin and Lennard, a bontebok named Casper, and two ostriches, Purple and Orange. 

"When we think of the wildlife of the grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, it’s hard to think of an animal more recognizable or iconic than the zebra,” Vice President of Collections and Conservation Jennifer Mickelberg said in the release. “The plains zebra is one of many species that are not yet classified as endangered, but tell us an important story now of the steps we can take to halt further population declines. These are magnificent animals we want to see forever in abundance in their native savannas.”

Plains zebras are classified as 'Near Threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the wild, they live about 25 years but can reach age 40 in captivity. 

Wembe will need some time to get acclimated to his surroundings, and visitors can check in at zooatlanta.org to find out how to view him in his new habitat.