Oakland, CA…October 31, 2017 –Two young male zebras have come to Oakland Zoo from Safari West in Santa Rosa, bringing the Zoo’s new herd to a total of four zebras altogether – two males and two females.

The new males, named ‘Beaker’ and ‘Beetlejuice,’ are ages 1 and 2 years old, and are far younger than their new female herd-mates – now in their 20s. Both females, named Stormy and Jumoke, have lived at Oakland Zoo their entire lives. The zebras have been slowly introduced to each other under the supervision and planning of zookeepers, and for the time being, the males are separated by a fence line until all four zebras settle down and show more signs of ease around each other.

The young males were chosen by Oakland Zoo’s zookeepers, because in the wild, a natural herd consists of four or more zebras, led by a male stallion. Male zebras are typically more behaviorally calm than females, zookeepers citing that ‘introducing two younger males would be easiest on our older ladies.’

Zookeepers report that the Beaker and Beetlejuice are doing very well, and have observed that Beaker and Jumoke are very interested in each other.

Zookeepers have also spent a lot of time with the new males, to teach them to be less afraid in general, as zebras are naturally very flighty animals. They are already learning newly trained behaviors, such as standing on a scale and moving into different stalls to allow maintenance of their exhibit.

“It is an immensely fun challenge for us to train these young zebra, as well as a huge social benefit for Stormy and Jumoke to have a herd again. We are really looking forward to finishing our introductions and having all four zebra together - and I think the zebra are looking forward to it as well!,”Amber Paczkowski, Zookeeper , Oakland Zoo.

Oakland Zoo’s zebras can be seen daily by the public from 10:00am - 4:00pm in the zoo's African Savanna section.

The Bay Area's award-winning Oakland Zoo is home to more than 850+ native and exotic animals. The Zoo offers many educational programs and kid's activities perfect for science field trips, family day trips and exciting birthday parties. Oakland Zoo is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals and wildlife conservation onsite and worldwide; with 50¢ from each ticket donated to support conservation partners and programs around the world. The California Trail, a transformational project that more than doubles our size, opens in June 2018, and will further our commitment to animal care, education, and conservation with a focus on this state’s remarkable native wildlife.

Erin Harrison, (510) 746-7120, eharrison@oaklandzoo.org