AN endangered Grevy’s zebra has been born at Marwell Zoo near Winchester.

Mother Imogen gave birth to the female foal in the early hours of October 12 at the Wild Explorers exhibit.

The latest arrival takes the total number of Grevy’s zebras at the zoo to eight and is the first foal to be sired by resident stallion Fonzy.

Ian Goodwin, animal collection manager, said: “Our new arrival is a very important and welcome addition to the endangered species breeding programme.”

In the late 1970s there were 15,000 Grevy’s zebra in the wild but that figure has fallen to around 2,800 due to climate change, habitat loss, and livestock competition.

Mr Goodwin added: “Since 2003, Marwell Wildlife has been working with partners in northern Kenya to conserve Grevy’s zebra.

We employ a team of conservation biologists and scouts who work in the field and they have been instrumental in helping to create a national conservation strategy for the species.”

Marwell also manages the International Studbook and the European Ex situ Programme for Grevy’s zebra.