Monarto Zoological Park Has Christmas Zebra Baby

Zoo's special gift in need of a name - THE Christmas Day present of a new foal was another reward for Monarto Zoological Park's successful zebra breeding program.

The male baby zebra, who needs a name, was born to mother Tanzania and father Bwana. The baby, the second born in the park in 18 months, brings the Monarto zebra herd to nine - five males and four females. Zebras, related to horses, are born 1m tall after a 10-month gestation period

Park director Chris Hannocks was thrilled at the birth and its timing.

"To receive a wonderful gift of a zebra foal is indeed a Christmas present for the conservation of this wonderful African plains animal," he said.The zoo and The Advertiser are running a competition to find an African name for the foal. To enter, visit theadvertiser.com.au, then click on the zebra naming button and follow the prompts.

The competition closes at 11.59pm on January 5. Winners will be announced on January 7.

One winner will receive two passes, valued at $110, to Meet the Lions at the Monarto Zoo.