Tragic loss: Baby zebra born on Christmas dies at Arizona Zoo

A baby zebra, named Tikiti Maji, tragically passed away at Reid Park Zoo in Arizona after suffering a fatal neck injury less than two months after her birth. The heartbreaking incident occurred when a sudden gust of wind startled Tikiti's mother, Anna, causing her to abruptly move but stop short of a fence. Unfortunately, Tikiti Maji, who was running alongside her mother, did not stop and collided with the fence, leading to her instantaneous death due to a severe neck injury.

Condolences and support due to baby zebra death

The zoo's President and CEO, Nancy Kluge, expressed her condolences, emphasizing the attentive and watchful nature of Anna as a mother, and the dedication of the zoo's animal care professionals. The entire team at Reid Park Zoo is devastated by the unexpected loss and fondly remembers Tikiti's playful and energetic spirit as she grew into an adventurous and independent zebra. The name Tikiti Maji, meaning "watermelon" in Swahili, honored the mother's love for watermelon during her pregnancy.

Response and Conservation Efforts

Following the tragic event, the zoo announced that Anna will receive additional care to support her through the grieving process. Notably, Anna’s son Haroo had recently been transferred to another zoo. The zoo also highlighted the delicate nature of zebra foals and the high mortality rate of young zebras, citing a previous loss of one of Anna's foals in July 2020. Moreover, the zoo had taken measures to enhance the visibility of barriers in the zebra habitat before Tikiti's birth, and instituted a quiet zone around the zebras' behind-the-scenes areas.

Endangered Grevy's Zebra

Tikiti Maji belonged to the endangered Grevy's zebra species, with less than 2,500 remaining in the wild. The Grevy's zebra, the largest species of zebra, stands between 4 to 5 feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 770 and 950 pounds when fully grown. While their lifespan ranges from 12 to 13 years, the species' vulnerability underscores the importance of conservation efforts to protect them.

Global impact and preservation

In the wake of this devastating loss, the global community mourns the passing of Tikiti Maji and is reminded of the fragility of life, particularly for endangered species like the Grevy's zebra. The Reid Park Zoo team and animal care professionals continue to prioritize the well-being of the remaining animals, including offering support to Anna as she copes with the loss of her beloved offspring.