Franklin Park Zoo Welcomes Second Baby Zebra of 2024
The Franklin Park Zoo has welcomed a new baby animal — a Hartmann’s mountain zebra — who was born on September 4.
The female foal weighs 87 pounds and is in good health. Their parents are Zoey, 12, and Khomas, 6. This is the second Hartmann’s mountain zebra born at the Franklin Park Zoo this year. In April, the zoo welcomed a male foal, which was later named Keanu. He was the first zebra species born at the Franklin Park Zoo. Keanu’s parents are Khomas and Khumalo, 5.
Chris Bartos, an assistant curator at Franklin Park Zoo, said in a statement, “Anytime a new foal is born, it’s a reason to celebrate, and we are so happy that guests will have the opportunity to watch this foal grow up. Watching Zoey introduce her foal to her outdoor habitat has been a heartwarming experience for our staff. She is an attentive mother who is taking great care in making her foal feel safe and protected.”
The Franklin Park Zoo noted that the Hartmann’s mountain zebra has origins in Namibia, Angola and South Africa. However, since their habitat is susceptible to drought, the Hartmann’s mountain zebra has been classified as a vulnerable species.
Many Boston Public School children and their family members may get the change to see the new baby zebra as part of “BPS Sundays.” Mayor Michelle Wu recently announced that “BPS Sundays,” the program offering free admission to local museums and zoos for Boston Public Schools students and their families, has been extended through the end of the year.
The program, which was first announced during Mayor Wu’s 2024 State of the City address, kicked off in February and was originally going to run through August. Mayor Wu said via Instagram, “Since February, more than 36,000 students and families have joined us to experience the joy and wonder our cultural institutions have to offer. We’re so grateful to all our partners for giving our young people and their families a window to the world.”
“BPS Sundays” take place on the first and second Sunday of each month. It allows BPS students and up to three of their family members free admission to the following local museums and zoos:
-The Boston Children’s Museum
-The Institute of Contemporary Art
-The Museum of Fine Arts
-Museum of Science
-The New England Aquarium
-The Franklin Park Zoo
For entry, BPS students must present their student transportation card and the weekly email sent to each student either printed out or on a mobile device. A student’s entry pass cannot be transferred to another person. At this time, students who live in Boston but aren’t enrolled in one of the city’s public schools are not included in the program.
Boston.gov notes, “Institutions frequently reach capacity, so families are encouraged to pre-register and reserve tickets online, and ensure that their email address is updated in the BPS system.”
