West Midlands Safari Park is overjoyed to announce the arrival of not one, but two endangered Grevy’s zebra foals, born just a couple of weeks apart.

The first foal, named Oakley by his keepers, was born on 13 July to mum, Akuna, followed by a female foal born 17 days later, on 30 July, to mum, Nafeesa.

Whilst Nafeesa’s foal was up and standing within the first hour of being born, unfortunately Oakley faced a much more difficult beginning.

Shortly after his birth, keepers noticed he was having trouble getting to his feet, which is critical for feeding from his mother, so the keepers had to step in.

The dedicated team provided round-the-clock support, helping Oakley to his feet when needed, administering medication and closely monitoring his progress.

To the joy of the keepers, at around two-weeks-old Oakley began to stand independently and since then, has made encouraging process, so much so, that the two foals have been introduced and have taken their first steps out on the safari this week, side by side with their mothers.

Grevy’s zebra are the largest of all equids (horses) and are the most endangered of the three species of zebra as well as being one of Africa’s most endangered large mammals.

In the wild they face threats such as hunting, habitat loss and in recent years, severe drought, causing a decline in numbers with populations now only found in northern Kenya and Ethiopia.

The Park’s Grevy’s zebras are part of an EEP (EAZA ex-situ programme), a collaborative effort between European wildlife parks and zoos that aims to help conservation dependent species.

As part of this programme, the Park regularly donates funds to the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, to help with conservation efforts in the wild, such as helping provide water sources for the zebra and the human communities who live near them.

The foals are half siblings, as both share the same dad, Angus, who has recently been on a summer holiday to another zoo, with the sole purpose of winning favour with the resident females to help boost the population.

Guests can see the foals on the Safari Drive, with their mums and big sister Lola, which is included in the admission price.

The Park is extending its great value summer savings into September, so families can come and see the zebras and all the other animals at a discounted price. Guests can book in advance online for the best prices, which also includes a free return visit.

More information is available on the Park’s website: wmsp.co.uk