New-born zebra becomes mascot of zoo in Turkey’s İzmir

İZMİR

A new-born zebra has become the mascot of a zoo in the Aegean province of İzmir, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on May 24.

The baby zebra, given the name “Zeliş,” was born in the İzmir Natural Life Park in the Sasalı district on May 18. 

Zeliş’s parents were originally taken from Israel’s Ran Gamat Zoo in 2012, and she has five brothers and sisters.

Zeliş, who is being breastfed by her mother, is currently living with her family alongside giraffes, ostriches and hippopotamuses in an 18,000-square meter area.     

“In particular, children who visited our park on May 19 Youth’s Day had a chance to see the new-born zebra, who has drawn great interest,” said Şahin Afşin, the manager of the park.

He added that the park currently hosts at least 125,000 different species.