Honey and Louise, the Sedgwick County Zoo’s beloved pair of Grevy’s zebras, will be departing for another AZA zoo later this month. Before they begin this next chapter, we invite our community to visit the half-sisters, wish them well, and say good-bye.
Now 7-years-old each, the pair arrived at the Sedgwick County Zoo almost 6 years ago, on Halloween weekend of 2020. They came to us from Zoo Miami, where they were born just three days apart. Though it can be tricky to tell them apart, you can identify them by the unique markings on their snouts. Honey has a more symmetrical, M-shaped brown marking above her nostrils, while Louise’s marking rises higher and thinner on the left side.
Their move follows a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. Though they will be missed, this move is an important contribution to the long-term conservation of Grevy’s zebras. Of the three zebra species, Grevy’s is the most endangered. It is estimated that only around 3,000 remain in the wild.
Though we will no longer have this species in our collection, Grevy’s zebra conservation is still a key part of our mission and we will continue to support the Grevy’s Zebra Trust as a conservation partner.
Their mixed species habitat is also home to blue cranes and marabou storks. As we look ahead, we have plans to welcome a new mammal species to this habitat that is better suited for this shared space. Stop by soon to say farewell to Honey and Louise and stay tuned for more details about who will be moving in.
