Is Love in the Air? New Male Zebra Joins Newquay Zoo’s Savannah

A seven-year-old male Chapman’s zebra named Parsley has arrived at Newquay Zoo, where he’ll be sharing the African savannah habitat with resident zebra Luna, three black wildebeest and four nyala.

Parsley made the journey from Dartmoor Zoo yesterday, Thursday 29th May, and has already been introduced to six-year-old Luna, who zoo staff hope will become his breeding partner.

Breeding hopes for charismatic zebra pair

John Meek, Curator of Plants & Animals at Newquay Zoo, said:
“Chapman’s zebras are known for their striking striped patterns and strong social bonds. We’re hopeful that this beautiful new male zebra will build a strong connection with Luna and eventually contribute to the breeding success of the species. He’s already shown great interest in Luna and the other animals on the savannah so we’re all feeling very positive about his introduction this weekend.”

The zoo hopes the pairing will help secure the future of the Chapman’s zebra, a subspecies of the plains zebra native to southern Africa. Although classed as a species of least concern, they still face growing pressure from habitat loss and human activity. Breeding programmes in zoos play a role in raising awareness and protecting genetic diversity.

📷New male Chapman’s Zebra, Parsley – Newquay Zoo

A growing zoo family

The new arrival joins the African savannah habitat, which is designed to offer visitors an immersive experience among mixed-species groups. It’s part of the zoo’s wider conservation and education efforts, supported by its parent charity, Wild Planet Trust.

Parsley’s arrival comes during a busy time at Newquay Zoo. Over the May half-term, the zoo launched a new exhibit, Wonders of the Wild, a superhero-themed area inspired by Roy Lichtenstein. The exhibit celebrates smaller species with unique adaptations.

This spring has also seen the birth of several baby animals, including penguin chicks, cotton-top tamarin twins, and dwarf mongoose pups.

For more details about what’s on at the zoo, visit www.newquayzoo.org.uk.

📷Female Chapman’s Zebra, Luna and Black Wildebeest – Newquay Zoo

📷First meeting of Luna (right) and Parsley (right) – Newquay Zoo

📷New male Chapman’s Zebra, Parsley – Newquay Zoo