In my previous post, I introduced you to Zahari (Zari, for short), our young Grant’s zebra (see Little Zebra Zahari). She is a participating member of our family of critters that is a part of the San Diego Zoo’s Backstage Pass program, and her training is an ongoing process. Many consider zebras stubborn and difficult to train, so our daily interactions are critical. Every day we brush her, clean her hooves, and practice her learned behaviors as well as work on new ones.
Zari has learned to go to a designated “mark” in her enclosure, a platform that is 4 feet by 6 feet (1.2 by 1.8 meters) and is 2 inches (5 centimeters) high. She has also learned to “target” a giant plastic apple on the far side of her paddock. To “target” means she touches her nose to the target object when asked. Zari also knows how to roll a small barrel with her nose on cue and will circle right and circle left. All of these behaviors are done off lead. After each correct response, she is reinforced with small pieces of carrot or alfalfa pellets as well as pats and rubs in her favorite spots. All these interactions help to build our bond, as well as increase our communication skills.
But Zari’s most favorite activity is when we turn her loose to run. We are so grateful to the many Zoo keepers willing to share enclosures so Zari gets a chance to kick up her heels. Of course, the animals that live in these exhibits are shifted out for the short time Zari exercises. The giraffes all seem to enjoy watching Zari galloping around their pen. Sometimes we walk her over to the Zoo’s Elephant Odyssey. There she gets to run in the pronghorn exhibit or the camel paddock. Just like the giraffes, all the animals eagerly watch Zari run and play. Often, the donkeys hee-haw at her, and she calls back to them; her vocals sound like a blending of the donkey bray and a horse’s nicker!
If you happen to be visiting the Zoo some morning, you just might get a chance to see a very special animal doing what she likes best.
Louella Miller is an animal trainer at the San Diego Zoo.
Great blog, Louella! I always enjoy seeing beautiful Zari on her walks, and hope one day soon to see her running around one of the enclosures. Thanks!
Where and when can one see adorable Zari on her walks? Wonderful blog.
Louella responds: So glad you enjoyed hearing about our wonderful striped wonder! At this time, the best way to see Zari is to join one of our Backstage Pass programs. If you do, be sure to tell them you have a great interest in seeing our zebra. We have lots of great critters that participate in this program, so Zari does not always join in. But if you let them know, they just might be able to be sure you get to meet Zari.
Thanks for the update on Zari, Louella. She sounds like quite a gal.
Thanks for the interesting updates, Louella! I love your Zoo — the best in the entire USA, and maybe the entire world. Zebras sure are gorgeous animals, by the way.
i loveeee zeborasssss yes ik know i spelled it z-e-b-o-r-a yes yes its sounds like how its spells.
SHAZAM!!
love zebras they are lovely i would like to see zari run as fast as people fall in love with her
Really enjoyed your article…zebra’s are quit the animal! We had 3 and just lost our female acouple months ago, but we still have 2 left. In my journey with the zebra, they are very trainable, “Stars” will walk with the lead rope, let you pet him and curry comb him all over, he talks ehh means no and ahh means yes, he will walk up to you and let you put the lead rope on him with no problems, he loves to show off his pretty legs and shiny shoes, he gives hugs and kisses…he loves to learn right now…he will be trained to ride!…Good luck with Zari…your Zebra Friend, Vickey