mountain zebra
Photo Credit: Supplied

A stripy new arrival has been the talk of De Hoop Nature Reserve! The young Cape Mountain Zebra—born just three weeks ago—is not only a delightful new addition to the population; it’s also a nod of hope for the once-endangered species.

 

De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa (03 February 2025) — There’s a new zebra on the block at Cape Nature’s De Hoop Nature Reserve—a young Cape mountain zebra born just three weeks ago!

Joining the nature reserve’s small but vital population of this zebra subspecies, the little foal, is an optimistic reminder of just how much conservation efforts have supported this once-endangered species. Aptly, the new zebra made its way to the world just in time for International Zebra Day, celebrated on 31 January.

Dusting off the conservation history books, we know that in the 1950s, the Cape Mountain Zebra sadly found themselves on the brink of extinction, with fewer than one hundred individuals left in the wild.

However, through determined conservation efforts and careful population management, these numbers have thankfully risen steadily. In fact, in a recent aerial game survey made possible by Brian Blackstock of the Bateleurs (an organisation that supports environmental initiatives through aerial reconnaissance), CapeNature was happy to learn that there were over one hundred Cape Mountain Zebra counted across De Hoop and the neighbouring Overberg Test Range properties alone.

“Every new foal is an important addition to the Cape mountain zebra population and [a] useful example of what ongoing collaborative conservation initiatives can yield,” shared Dr Ashley Naidoo, CapeNature CEO.

While De Hoop Nature Reserve have space for a limited amount of the subspecies, they play a strategic role in ensuring the genetic diversity of Cape Mountain Zebra. This happens through relocation efforts that see excess individuals head off to reserves with more optimal habitats. There, these zebras go on to contribute to strengthening other populations!

Wildlife lovers can look forward to seeing the new zebra on the block at De Hoop, though, as always, they are reminded to keep a respectful distance and maintain a healthy dose of consideration for all its animal neighbours.


Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

About the Author

Ashleigh Nefdt is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Ashleigh's favourite stories have always seen the hidden hero (without the cape) come to the rescue. As a journalist, her labour of love is finding those everyday heroes and spotlighting their spark - especially those empowering women, social upliftment movers, sustainability shakers and creatives with hearts of gold. When she's not working on a story, she's dedicated to her canvas or appreciating Mother Nature.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *