/ 5 April 2004

Albino zebra born in Kenya

A white zebra has been born in Nairobi’s national park, to the wonderment of visitors and researchers.

The baby zebra was first discovered when a group of Masaai cattle herders living on the edge of the game reserve reported that a little calf was on the loose in the park, senior warden Paul Gathitu said on Monday.

”The Masaai thought it was a calf because of its white colour,” he said.

The albino zebra was born in the beginning of March but has so far been left in peace by park wardens.

”It looks healthy, and we expect it to survive,” Gathitu said.

Wardens still have to determine the gender of the baby zebra and give it a name. But there is already some good news; zebras do not seem to discriminate against peers without stripes.

Said Gathitu: ”It seems to fit very well into its family structure.” — Sapa-DPA