Toronto Zoo launches naming contest for baby zebra

The Toronto Zoo has welcomed a new baby male Grevy zebra and he needs a name.

Eight-year-old Tori, a female Grevy zebra, gave birth to a male foal in the early hours of Feb. 13. This is the third foal that mother Tori has given birth to at the zoo.

The zoo said the birth is important in conserving the Grevy zebra’s species as it is currently listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of threatened species.

Over the last 30 years their population has declined by almost 70 per cent after over-hunting.

The first two Grevy zebras were Leia, born in January 2014 and Rey, born in July 2016. Their father is an 11-year-old male named Jake. Both mom and dad are doing well, the zoo said in a release.

There are only 2,800 of these animals worldwide.

The Toronto Zoo has provided four name choices for the newborn:

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“JJ” Jake Jr. after his dad Jake.

“TJ” Tori Jr. after his mom, or representing his mom and dad, Tori and Jake.

“Chewy,” in keeping with the Star Wars themed names as previous zebra babies were named Luke, Leia and Rey.

“Obi,” another Star Wars inspired name.

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Voting takes place on the Toronto Zoo’s Facebook page.

The winning name will be announced Tuesday, March 12.

Mom and foal will only be available to the public this Spring.