Saskatoon zoo 'excited' to take permanent ownership of zebras

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is now the new home for five zebras who are ready to dazzle crowds.

"We've been in discussion with the province for a little bit, and we are excited to be able to take over the ownership of the zebras and make them a permanent residence here," said Jeff Mitchell, the zoo's manager.

Provincial conservation officers seized the equines from a rural location in June.

The City of Saskatoon said the province officially transferred ownership of the animals on March 31 as part of an investigation under The Captive Wildlife Regulations.

Mitchell said the staff has been working hard to accommodate the zebras with a special diet and living quarters.

The zoo worked with nutritionists to develop specialized food items with specific minerals, according to Mitchell.

"We worked very, very closely with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to bring in some really top notch veterinarians to help us do some checkups and physicals, and just make sure that the zebras are in great shape," he said.

Winter accommodations

Native to southern and eastern Africa, zebras are not used to the harsh winter conditions Saskatchewan has to offer, and can only handle weather down to about –5 C, Mitchell said.

"If it's below –5, they're in the heated barn," he said.

"The zebras do venture out a little bit. They can be very curious animals and they're starting to venture out a little bit more."

Mitchell said the zebras don't grow a winter coat like other equines and animals at the zoo, so staff had to build a heated barn extension.

The province said it would kick in some extra cash for the zoo — committing $120,000 to provide care and maintenance for the animals last summer.

On Wednesday, an information report detailing the official zebra acquisition will go to Saskatoon's standing policy committee on planning, development and community services.

The report says that since the zebras arrived at the property, they have been extremely popular. The report says it's impossible to calculate a specific value, but that attendance has increased since the  zebras have been there.

The report finds there are no incremental financial implications for the city taking on ownership of the dazzle.

"Administration is confident that the operational costs for 2024-2025 can be managed inside the existing operating budget through minor reprioritization of the existing budget," said the report.

The operating budget for the seasonal shelter for the zebras is about $3,000, according to the city.