Whipsnade Zoo welcome adorable female zebra foal

Jake, a 6-year-old born with a rare heart defect, has named the new arrival

Author: Scarlett Bawden-GaulPublished 3rd Sep 2021

Meet our adorable female zebra foal at Whipsnade, born to mum Henna.

The foal has been named by six-year-old Jake, who was born with an extremely rare heart condition, and has a very special zebra connection. Jake and his family had a long think about all the reasons they are in the position where he is here today, able to name a zebra.

They shared these with Whipsnade Zoo:

  • The hospital staff who have worked so hard to look after Jake
  • The technology behind the Berlin Heart, that supported Jake when his own heart was too tired to pump anymore
  • The brave and selfless act of Jake's donor and their family
  • And this courageous, strong little boy

In a post on their website Whispade Zoo say:

"Well there could only be one name really, couldn’t there?

"We’d like you to meet... Hiro.

"Thank you Jake for choosing such a perfect name."

Find out more about Jake's story.

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