Zany zebras Zack and Zippy
Summer is on its way and Zack and Zippy, two zebras at the West Midland Safari Park, could not resist a little bit of horse-play as they moved from their winter quarters.
The dynamic duo are known for their lively and skittish behaviour and the move to their summer pasture at the park in Bewdley has really excited them.
Staff have been enjoying watching their amusing antics and think park visitors will also be thrilled to see the two characters.
They are part of a breed of zebra believed to be the famed "hippotigris", or horse-tiger, of the Roman circus.
Despite their tomfoolery, staff are very aware that Zack and Zippy are VIPs and very much part of an endangered species.
The two members of the Grevy's Zebra species, which originates in Kenya and Ethiopia, are currently being held at the Safari Park on behalf of the European Stud Book. It is hoped that soon some female Grevy's zebra will become available to enable the park to set up and start a much-needed breeding programme.
This would help guarantee the survival of the extra special species.
Zack and Zippy will be on show during the May Day holiday, along with a herd of seven Burchell's zebra, which although classified as "lower risk" in conservation terms, are equally striking and sassy.
The scent of spring flowers at the park has also has proved a big attraction to Morris, a 16-year-old Bengal Tiger. For staff it is a case of the sweet smell of success as they try to ensure Morris and his pals are have their senses continually stimulated.
