THE Operator of Marwell Zoo has launched a fundraising appeal to help save endangered zebras currently being under threat from drought.

Conservation charity Marwell Wildlife has been working to support the Grevy’s zebra in Kenya for more 20 years, and this year, Kenya is once again experiencing a drought.

Marwell’s conservation biologist Tanya Langenhorst said: “The rains have failed repeatedly, forage has disappeared in many areas and rivers are drying up. This means very long trips between grazing and water sources for this endangered species.

"Lactating females and foals are particularly at risk and affected by the prolonged drought as the mothers need to drink daily to provide milk, but the foals are not strong enough for the extra-long walks and can die of either starvation or from the strenuous trips.

“With this in mind, we could lose a whole year of breeding. Given that there are fewer than three thousand Grevy’s zebra left, this would be a huge blow. The population is already very low, and every individual counts.”

Marwell Wildlife works closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service and after a thorough assessment of the forage and water situation, permission has been granted to provide much needed supplementary feeding in several locations in South Horr in Northern Kenya.

This should prevent the animals from losing body condition which can lead to an increased susceptibility to disease or even death.

Working with the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, Marwell Wildlife is buying 500 bales of hay and transferring them on lorries across rough terrain to the remote areas that desperately need it. Other costs include paying for local scouts to store, distribute and regularly monitor the hay and its intake by Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife. The total cost for this three-month project is £7000 pounds

Tanya continues; “Every pound helps! £10 can buy five bales of hay, which is enough to feed up to ten Grevy’s zebra for four days.”

To donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/grevyszebra.