The latest addition to the zebra herd at a New South Wales zoo is settling in well after a “perfect birth”, a keeper says.

Subira was born to mother Katali late last month at Mogo Wildlife Park, on the state’s South Coast.

He is the first foal sired by a stallion introduced at the park 18 months ago and zookeeper Chad Staples says the park’s population is starting to resemble what can be seen in the wilds of Africa.

“There aren’t that many zebras in Australia,” he said.

Mr Staples said Subira – a Swahili word for “patience” – was born without human assistance in the manner that would be expected in a zebra’s natural habitat.

“Mares give birth at night,” he said.

“We get the real excitement in the morning seeing this beautiful foal with mum, already.

“It’s a very secretive process.

Born to run

Mr Staples said zebra foals were born ready for action because of the dangers of life in the wild.

“The babies really have to get on [with] standing up and be able to follow mum almost instantly, because the herd can’t stay still,” he said.

Mr Staples said Subira, who came into the world on October 30, was already learning to gallop around the enclosure with the rest of the herd.

“It’s amazing to see this little foal and how big and how developed they are at birth,” he said.

“They look like they shouldn’t fit [inside the mother].

“He is just so beautiful and innocent to look at, and anyone who comes to see them now is just captivated for so long.

“He’s already venturing off from mum and tries to gallop with his brand-new legs.