Mypa the Zebra (2010-2024)

Mypa died during labor at the Brookfield Zoo, in Illinois just a few miles southwest of Chicago. She was rushed to an animal hospital to address the complicated birth but was unable to get the care she needed. Her foal, who could not be delivered due to his position during labor, also died.

Mypa arrived at the Brookfield Zoo in 2012, her time before that has not been included in public news around her death. She gave birth in 2016 to her first and only surviving foal and was known as a “devoted mother”.

Grevy’s zebra are the largest zebra species with a natural habitat limited to the hot and dry climate of eastern Africa. Female Grevy’s zebras become sexually mature at 3 years old and typically live to 12 or 13 years of age, on average. Mypa was 14. She as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) managed breeding program for Grevy’s zebras. Captive breeding programs are often framed under a guise of conservation but serve to keep zoos stocked with baby animals for visitor appeal.

Wild animals cannot thrive in captivity. If you want to observe wild animals in your communities or while on vacation, we encourage you to visit and support accredited wild animal sanctuaries or Wildlife Heritage Areas.