The Living Desert Names Baby Zebra

The Living Desert Zoo’s baby zebra has a name: Tisa.

Tisa, the number 9 in Swahili, is a 9-week-old Grevy’s zebra and the ninth offspring of the zoo’s zebra stallion, zoo spokeswoman Cate Ervin said.

Tisa has doubled in size since she was born and is sampling grain, hay and other food from trainers, Ervin said. Trainers consider her playful and curious, she said.

“We decided that the zebra filly is rambunctious, free spirited and independent,” said keeper Erich Perry.

Grevy’s zebra is the largest of the three zebra species and adults can reach 900 pounds. The population is stabilizing but is still on the endangered species list. The Living Desert participates in a species survival plan for Grevy’s zebra, Ervin said.

The Living Desert is at 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert.