The Golden Zebra

Today we experienced a one of a kind event. We visited the Three Ring Ranch and our new friend, Zoe the Golden Zebra! Ann Goody our zoologist guide and owner of the Three Ring Ranch, along with her husband Norm gave us a warm welcome. Ann was a real pro in working with kids. She provides educational programs to local school kids as well as training for veterinary students. A number of the animals that are rehabilitation residents at the ranch are there based on the shoddy work of local vets. The ranch is federally licensed by the USDA to rehabilitate and keep exotic and endangered species. They care for the animals and provide a sanctuary for abandoned or injured exotics. They also are licensed to breed endangered species in cooperation with the Feds and the Species Survival Plan.

It turns out that zebra are a cranky and aggressive relative of the donkey, so we couldn’t get too close. However, the kids were able to feed the zebra and the zebra were able to roam free in the “zebra zone” with the kids off to one side on the grassy knoll. Everyone came out for a visit except Zoe. Turns out she is a bit of a diva so she stayed behind bars voluntarily. We saw and interacted with many different animals. Here is a partial list: chickens, chinchillas, dogs, horses, ducks, geese, parrots, owls, tortoises, llama, gazelle, rats, flamingoes and of course, zebra. They fed many of the animals, grabbed some eggs from under a chicken’s cha cha, and held several frenetic fuzzy friends. This was one of the most memorable experiences that the family has ever taken part in. Everyone was extremely excited.

BTW…Thalia asked the zoologist, Ann, the eternal question…is a zebra black with white stripes or white with black stripes. Ann said that was a wonderful question! However, she had to politely inform us that we were wrong on all counts. The zebra is actually white with BROWN stripes. As the zebra grows older the stripes get darker, but if you look very closely you will see that the stripes are a deep, dark brown that appear black from afar. Well, you learn something new every day!!