Golden Zebra

Golden or White Zebra

Zoe is one of the rarest zebras in exsistance. She is what is called a Golden Zebra, although some refer to her as a “white” zebra. Zoe is the only Golden Zebra known to be in captivity at this time. Zoe was born on the Island of Molokai, Hawaii in 1998 and shortly after her and her mother, Oreo, were moved to the Three Ring Ranch, which is an animal sancturary on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Sometimes called a "White Zebra"

Zoe - Look at those beautiful blue eyes! Courtesy of Bill Adams

Amelanism

Many people refer to Zoe as an albino, but Zoe actually is not an albino zebra. She has a condition called amelanosis. Amelanism, or amelanosis, is a pigmentation abnormality characterized by the lack of color pigments called melanins. Albinism is the complete absense of color pigments or melanins. Zoe’s body is white and her stipes are a beautiful golden beige color. She also has beautiful bright blue eyes!

As of now, the only health problems they are aware of is the fact that she has poor night vision. As she ages she may incur some complications due to the amelanism such has kidney problems. As a precaution she is fed a low protein diet and is monitored closey for skin cancer, which is more common among animals with amelanism. Because of her condition, Zoe will not be bred.









Zebra Herd

Camoflauge

Amelanism can be a very dangerous condition to have if you are a zebra on the plains. Zebra’s stripes are used as camoflauge and to confuse their predators. The main predator of the zebra is the lion. Lions are known for being color-blind. Since zebras run close together in herds, all the lion sees is a mass of lines moving up and down and it makes it harder for the lion to pick out one individual. However, if there is one individual in the herd that does not blend in, the lion can easily pick them our from the rest of the herd. A zebra with amelanism would probably only last a few days in the wild.





The Three Ring Ranch

This is the reason that Zoe was taken to the Three Ring Ranch. She would not have lived long in the wild. The Three Ring Ranch is a private sanctuary located on five acres on the Big Island. It was founded in 1998 and is Hawaii’s only fully accredited, USDA licensed, exotic animal sanctuary. In 2000, they became a non-profit organization and can boast that 100% of every donation goes toward animal care and education. The sanctuary is run entirely by a volunteer staff and no one makes a salary.





Zoe and Tootsie

Little Sister Tootsie

Not long ago, Zoe’s mother, Oreo, gave birth to a new baby, Tootsie. Zoe didn’t know what to think about all this as Oreo was very protective of little Tootsie for a while and would not let Zoe come around. She would even bite and kick at her. One reason for this could be that zebras stripes are also used as an identification tool.





Mother and Baby Zebra

Pattern Identification

Some zoologist believe that when a female zebra gives birth, she will try to prevent the foal from seeing other zebras. Thus the foal lears the pattern of it’s mother’s stripes and is able to find her just by sight. Zoe now spends her nights seperated from Oreo and Tootsie by a wire fence. Since zebras are herd animals it is very important that they maintain visual contact with each other in order to remain calm. It only took about a week for mom to settle down and now Zoe and Tootsie are happy playing together.

There have only been reports of two other Golden Zebra’s in captivity. The first was in Germany approximately 100 years ago! The second was in a zoo in Tokyo in the 1970’s. Zoe is the only Golden Zebra known to exist in captivity today.

Note:

This is the original article written on Zoe, by me and the photos of Zoe are the original photos taken by Bill Adams on his trip to Hawaii, used with his permission.

© 2012 Sheila Brown

Cookie on March 13, 2020:

I never knew that there was such things as “golden” zebras until a bit ago when I was watching my favourite show, the “Lion Guard”. And then mentioned called in zebra and how rare they are. My mind was blown away! So I searched it up on the Internet and I found Zoe. I was so surprised!!! She is SOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!!!!! Thank youfor setting up this comment thing! Love cookie!

Lucky on January 29, 2020:

So sad she died

Amane (ama-neigh) on May 01, 2019:

can you tell me more about golden zebras and are there more golden zebras? and thank you and i am going to make a project about it at school

Ashlee on December 30, 2018:

Researched the golden zebra after watching Lion Guard and found this article. Then I found another article stating that Zoe died in 2017 at the age of 19. No details as to what caused her passing.

livy on December 10, 2018:

is zoe breed with Oreo AND another horse?

big papa smith on November 29, 2018:

is there only one golden zebra in the world.

Murugan Kesavapillai on October 12, 2018:

Thanks and it is nice to know.

Wild ghost on April 06, 2018:

I did not know they we're real until watching the lion guard

Daddy on February 11, 2018:

Golden zebra is real

Hannah Sparks on January 09, 2018:

Learning about Zoe was cool to learn about.I’ve never seen a gold zeabra before.Zoe is so amazing

Anonymous on December 04, 2017:

thanks this helps

Ryan on August 19, 2017:

They do survive in the wild, I have seen one in the Masaimara, which abounds with lions and other predators.

Gin on June 30, 2017:

Sheila, thanks so much for this amazing info. The dr says I'm a Zebra bc of some health issues. I was thinking of that, in relating to spirituality. I was both surprised & thrilled at how well your info relates! I'm excited to have found this website! Beautiful Zoe helped me today! Thank You! God bless you, friend :)

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on June 19, 2017:

Your are so welcome, Lenora! I'm glad you enjoyed learning about Zoe. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. :)

LENORA GRAY on June 19, 2017:

I decided to have a "White Linen' Hawaiian LUAU with the Senior Adult Ministry at church after making a purchase of some gold and white zebra print. I needed a center piece and decided on a zebra. Pleasantly surprised when I discovered Zoe. I purchased 3 zebras from "A Touch of Class" to use on the entrance table. It never too late to learn or to teach. Thanks for the information.

Christian on March 22, 2017:

I found this zebra very interesting so I decided to do a school project on it and this helped a lot with it thank you

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on December 02, 2015:

She is beautiful, isn't she. I have tried to find an update to my story, but can't seem to find anything... I do hope she is doing well! Thank you for stopping by, Kristen! :)

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on November 15, 2015:

Sheila, this was so interesting to know about Zoe's pigment condition. Thanks for sharing her story in this amazing hub. The colors on her are beautiful for her breed.

peachy from Home Sweet Home on March 20, 2015:

rare zebra, golden in color is unique, pity that she has health problems. Voted up

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on December 12, 2014:

I find it fascinating that each zebra's stripes are unique. The untrained eye certainly doesn't see that. Zoe is beautiful. The first thing I noticed were her crystal blue eyes.

You provided an interesting education here, Sheila!

Nicole van winkle on June 12, 2014:

My friend said that golden zebras are almost extinct is that true? I hope not ,I love nature and it makes me sad when animals go extinct

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 11, 2013:

Thank you Branden! :)

wendy on August 10, 2013:

Branden spinner read this

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 07, 2013:

Thank you Solaras! I appreciate you stopping in. I'm glad you like my hub and thank you for the votes and share! :)

Barbara Fitzgerald from Georgia on August 07, 2013:

Very cool - Thumbs up and Beautiful! Shared!

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 03, 2013:

Hello Vespa! I'm so glad you enjoyed this article enough to come back and read it again, you just made my day! :)

I too, have wondered about Zoe and Tootsie, I may have to see if I can find an update on them. Thank you so much for your second visit and your kind words! Have a wonderful day! :)

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on August 03, 2013:

I enjoyed this article on Zoe so much that I decided to come back and read it again! I wonder how Zoe and her sibling, Tootsie, are getting along these days? Very interesting...thank you for sharing!

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on July 18, 2013:

Hi Dolores! I fell in love with her the first time I saw her picture and just had to find out more about her. I love those eyes too! I'm glad you enjoyed my hub. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I always enjoy hearing from you! :)

Dolores Monet from East Coast, United States on July 17, 2013:

Zoe is so pretty and I love those crazy blue eyes! I've never heard of a golden zebra so this is a new on on me. At first glance, I thought she was albino.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on June 24, 2013:

Hello Patrick Roy. I am certainly not an expert on either condition. Albinism or amelanism both, have created some beautiful animals. I was awestruck by Zoe's light stripes and beautiful blue eyes. I do appreciate your stopping in and commenting. Have a wonderful day! :)

Patrick Roy on June 24, 2013:

Amelanism and albinism are essentially the same. Caramel colored albinos are simply a tyrosinase positive form of the condition. T negative is the far more common condition with the standard red or pink eyes. T+ is beautiful though, isn't it?

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on May 26, 2013:

Thank you vespawoolf! I appreciate your kind comments. I agree, Zoe is such a beautiful animals, I couldn't resist finding out more about her and sharing it. I'm glad your enjoyed the read. Thank you for stopping by again! Have a wonderful day! :)

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on May 26, 2013:

I've never heard of the Golden Zebra--what a beautiful and fascinating animal! Thank you for a well-written and laid out Hub. I really enjoyed reading this.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on May 04, 2013:

Hi Lori! Thank you, I really appreciate your reading and your kind comment! I hope you are feeling better! :)

lori brown on May 04, 2013:

Stalking your great articles!

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on April 19, 2013:

Hi Shanmarie! I'm glad you decided to check out my hub on Zoe, she is such a beautiful animal! I love learing new things, especially about animals. I'm glad you enjoyed my hub and I appreciate your view and comment! Have a wonderful evening! :)

Shannon Henry from Texas on April 19, 2013:

That's so interesting! I had to come see the golden zebra you mentioned in your liger comments. Might've heard of a liger before and seen pictures of them, but I've never even heard mention of a golden zebra until now! Thanks. Learn something new every day. . .

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on April 17, 2013:

Thank you for your information Kayla. I appreciate your comment. Have a great day! :)

Kayla Spitler on April 17, 2013:

As interesting as this is, Lions are not completely colorblind. They have the same range of color vision as household cats. Most lions can see shades of blues and greens and distinguish between them. However, they cannot see red, or many other colors.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on March 27, 2013:

Hi moonlake! I didn't know about her either until I happened to see a picture of her and I had to find out more. From all the research I did, there have only been a few in captivity and possibly just few in exsistence at all. Thanks for stopping in and the vote up, it is always appreciated! Have a wonderful day! :)

moonlake from America on March 27, 2013:

She is beautiful. I didn't know there was a zebra like this thanks for the sharing this. Voted up.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on March 23, 2013:

Hello Sneha Sunny! She caught my eye when I saw a picture of her and just had to find out more about her. I'm glad you enjoyed my hub. Thank you for your kind comment, vote and share. Have a wonderful day! :)

Sneha Sunny from India on March 22, 2013:

Very interesting. I'd never heard of a golden zebra, although I know that a lot of animal species show variations. I must say she's beautiful and definitely different!

I enjoyed reading this hub. Thanks for sharing!! :) Rated and shared!

ELOAUSHA on March 19, 2013:

omg!!!!!!

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on March 04, 2013:

Hello Rajan! She is beautiful, isn't she! I just fell in love with her when I saw her picture and I had to find out more about her. Hopefully her health problems will not be serious as she gets older. Thank you for stopping by and your wonderful comment and votes! It is always appreciated. Have a wonderful day! :)

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on March 04, 2013:

Zoe is such a lovely golden zebra. How unfortunate she is suffering from this condition than can lead to health problems late on. Maybe science can find an answer to this one day!

Voted up and interesting.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on February 06, 2013:

Thank you Pat! I fell in love the first time I saw her and just to find out more about her. I'm glad you enjoyed my hub! Thanks for visiting! Have a wonderful day! :)

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on February 06, 2013:

Hi Sheila

Thanks for keeping me in the loop....I had not heard of this lovely unusual creature. These are such fascinating animals to begin with and now to know of this special one is very intriguing.

Well done...sending you Angels this evening :) ps

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on January 23, 2013:

Hello noturningback! The "golden zebra" is due to the lack of pigment in the skin. Of course there are some albino zebras, which has no color pigment. I have never actually heard of a totally black zebra. That may a good idea for a hub! Thanks for stopping in! Have a wonderful day! :)

noturningback from Edgewater, MD. USA on January 23, 2013:

All sorts of interesting information here on Facebook. These "golden zebras" are they the only variation in color? Is there a jet black zebra as well?

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on January 14, 2013:

Hello Better Yourself! She is just beautiful. The first time I saw her, I knew I had to find out more about her. I am glad she is in a safe place too! Thanks for stopping in and commenting! Have a wonderful day! :)

Better Yourself from North Carolina on January 14, 2013:

What a beautiful creature! I had never seen a zebra any color other than black and white. So glad she is in safe place, thanks for sharing!

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on December 13, 2012:

Hello idigwebsites! Yes, if you were to put Zoe in the middle of a heard of normal zebra, she would stand out like a sore thumb. It would be easy for a lion to pick her out of the herd. That is why she will not ever be returned to the wild, but she is still beautiful! Thank you for stopping in, voting and sharing! It is always appreciated! Have a great day! :)

idigwebsites from United States on December 13, 2012:

I would have commented that Zoe's color is good for a camouflage, until I read that lions are color-blind. Thanks for giving props for this unique and beautiful animal. Voted up and shared. :)

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on December 11, 2012:

Hello logoquiz. She is a beauty isn't she! Thank you for stopping in and commenting, it is always appreciated! :)

Missy from London on December 11, 2012:

How amazing, what a beautiful zebra! I had heard of a golden horse before ( www.letssmiletoday.com/pictures/16046-golden-horse-beauty-30-8-2012 ) so I guess why not a golden zebra!

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on December 10, 2012:

Hello Jenn-Anne! I had never heard of a golden zebra either. I came across a picture of her on Flickr and decided I wanted to know more. I thought she was beautiful and found her story interesting. I'm glad you enjoyed my hub on her. Thank you for stopping by and commenting, it is always appreciated! Have a wonderful day! :)

Jenn-Anne on December 10, 2012:

Interesting hub! I have never heard of a golden zebra before. I really enjoyed reading about Zoe!

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on December 06, 2012:

Hello Najwench. Zoe's condition is called amelanosis. Amelanism, or amelanosis, is a pigmentation abnormality characterized by the lack of color pigments called melanins. This condition, many times come with health issues and therefore it would not be wise to try to plan to breed such zebras. I do thank you for visiting and commenting. I hope you have a great day! :)

Najiwench on December 06, 2012:

Could the coloring of Zoe be similar to a dilution gene found in other equines, such as the cream or dun gene in horses? And if so, could it be possible to plan to breed such zebras (as there are zebras in captivity that are used for many purposes, and bred to horses even).

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on October 26, 2012:

Hello billips! I'm so glad you enjoyed my article on Zoe. I fell in love with her when I first say her picture! I too, am glad she is in a safe place. Yes, for her, standing out in a crowd could be very dangerous! Thank you for stopping in and commenting, it is always appreciated! Have a wonderful day! :)

billips from Central Texas on October 26, 2012:

What a beautiful animal - I enjoyed your article and am so glad that Zoe is safe in a shelter - as you say, those animals that stand out from the species are the predators first target - B.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on September 29, 2012:

Hi Terrye! I just fell in love with her when I saw a picture of her and I had to find out more. Thank you for stopping in, reading and commenting, I always enjoy hearing from you! Have a wonderful day! :)

Terrye Toombs from Somewhere between Heaven and Hell without a road map. on September 29, 2012:

What a beautiful animal. Thank you for sharing what you learned about Zoe, SG! :)

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on September 20, 2012:

If she were bred they would have to raise the baby in captivity. That is why she had to be "rescued". Being different, she would be easy prey for lions. I agree it is sad though that she cannot have a "chid". Thank you for your wonderful comment!

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on September 20, 2012:

Hello Jessefutch.I didn't realize their existence either until I saw a picture of her and just had to find out more. Thank you for stopping in and commenting, it is always appreciated. Have a great day!

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on September 20, 2012:

Hello Peggy ! I thought she was so beautiful the first time I saw her I had to find out more and share. Thank you for stopping in and commenting! Have a great day!

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on September 20, 2012:

So interesting. I think she should be allowed to breed. Bad enough she is born different but she should be allowed to have what comes naturally and missing becoming a mother I think is a cruelty to her myself. That is like taking over for nature. No love and no children, that is sad.

Thanks for all the great info.

jessefutch from North Carolina on September 19, 2012:

Incredibly interesting hub. I've never even knew such a thing as a Golden Zebra did (or could) exist. Thanks for this amazing work!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on September 19, 2012:

How very interesting! Hope that Zoe lives a long and happy life in her sanctuary in Hawaii. Nice that she gets to interact with her mother and sibling or future siblings. She certainly is beautiful. Up votes and sharing.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on September 19, 2012:

Thank you alastar! On my cell now, no Internet. I appreciate you comment. Thk

Alastar Packer from North Carolina on September 19, 2012:

Was thinking how do the Zebras keep from getting dizzy looking at each other in the herds, but of course the stripes are for lion camo lol! Zoe sure is special and an excellent animal to write about on here. Some cool info too, like on how mom Zebras teach their young to recognize them. Glad blue-eyed Zoe is in good hands cause the lions probably would have gone for her quick. Up n + + Shelia.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on September 11, 2012:

Hello RTalloni! I just fell in love with her when I saw a picture of her and had to find out more about her. Thank you for stopping in and commenting. Have a wonderful day! :)

RTalloni on September 11, 2012:

So interesting to learn about Zoe, her condition, and her lifestyle. :) She is beautiful, as is her mother. Thanks for this look at the unusual golden zebra.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on September 07, 2012:

Hello iguidenetwork! I just fell in love with Zoe the first time I saw her picture. I had to find out more! I am glad you enjoyed my hub. Thank you for stopping in and commenting. It is always appreciated! Have a great day! :)

iguidenetwork from Austin, TX on September 07, 2012:

Zoe is a gorgeous zebra. It's like a brown horse painted with white stripes. Thanks for sharing Zoe's special condition. :)

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on September 02, 2012:

Hi Lyn! You are very welcome! I didn't know about the Golden Zebra either. I saw a picture of her and just fell in love. I had to find out more about her, thus my hub. Thank you for stopping in and commenting, it is always appreciated. Have a great day! :)

Lyn.Stewart from Auckland, New Zealand on September 02, 2012:

I never knew there were such things as golden zebras so thanks for finding out about them and sharing your knowledge with the rest of us.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 21, 2012:

Hello alocsin! I fell in love with her the first time I saw a picture of her and just had to find out more. I too, am glad the she was taken in by the ranch and doing so well. Thank you for your comment and vote, it is always appreciated! Have a wonderful day! :)

Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on August 21, 2012:

Beautiful creature - and I'm so glad it was given a chance at survival by being taken to the ranch. Voting this Up and Interesting.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 16, 2012:

Hello Au fait! I don't think there are any wild zebras in Hawaii, I'm not sure where her mother was previously. I did try to find out but the information just doesn't seem to be out there. I was struck by her beauty when I saw a picture of her and just had to find out more about her. Thank you for kind comment, voting and sharing! I appreciate your support. Have a beautiful day! :)

C E Clark from North Texas on August 16, 2012:

A beautiful animal and you have written about her so well. I didn't know there were zebras on any of the Hawaiian Islands.

Voted you up, interesting, and beautiful! Will share.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 13, 2012:

Hello bdegiulio! Thank you. I too thought she was just beautiful when I saw her picture. I too am glad she has a place where she is well taken care of and safe. Thank you for stoppin in and commenting. It is always appreciated. Have a wonderful day! :)

Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on August 12, 2012:

Sheila, this is amazing. Zoe is absolutely beautiful. I'm so glad that she is being well cared for. Thanks for sharing.

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 12, 2012:

Hello unknown spy! I was inspired to write about Zoe when I came across a picture of her. She is unique and beautiful, isn't she! Thank you for stopping in, reading and commenting. It is always appreciated! Have a beautiful day! :)

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 12, 2012:

Hello thelyricwriter! Thank you so much for such a wonderful comment. I had never seen a Golden Zebra either until I happened across a picture of her. I just had to find out more. She is beautiful, isn't she! Thank you for stopping in reading and commenting, it is always appreciated! Have a wonderful day! :)

Life Under Construction from Neverland on August 11, 2012:

So amazing! Zoe is lovely and unique.

Richard Ricky Hale from West Virginia on August 11, 2012:

Voted this up, useful, awesome, and interesting. This was a cool hub. Never knew they existed. I didn't even know that lions were color blind, explains the stripes of the zebra. Zoe is beautiful. This was a great story!

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 11, 2012:

Hello Christy! I fell in love with her when I saw her picture! I had to find out more about her and decided to share the information here. I swear, I would have a zoo if my husband would let me! Thank you for stopping in reading, commenting and of course voting. It is always appreciated! Have a wonderful day! :)

Christy Birmingham from British Columbia, Canada on August 11, 2012:

Zoe is just so cute! I enjoyed learning more about the golden zebra. Had to vote 'awesome'

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 09, 2012:

Hello Ann1Az2. I love stories like Zoe's too and I just fell in love with her when I saw her picture! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your kind comment and vote. Have a wonderful day! :)

Ann1Az2 from Orange, Texas on August 08, 2012:

How interesting! I love stories like this. Zoe is so beautiful and I'm so glad she's being protected. Thanks for sharing this story. Voted up!

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 06, 2012:

Hello Sis! Thank you so much for your kind comment. I just fell in love with Zoe when I saw her picture and wanted to find out more about her. Mr. Adams was kind enough to let me use his pictures, I thought they were just awesome! I had done a previous hub about zebras that I used a little information from. I loved her "story". Thank you for stopping in, reading and commenting. I always enjoy hearing from you! Have a wonderful day! :)

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 06, 2012:

Hello Nell! I fell in love with Zoe when I saw her picture. I had to find out more about her and wanted to share. Thank you so much for your kind comment and vote, it is always appreciated! Have a wonderful day! :)

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 06, 2012:

Hi Carol! I love animals and anything unusual about them, so this really struck my fancy. Zoe is such a beautiful animal, I just had to find out more about her and share this wonderful story. Thank you for stopping in, reading and commenting, I always enjoy hearing from you! Have a wonderful day! :)

Sheila Brown (author) from Southern Oklahoma on August 06, 2012:

Hello cleaner3! Thank you for your kind comment. I loved their names too, Tootsie make me think of a Tootsie Roll, and Oreo make me want the milk, (can't have oreos without milk!) Thank you for stopping in and commenting. It is always appreciated! Have a wonderful day! :)

Angela Blair from Central Texas on August 06, 2012:

What an exquisite animal -- and your article here certainly did her justice as it was most interesting and informative. I'd never known Zebras were identified by their particular stripes by other zebras -- wow! Great read! Best/Sis

Nell Rose from England on August 06, 2012:

Hi, this was really interesting, what a lovely animal. And I am so pleased it is being looked after so well, and am glad she is back with her family, fascinating! voted up! cheers nell

carol stanley from Arizona on August 06, 2012:

I love learning new things. This is very interesting hub, and enjoyed reading.

cleaner3 from Pueblo, Colorado on August 06, 2012:

what an interesting and informative hub. you have done a great job here. I love the names of these animals, Zoe, Oreo (milk anybody), and Tootsie. great write.