Olive the ostrich and the zebra adventure

Have you ever wondered what happens when different kinds of animals must learn how to live together? In our mixed-species African Savanna habitat, there are giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. But these animals didn’t become a happy group overnight. They had to take their time, get to know one another, and learn to respect each other’s space.

Back in January, the Animal Care Team had already introduced Neighomi the zebra to the other zebras and giraffes. They had also introduced Olive the ostrich to the other ostrich and the giraffes.

But there was still one big introduction left: The zebras and the ostriches had never met face-to-face!

The Animal Care Team decided not to rush things. Olive seemed a little unsure whenever she saw the zebras through the fence. She had never lived around animals from so many different species before. The zebras could also be a little pushy. Sometimes they liked to get very close to their neighbors and investigate what everyone was doing! So the team gave Olive something very important: Time.

First, Olive got to watch the zebras from a safe distance. This helped her become more comfortable and confident. At the same time, the team worked with the zebras on an important skill. They trained the zebras to come to one end of the habitat when they were called.

Why was that important? If the zebras ever became too excited or started chasing another animal, the care team could call them to a safe area and give everyone some space.

After several months of practice, something exciting happened. Olive was acting much more confident. The zebras were also responding quickly when they were called.

The Animal Care Team decided it was time for the big introduction!

They opened the gate. The zebras immediately became curious. They walked toward Olive to investigate their new neighbor. Then, the zebras started thinking about chasing her. But Olive had a plan of her own! Instead of running away, Olive spread her wings and stood tall. She showed the zebras that she was not going to let them push her around.

The zebras stopped. They backed away. And they left Olive alone. This was exactly the kind of behavior the Animal Care Team wanted to see. Animals have different ways of communicating with one another. Sometimes they use body movements to say, “That’s close enough. Please give me some space.”

Olive had confidently set a boundary, and the zebras understood. From that day forward, the animals continued spending more time together. They learned about one another and became better at respecting each other’s space.

Today, the Savanna habitat is home to a happy group of two giraffes, three zebras, and two ostriches.

Olive, Neighomi, and all their animal friends have shown us something important: Co-habitation can take time.

Whether you are an ostrich, a zebra, a giraffe—or even a human—it’s important to be patient, learn about others, respect their boundaries, and give everyone the time they need to feel comfortable.

And if you visit the African Savanna, be sure to look closely. You just might see this amazing group of animal neighbors spending time together!