ZOO ATLANTA WELCOMES NEIGHOMI THE ZEBRA AND OLIVE THE OSTRICH

New arrivals will join the mixed-species habitat in the Zoo’s African Savanna  

Two exciting new arrivals – one striped and one feathered – will be future members of the mixed-species complement of wildlife on Zoo Atlanta’s African Savanna. The Zoo recently welcomed Neighomi, a female plains zebra, and Olive, a female ostrich.  

Neighomi, who is 2 years old, joins Zoo Atlanta from Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon. Her move to Atlanta was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP), which identified Neighomi as a social partner for Wembe and Imara, the two zebras currently at the Zoo.  

Olive, 11 months old, hails from the Georgia Ostrich Farm and will be a social partner for Purple, the female ostrich at Zoo Atlanta.  

“The African Savanna is a destination where visitors can experience the interconnectedness of the wildlife of one of the most legendary landscapes on Earth. We are excited to welcome Neighomi and Olive to our savanna animal population,” said Gina Ferrie, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation. “As animal wellbeing is always first and foremost for us, Neighomi and Olive also represent important new additions for two social species.”  

Neighomi and Olive are not yet visible to Members and guests. Animal introductions, both within a species and among others in a mixed-species habitat, are gradual processes that take time, as they are driven by individual animals’ comfort levels in meeting new individuals in new surroundings.  

The African Savanna represents one of the most significant transformations at Zoo Atlanta in recent years. In addition to the mixed-species habitat, which is also home to giraffes, the complex features many new and expanded habitats for some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. These include a newly renovated African lion complex, opened in April 2025, and the Delta Air Lines Rhino Habitat, which was redesigned for southern white rhinos in 2023. Habitats for African elephants, warthogs, meerkats, kori bustards, and blue cranes round out an immersive experience.  

Stay tuned for updates on when Members and guests will be able to meet Neighomi and Olive. Visit zooatlanta.org to plan a visit or to learn more about Zoo Atlanta’s mission, animals, and programs.  

(Photo by Stephanie Earhart)