The zebras are what started it all at the Three Ring Ranch. When Ann heard that a certain wild animal park was shutting down and euthanizing the animals she asked what it would take for her to be able to adopt zebras. (She ended up taking in an African Crowned Crane and two Oryx as well.) They told her she had to be a USDA certified sanctuary so she took the steps to become certified. This certain wild animal park used her kindness as a publicity stunt to make it look like they were taking care of the animals they were responsible for when in fact nearly all of the animals were euthanized. Oreo is shown below at the previous facility pregnant with Zoe. Oreo was "wild caught" in Africa and so is very different from her two fillies who were raised around people.
(photo taken by someone else)


So Oreo and baby Zoe were brought over to Ann’s place on the Big Island. Oreo was extremely flighty at first and it took months for Ann to gain her trust. Unbeknownst to anyone, Oreo was pregnant again and a while later gave birth to Tootsie. Here is a baby picture of Tootsie – soooo cute!
(photo taken by someone else)


To be honest, the zebras terrified me during my first week. These are very strong animals, they can break bones with a kick and paralyze you with a bite to the shoulder. The two fillies are the most dangerous because they are far less afraid of humans than Oreo. They are young and so they are constantly play biting each other and kicking each other. If they like you they might want to play bite you too – what a treat! So when I’m in the zebra pens I have to stand tall, be firm and use my "tough" voice. Eventually they responded to me and would back away when I asked them to, but those first couple times in the pen were pretty darn scary.
All 3 zebras. (photo taken by someone else)


Here is Zoe walking towards the horses in the next pasture. Zoe thinks Voodoo is part of her herd and whenever you take the horses out of the pasture she will make the strangest low barking noise to call her back.


Zoe looking at Voodoo…


Oreo and Tootsie


Tootise in front and Oreo behind her.


Tootsie in front and Oreo behind her.


Tootsie in front and Oreo behind her.


Tootsie


Oreo


A painting of some zebras by a local artist.


There is also a stunning painting of Zoe by this same artist here : http://threeringranch.org/LARGE%20im...20by%20SMW.htm