Unusual hybrid born at preserve

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — A zedonk, an unusual cross between a donkey and a zebra, is attracting attention at the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve in north Georgia after being born there about a week ago.

The animal, which has a zebra father and donkey mother, has black stripes prominently displayed on her legs and face.

C.W. Wathen, the Dahlonega preserve’s founder and general manager, said the foal has a zebra’s instincts. Wathen said she sits up instead of lying on her side,as if staying alert for predators.

Donkeys and zebras don’t usually mate, but zedonks turn up occasionally.

Wathen said that in about two weeks, the zedonk will begin roaming the property with the rest of the animals.