Franklin Park Zoo is inviting the public to vote for their favorite name for the female Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal, born on September 4 this year.

The animal care team has selected their top five name choices. The public can vote for their favorite name. Voters can choose between the names Celeste, Eowyn, Felicity, Francine and Wednesday. Some of these names hold special meaning, as Eowyn is inspired by a Lord of the Rings heroine and Felicity means “happiness” or “luck.” Online voting is open until October 25.

The zebra, which made her public debut at Franklin Park Zoo last month, is the foal of Zoey, age 12, and Khomas, age 6. Franklin Park Zoo’s first Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal, Keanu, was born in April of this year.

“In the last month, we’ve been thrilled to watch our new foal explore the outdoor habitat and become increasingly independent” said Chris Bartos, an assistant curator at Franklin Park Zoo. “Watching her cohabitate with our ostrich and wildebeests, play with her half-brother Keanu, and discover her surroundings has been a delight. Our entire care team is extremely eager to find out the results of the vote.”

Now that she is a little older, the care team has been working behind the scenes to build their relationship with the foal, to make future trainings easier. Training is an essential part of life at the zoo, to help enhance the care of the animals and acclimate them to routine care such as regular weight checks, hoof care and veterinary checkups. Recently, the young foal has started to become more interested in solid foods like hay and grain, but is still nursing. Zoey has been an attentive and excellent mother who keeps a protective eye on her foal.

Zoey and her foal can currently be seen alongside Keanu and his mother Khumalo in the Serengeti Crossing habitat. Hartmann’s mountain zebras are a hardy species from harsh, rocky areas in Namibia, Angola and South Africa. They use their uniquely adapted hooves to help them navigate the mountainous terrain in search of food and water. Typically, these zebras form small groups, or harems, consisting of a male and up to three females and their offspring. Because they are susceptible to drought, exacerbated by climate change, in their harsh habitat, Hartmann's mountain zebra is classified as a vulnerable species.