1-Year-Old 'Koko' at Gwangju Uchi Park
The zebra ‘Sero,’ who became a hot topic after escaping from Seoul Children’s Grand Park and wandering around residential areas, has finally met his girlfriend.
According to Children’s Grand Park and the Chosun Ilbo on the 26th, Sero’s girlfriend ‘Coco’ was transported from Uchi Park in Gwangju Metropolitan City to Children’s Grand Park on the 21st in a ‘vibration-free temperature and humidity controlled vehicle.’
Zebra Sero (left) and his girlfriend Coco at Seoul Children's Grand Park. [Image source=Seoul Facilities Corporation YouTube capture]
Their meeting was conducted in utmost secrecy. Jo Kyung-wook, head of the Animal Welfare Team, stated, “It was raining that day, so the temperature was low, and since it was early morning, there was little noise, making it the optimal situation to bring Coco.” He added, “The reason for not disclosing this in advance was to prevent crowds of visitors or increased stress for Coco.”
Meanwhile, Coco is a one-year-old zebra, three years younger than Sero, known as the easygoing eldest sibling who took care of three younger full siblings and cousins.
At the time of Sero’s escape, Children’s Grand Park had announced plans to bring a ‘partner’ to help Sero feel stable. It is said that Sero showed anxiety and rough behavior after losing his parents consecutively last year and the year before.
However, this meeting was reportedly planned even before Sero’s escape. Recently, Coco’s living space became cramped due to the addition of younger full siblings and cousins, necessitating a better environment.
Coco and Sero are currently housed in adjacent enclosures separated by iron bars. According to Children’s Grand Park, Sero is said to show affection toward his girlfriend Coco.
Until Coco’s arrival, Sero mainly stayed in the outdoor paddock, but recently he has spent more time indoors where Coco is. Coco shares premium hay with Sero and is undergoing training to increase familiarity with the caretakers. It is noted that she particularly enjoys eating edible wild grass that grows naturally in the park.
Team leader Jo Kyung-wook said, “At first, they were awkward, but now Sero wants to be closer to Coco and shows interest.” A caretaker who looked after Coco at Uchi Park in Gwangju said, “Although she seems easygoing, she is actually timid and thoughtful,” adding, “I hope she adapts well with her boyfriend, has offspring, and lives happily.”
Children’s Grand Park will decide the timing of their cohabitation based on Coco’s adaptation and the closeness between her and Sero.
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