Zonkey, Rare Zebra-Donkey Hybrid, Born in Mexican Zoo

UPI ^ | April 25, 2014 | Brooks Hays

[nickcarraway]

Biologists had originally thought zebra and donkey chromosomes to be incompatible.

A rare but adorable cross-breed was introduced to the world this week at a zoo in Reynosa, Mexico.

Khumba is the lovechild of Rayas, a female zebra, and Ignacio, a blue-eyed albino donkey. That makes Khumba a zonkey, one of only a few in the world.

Though there are now living specimens of zonkeys at zoos in the U.S., Japan, China and elsewhere, biologists had originally thought zebra and donkey chromosomes were incompatible.

But apparent genetic incongruity didn't stop Rayas and Ignacio from trying. According to WTVY, the two visited each other almost every afternoon. Finally, a several months ago, Rayas became pregnant.

If Ippo, a zonkey born last year in Florence, Italy, is any indication, Khuma and the Reynosa Zoo can expect an influx of visitors in the coming months.

[nickcarraway]

[Jack Hydrazine]

Zonkey, zedonk, zebroid, honkey, etc.

[Viennacon]

Born in Mexico. what do you know, in the pic of the news report, the bottom line is about a murder case

[Mercat]

So cute. I want one. There’s an old farmer down the road from our little farm who used to have albino donkeys. I want one of those too. But they sunburn.

[pax_et_bonum]

Awwwwww!

That is one of the cutest little animals I’ve ever seen!

[JimSEA]

Cute. Imagine the stubborn nature of the burro combined with the wild nature of the zebra! A real handful. When I was a kid, we would try and ride wild burros. I have the scars to prove it!

[nickcarraway]

I saw that. Unfortunately, this zonkey is already in a cartel.

[nickcarraway]

zonkey video

[KarlInOhio]

Zonkeys are Ligers' favorite food.

[null and void]

Don’t you know you’re going to to zhock the zonkey?

[GeronL]

Lol

[nickcarraway]

They have a new game out called Zonkey Kong.

[Delta Dawn]

And people say that there are no consequences from smoking weed.

[Salamander]

LOLOL

[Salamander]

What’s wrong with mom’s neck?

[null and void]

I’m guessing the camera caught her in mid-head shake.

[Salamander]

Sure hope so.

[EEGator]

"What's a liger?" "It's pretty much my favorite animal. It's like a lion and a tiger mixed... bred for its skills in magic."

[SIDENET]

Trying really hard to not make a “Zonkey Show” joke.

[nickcarraway]

Are zebras known for domestic violence?