You don’t expect a zebra with gold stripes to be gone. It feels like losing a little piece of magic.

Zoe, the rare golden zebra at a Hawaii sanctuary, has passed away at 19. Staff at Three Ring Ranch in Kona shared the news with love and gratitude. For many locals and travelers, she was the animal they always asked to see first.

She looked like a dream. Soft beige and cream instead of bold black and white. Blue eyes that caught the light. Gentle, curious, and calm with caretakers and school groups. Kids would whisper when they saw her, like they were in on a secret.

Zoe wasn’t albino. Her coat came from a pigment condition that reduces dark color and leaves a warm tan. It’s rare in zebras, which is why her photos traveled so widely. In a field of stripes, she was the one you never forgot.

Sanctuary life suited her. She had steady care, space, and routine. The team watched her diet, hooves, and health as she grew older. They used her story to teach about genetics, habitat loss, and why sanctuaries matter.

For years, Zoe was believed to be the last golden zebra in captivity. That idea carried weight. People came from far away to see her, then carried her image back home. Even those who never met her felt a little joy knowing she was out there.

When news of her passing broke, it felt personal. She wasn’t just a rare coat pattern. She was a daily reminder that nature still surprises us. That kindness and careful work can give a vulnerable animal a long life.#cameroon

Goodbyes are hard, but gratitude helps. Thank you, Zoe, for the quiet wonder. For the smiles, the lessons, and the golden stripes that made the world feel brighter.

References
The last golden zebra in captivity dies in Kona at 19 - Hawaii News Now
Rare Tan-and-White Striped Zebra Dies at Hawaiian Ranch - Live Science
Zoe, Kona’s Rare Golden Zebra, Dies - Big Island Video News
Extremely rare ‘blonde’ zebra photographed - National Geographic

Disclaimer: Images are generated using AI for illustration purposes only.