A zebra standing patiently while a woman brushes his coat sounds like something you’d expect to see in a wildlife doccie, right? Not on a farm just outside Pretoria. But that’s exactly where you’ll find Lila Kruger and Nyamazan.
It’s immediately clear that this is no ordinary friendship. There is a quiet ease between Lila Kruger and Nyamazan, the kind that only comes with time. Almost three decades, to be exact.
Long before visitors arrived at Zebra Safaris, before photographs and social media videos, Nyamazan was simply a young zebra foal who needed help.
He was found injured and alone on a game farm and later taken to Onderstepoort Veterinary Facilities for treatment. There, specialists discovered that the injury to his leg had left him with an angular limb deformity. The diagnosis meant he would be left with a permanent limp and would never be able to survive on his own in the wild.
The little zebra was given the name Nyamazan and found his way into Lila’s care. Their lives would never be the same again.
A lifetime love affair with animals
For as long as she can remember, animals have been part of Lila’s world. Growing up on a farm, she spent much of her childhood outdoors. She laughs when she recalls teaching her mother’s tame Brahman cow to jump, while an uncle’s chimpanzee became such a regular companion that she was convinced he was her nanny. “I’ve always had a special connection with animals,” she says.
Today, when she’s not spending time with the zebras, she’s usually tending to the farm, training her horse Flash, reading a good book or studying natural medicine. It’s a simple life surrounded by nature and animals, and it’s clearly where she’s happiest.
Even so, Nyamazan would prove to be unlike any animal she had ever known.
The moment everything changed
“When Nyamazan first arrived, he was deeply wary of people. Like most zebras, confidence and trust did not come naturally to him.”
Determined to give him the best possible life, Lila began working with him using the Monty Roberts natural horsemanship method.
Then one morning, after six weeks of patience and persistence, something remarkable happened.
“I was sitting quietly in the boma enclosure when Nyamazan walked over and gently touched my shoulder with his nose. It was his way of joining up with me.”
There was no turning back.
Not your average zebra
Ask Lila about Nyamazan and her face lights up immediately. “He’s intelligent, gentle and very calm. Nyammies also seems blissfully unaware that he’s actually a zebra. Sometimes I think he believes he’s a big stripey dog.”
Unlike most zebras, Nyamazan is comfortable around children, elderly visitors and even dogs. One moment in particular still tugs at Lila’s heart.
“An elderly woman in a wheelchair arrived at the farm for an interaction session. As they wheeled her into the paddock, he quietly walked over and rested his head in her lap. He stood there while she stroked him and spoke to him. It was incredibly touching.”
Then there is his well-known weakness … carrots.
A self-confessed carrot addict, Nyamazan once wandered into the family home through an open front door. To everyone’s surprise, he headed straight for the fridge. Since then, house visits have become something of a habit.
Enter Nandi
About 10 years ago, Nyamazan gained a companion when Nandi arrived on the farm. That’s where the similarities end. Where Nyamazan is calm and easy-going, Nandi is very much the boss.
“She definitely likes being in charge,” laughs Lila. “But she also has a soft side and seems to warm to people with a kind but confident nature.”
When Lila once tried to introduce a fitness routine, Nandi trotted around the enclosure exactly once before lying down and refusing to continue.
She still isn’t interested. Just a short, chubby zebra who lives her best life.
Lessons from a wild heart
Although Nyamazan’s injury brought him into Lila’s life, caring for him has not always been easy. Over the years, he has required treatment for hoof abscesses, recurring bouts of tick-bite fever and ongoing care for the arthritis associated with his injured leg.
Through every challenge, Lila has remained committed to giving him the best life possible. Along the way, they’ve taught her a few important lessons too.
“They’ve taught me that most things can be achieved with patience and perseverance. And that respect and trust have to be earned.”
Working with wildlife has deepened her appreciation for how different animals can be. Many people assume zebras are all the same. “Oh no,” she laughs. “No two zebras are alike.”
Sharing something special
For many years, the friendship between Lila and her zebras remained something private.
Then a visit from friends from Germany changed everything.
After meeting Nyamazan, they encouraged her to share the experience with others. As veterinary costs continued to rise, she realised that opening the farm to a small number of visitors could help support the animals while teaching people more about them.
Today, visitors can experience a little of that magic for themselves. “Visitors have the opportunity to spend time with the tame zebras, brush them, walk alongside them and learn more about these fascinating animals in a calm and respectful environment. The experience remains intentionally small, allowing the zebras to spend most of their time simply enjoying life on the farm.”
Nyamazan has even been taught to smile for photos. Say smile and he’ll grin right along with everyone else … but let’s just say he’s not doing it for free. A carrot or two is usually expected. Guests can also capture the experience through the lens of Lila, whose beautiful photographs ensure the smiles, laughter and unforgettable moments shared with the zebras can be cherished long after the day is over.
For Lila, though, it has never been about creating a tourist attraction. It’s about connection. It’s about helping people see zebras differently. And it’s about inspiring a greater appreciation for wildlife and conservation.
A friendship beyond words
After nearly three decades together, Nyamazan has given Lila something she never expected. “He taught me about the special bond that can exist between a wild animal and a human being.” It’s a relationship built without words, yet filled with understanding. A friendship that has taught her patience, loyalty, kindness and trust.
For a zebra that was never expected to survive in the wild, Nyamazan has created a life filled with companionship, purpose and love.
And for the woman who took a chance on an injured foal all those years ago, that may be the greatest gift of all.
Details: Lila on 082-256-4252, zebrasafaris77@gmail.com, follow @Zebrasafaris on Facebook and @zebra_safaris.za on Insta.
WIN! A Private Zebra Safari Experience
Ever dreamed of getting up close to a zebra? Here’s your chance. One family of four will win a private Zebra Safaris interaction, where you’ll spend time with Nyamazan and Nandi.
The prize includes:
• A fully private booking
• Personal interaction with the zebras
• Eight high-resolution edited photographs per person
• Eight professionally edited group photographs
• Juice or bottled water
The experience lasts between one and two hours and includes plenty of Instagram-worthy moments along the way. Guests can brush the zebras, walk alongside them and pose for photographs with a beautifully restored 1970 short-wheelbase Land Rover, a former British Army vehicle that adds a touch of vintage safari charm.
To make the experience even more memorable, Lila will capture the highlights of your day, leaving you with keepsakes and memories to treasure for a lifetime.
You’re welcome to take along your own picnic basket and enjoy a leisurely picnic under the trees.
To enter trot over to @getitptamagazine on Insta or Facebook, find the comptetition post and follow the prompts.
Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Image: HENRY O PHOTOGRAPHY.
