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He had a rough start to life, but Evidence, the badly injured but spunky baby zebra found alongside I-75 on April 8, is almost ready to move into his new barn and make his first public appearance.

He's been healing nicely at Noah's Ark, the rescue and rehabilitation center in Locust Grove for animals and children, and is scheduled to make his public debut July 12.

Noah's Ark / Special (ENLARGE)

Mary the cat offers Evidence a gentle nuzzle. Feline friends have helped the injured zebra grow accustomed to being handled at Noah's Ark, a rescue and rehabilitation center in Locust Grove.

Related pet stories • Photos: Check out Evidence in his new home. Photos: Injured zebra found along I-75. • Pet Dish: Georgians fall in love with exotic animals. • More pet stories, blogs and photos

But it's been a long road for the little guy. Along with his physical healing, Evidence has had to do some emotional healing. As a rule, zebras aren't real fond of people, and pretty much all of this baby zebra's experiences with humans have been bad.

Officials believe the still-nursing baby fell off a truck while being transported through Georgia. He was rushed to Auburn University's veterinary school, where he spent weeks being treated for severe injuries. He was moved back to Noah's Ark on May 2, but still has a catheter that won't be removed until the end of the month. And to heap insult on injury, no one has ever come forward to claim him.

Still, Diane Smith, a spokeswoman for Noah's Ark, said the zebra is making amazing strides. Charles "Pop" Hedgecoth Sr., who founded the center with his wife, works with Evidence daily to get him accustomed to walking on a lead and being handled, she said. The center fashioned Evidence a makeshift stall on the back porch of the children's home while a newly donated barn is being built for him. Smith said Evidence has gotten so comfortable that when the children look out the window, he goes up to the window and licks it.

The center also has received help in his socialization from two family cats, Abby and Mary, and a nationally known zebra trainer. Smith said the Hedgecoths contacted David Skipworth, who trained the zebras for the movie "Racing Stripes." Skipworth said they needed to get the zebra used to having his legs handled so they could care for his hooves. But, he warned, zebras hate having their legs handled. Skipworth advised touching his legs with a broom and letting him kick at it until he got used to the touch.

But the cats, who befriended Evidence, have taken care of the problem. By rubbing against Evidence's legs, the way cats do, they've gotten the little fellow accustomed to the feeling.

"Now our caregivers can pick up his feet without hardly any fuss," Smith said. "It's just another of God's many miracles with him."