We’re off to Africa to meet one of nature’s coolest looking creatures. Africa sprawling savannas and grasslands are home to diverse wildlife, but among the most visually distinctive is the zebra. These striped animals are not just eye-catching; they hold a unique place in the animal kingdom.
They’re easily one of the most recognizable members of the horse family due to their iconic black and white stripes, although zebras are much more than just a horse’s striped relative, there’s so much more to learn about the common zebra.
Here are some fun facts you probably didn’t know!
Zebra’s strips are compared to human fingerprints
Just like human fingerprints every zebra has a unique stripe pattern! While zebras might look the same to us from a distance, there are actually variations in each zebra’s stripes. The reason for each zebra’s distinct stripes is still a mystery to scientists, but the most widely accepted theory is that stripes allow zebras to recognize one another.
We don’t exactly know why their stripes are different, but the stripes may confuse predators like lions, and deter pesky biting flies. The stripes may also help regulate body temperature.
There are three species of zebra
The plains zebra(E. quagga), the mountain zebra (E. zebra), and the Grévy’s zebra (Equus grevyi)are the three types of zebras that are alive today. Grévy’s zebras are the largest, weighing up to 1,000 pounds. The plains zebras can weigh up to 850 pounds. Their territory stretches from southern Ethiopia and South Sudan to northern South Africa. The smallest zebra species, the mountain zebra, can still weigh up to 800 pounds. They are found only in South Africa, Namibia, and Angola.
Their stripes vary in size and pattern, depending on the species.
Zebras have sophisticated communication skills
At least six distinct vocalizations are used by plains zebras. Snorts signal contentment while a two-syllable cry warns the herd of approaching predators. Additionally, they communicate through facial expressions. Zebras stretch their faces forward and put their ears forward to meet each other. They push their ears to their skulls when feeling threatened.
Many wild animals, including zebras, are exploited in cruel entertainment venues, like roadside and “safari park” type zoos. To take action for wildlife, sign our Wildlife. Not Entertainers pledge and help educate people about the exploitation of wildlife.
zebras are part of the horse and donkey family
Horses and zebras are closely related, they’re not the same species, but they are part of the same family, the Equidae family, also known as the Equus family. Although part of the same family, zebras aren’t practical to ride like horses, mainly because they are smaller and they have a very different temperament to horses.
Zebras can sleep standing up
Just like their horse relatives, zebras are able to sleep standing up by locking the joints in their knees. This helps them quickly awaken from a nap and escape from predators. However, when they need deep sleep, zebras often lay on their sides.
A group of zebras is called a dazzle
Did you know that a herd of zebras can alternatively be known as a dazzle? In the wild, zebras live in sociable groups. Plains zebras and mountain zebras tend to live in family groups made up of a dominant male, several females and their young, while Grevy’s zebras often form individual units of mares and foals. Their sociable nature can be seen at our Zoos – the zebras are always together and follow each other everywhere.
Zebras spend up to 60% of their day eating
Zebras are hindgut fermenters, which means their digestive systems are adapted to tackle highly fibrous plants, including grass, twigs and bark. Our zebras should be eating for about 22 hours a day to keep their digestive systems satisfied. They have hay feeders in their paddock so they can access a constant trickle of food.
Zebras go to great lengths to find food
Each year, hundreds of thousands of zebras migrate across southern and eastern African, in search of water and grazing opportunities. One of the most famous journeys is the Serengeti migration, which sees around 750,000 zebras travel from the Serengeti in northern Tanzania to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. But, further south, an even longer migration takes place.
During the dry months, thousands of plains zebra embark on a 300-mile trip from the Chobe River (on the border of Namibia and Botswana) to Botswana’s Nxai Pan National Park – the longest mammal migration on the continent!
Zebras are fast runners
Masters of endurance, zebras are also fast on their feet. They are capable of reaching speeds up to 65kmph (nearly double the pace of Olympian Usain Bolt). Zebras draw on their speed, agility and stamina reserves to outrun predators. One trick they use to evade threats is to run in a zigzag direction to confuse their attackers.
They have great eyesight
Unlike their migrating companions, the wildebeest, Zebras have excellent eyesight. They have eyes on the sides of its head, giving it a wide field of view.
They are able to see well during the day and at night. And despite being monochrome themselves, zebra are able to see in full color.
