ZEBRA
Meet a Real Zebra
Cool Facts:
Zebras have unique black and white stripes that act like a fingerprint – no two zebras have exactly the same pattern!
They are excellent runners and can escape danger with bursts of speed up to 40 miles per hour!
Zebras have a strong sense of hearing and can swivel their ears to listen out for friends and dangers from all directions.
Where They Live:
Zebras are native to Africa and live in big, grassy areas called savannas and woodlands. There are three main zebra species with slightly different favorite places: plains zebras favor wide-open spaces, Grevy's zebras prefer drier areas with some trees for shade, and mountain zebras live in high, cooler regions.
Where They Sleep:
Zebras sleep lightly throughout the day in short naps. They might stand or lie down, but they're always alert and ready to jump up if they sense something interesting or unusual.
Home Life and Social:
Zebras are very social creatures and live in big groups called herds, sometimes with hundreds of friends! These herds are often led by a wise and experienced mare (female zebra). They chat with each other using snorts, whinnies, and body language.
Friendships:
While zebras are social, they don't necessarily have best friends like us. But they do recognize each other and know their place within the herd, looking out for each other's safety.
What They Do for Fun:
Zebras are playful animals, especially young foals (baby zebras). They love to chase each other, nip at each other's heels, and roll around in the dirt for fun. Grown-up zebras also enjoy taking dust baths to stay cool and clean.
Size of the Animal:
There are three zebra species, and their size varies slightly. Plains zebras are the biggest, standing around 4-5 feet tall at the shoulder. Grevy's zebras are the tallest, reaching up to 5 feet at the shoulder, while mountain zebras are the smallest, around 3.5 feet tall.
Power Level:
Zebras are surprisingly strong! Their powerful legs help them run fast to stay safe, and their sharp hooves can be used for scratching itchy spots or digging for yummy treats. They also have strong teeth for munching on all sorts of delicious grasses.
Life Span:
In the wild, zebras typically live for 20-25 years. In captivity, with good care and plenty of food, they can live even longer, up to 30 years!
First Known to Humans:
Fossil records show zebras have been around for millions of years. Early humans likely encountered zebras very early on, as these animals were widespread across Africa.