What Is a Zebra?
A zebra is a wild animal that looks like a horse but has black and white stripes.
They live in Africa and are fast runners who like to stay in groups.
Example:
If you’ve seen the movie Madagascar, you might remember Marty the Zebra.
He is a funny zebra character with stripes and lots of energy!
Where Do Zebras Live?
Zebras live in Africa, especially in grassy plains and savannas (flat areas with tall grass).
Some zebras also live in mountains and areas near deserts.
Types of Places Zebras Like:
Open grassy fields
Places with water
Areas with lots of plants to eat
Types of Zebras
There are 3 main types of zebras:
Plains Zebra
Most common type
Lives in flat grasslands
Has wide stripes
Grevy’s Zebra
The largest zebra
Has narrow stripes
Lives in dry places
Mountain Zebra
Lives in mountains
Has a small body
Has a unique grid pattern on its back
Fun Fact:
No two zebras have the same stripes!
Each zebra’s stripes are as unique as your fingerprints.
What Do Zebras Eat?
Zebras are herbivores.
That means they only eat plants.
What’s on a Zebra’s Menu?
Grass
Leaves
Bark from trees
Shrubs
They graze for many hours a day, just like cows.
How Do Zebras Look?
Zebras are known for their black and white striped coats.
Here are more things to know about them:
Zebra Appearance:
Long legs for running
A mane (short hair) that stands up
A tail with a tuft of hair at the end
Sharp eyesight and good hearing
Fun Fact:
Baby zebras are born with brown and white stripes, and they turn black and white as they grow older.
Why Do Zebras Have Stripes?
Scientists think stripes help zebras in different ways:
Zebra Stripe Superpowers:
Camouflage: Helps them hide in tall grass.
Confuse predators: A group of striped zebras running can confuse lions and other hunters.
Stay cool: Stripes may help control body temperature.
Bug protection: Stripes may keep flies and insects away.
Baby Zebras
A baby zebra is called a foal.
Zebra Families:
A mother zebra is very caring.
A foal can stand and walk just a few minutes after birth!
Baby zebras stay close to their moms for safety.
Example:
If a foal is born in the wild, it must quickly learn to walk and run to keep up with the herd and stay safe from predators.
Who Are Zebras’ Predators?
Zebras live in the wild, so they must watch out for predators.
Animals That Hunt Zebras:
Lions
Hyenas
Leopards
Crocodiles (when zebras drink water)
Fun Fact:
Zebras run in a zigzag pattern when chased, which makes it harder for predators to catch them!
Are Zebras Smart?
Yes!
Zebras are very intelligent and social animals.
Zebra Intelligence:
They can remember paths and places.
They warn each other about danger.
They form close friendships in the herd.
How Are Zebras Related to Horses?
Zebras, horses, and donkeys all belong to the same animal family called Equidae.
Similarities:
All three have hooves.
They eat plants.
They run fast.
They can neigh and make other sounds.
But zebras have wild behavior and are not easily tamed like horses.
How Do Zebras Stay Safe?
Zebras are not strong fighters like lions, but they stay safe in smart ways.
Zebra Safety Tricks:
Herd Power: Zebras live in groups called herds. More eyes = more safety!
Warning Sounds: Zebras bark or snort to warn others.
Running Away: Fast running and zigzag movement help them escape.
How Fast Can Zebras Run?
Zebras can run up to 65 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour).
That’s as fast as a car driving in the city!
Zebra Herds
Zebras love company!
They always live in groups.
What’s in a Herd?
One male (called a stallion)
Several females (mares)
Their babies (foals)
Fun Fact:
Some herds can have hundreds of zebras!
