Zebras

Unique

Zebras (found only in Africa), are famous for their stripes. Each zebra is unique, with no two zebras sharing the same pattern. Zebras make use of their unique stripes - they are both pretty and practical.

As soon as a foal is born, it sets about memorising its mother’s stripes so it can distinguish her from others in the herd.

The black and white stripes are also a form of protection. In the distance the stripes may easily be mistaken for heat waves rising up from the hot savannah. Up close the blur of stripes is very confusing, making it difficult for a predator to focus on a single zebra in a fast moving herd.

    “If you stay home with Zebra,

    You’re stuck in a rut.

    But on beyond Zebra,

    You’re anything but!”

    “So, on beyond Zebra!

    Explore!

    Like Columbus!

    Discover new letters!

    Like WUM is for WUMBUS,   

    My high-spouting whale who lives high on a hill

    And who never comes down ‘til it’s time to refill

    So, on beyond Z! It’s high time you were shown

    That you really don’t know all there is to be known.”

Team Players

Zebras are social animals. They generally like to live in family herds of between 5-15. Sometimes huge herds of several hundred zebras can be seen intermingling on the savannah with ostrich, gazelles and giraffe. Mixing with other species provides extra company and protection.

Being part of a group has many advantages. A group has more ears, eyes and noses on the lookout.

Sensitive

There are several species of Zebra. The Quagga is already extinct while Burchell’s Zebra and Mountain Zebra have become endangered. On top of being the favorite food of lion’s, during the last century Zebra were hunted for meat and pleasure. Zebra may seem like obvious prey for many animals, but they do have a few tricks up their sleeves. In addition to the protection offered by their stripes, zebras have a very keen sense of smell. Zebras are cautious animals, and always appear nervous and on edge (especially when at a drinking hole) - constantly on the watch for lurking lions.

Research Sources

On Beyond Zebra by Dr. Seuss

Zigby Camps Out by Brian Paterson

Zigby Dives In by Brian Paterson

How the Zebra Got Its Stripes by Justine and Ron Fontes