5 INTERESTING ZEBRA FACTS
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“Despite being popular, stripy, gorgeous creatures, very little is known about zebras. Check the 5 interesting facts we compiled for you!”
1. Every zebra has a unique pattern of black and white stripes
Scientists can use their patterns like bar-codes to identify individuals in a herd and keep track of them over time. It was previously believed that zebras were white animals with black stripes, however, the animal’s background color is black and the white stripes and bellies are additions.
2. Babies zebras are very advanced
Within 15/20 minutes of birth, a baby zebra is able to stand up on its own, and within an hour, to walk and run soon after! Thanks to this ability, it doesn't lose the herd on their constant move to find food and water.
Photo: Shannon Wild
3. Zebras bravely stand together
When under threat, zebras form a semi-circle facing the attacker, and prepare to strike if need be. If one of the group is attacked, wounded or injured, sometimes other zebras come to its defence and form a circle around it to ward off the predator.
4. Zebras communicate effectively
To communicate with each other, they use various vocal expressions including sniffing and braying, but also through the position of their ears and tail. They can turn their ears in almost any direction to communicate their mood (pulled backwards when angry, standing when calm).
Photo: Shannon Wild
5. Zebra are strategic
They will only go to sleep if they are close to neighbours so that they can be warned if a predator approaches. They also may team up with other grazers on their travels such as antelope and wildebeest. Zebras have excellent eyesight, being able to see well during the day and at night, while wildebeest, which have poor eyesight, have a good sense of hearing and smell.
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