10 Amazing Animal Facts (Zebra)

1. The Zebra is a large species of equine that is found roaming the grassy plains of sub-Saharan Africa.

2. They are the largest and most distinctive wild horses with bodies that are patterned with white and black stripes, the exact placement of which is unique to each individual.

3. There are three different species of Zebra that are found in Africa which are the Common Zebra (also known as the Plains Zebra and the Burchell’s Zebra), the Grevy’s Zebra (also known as the Imperial Zebra) and the Mountain Zebra.

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4. Zebras are heavy bodied animals that are perfectly designed for speed with their long and slender legs and narrow hooves helping them to reach speeds of 40kph when running.

5. Zebras only have a single toe on each foot which they walk on the tip of and is protected by their tough hooves.

6. Zebras are highly social, and will only go to sleep if they are close to neighbours so that they can be warned if a predator approaches. They also prefer to graze together and will groom each other.

7. Mother zebras are very caring and protective mothers. Infant zebras (foals) are able to stand, walk and suckle shortly after birth, and will continue to drink their mother’s milk for the first year of life.

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8. Zebras are very fast-moving animals, and can reach speeds of up to 65kmph when galloping across the plains. This is just fast enough to outpace predators such as lions. Foals can run with the herd within a few hours of birth.

9. The Zebra is a herbivorous animal meaning that it only eats plant-matter in order to gain the nutrition that it needs to survive.

10. The Zebra is a large and powerful animal that despite being herbivorous can easily outrun many of it’s predators. Zebras are preyed upon by Lions, Leopards, Hyenas and African Wild Dogs, along with numerous other large carnivores such as Crocodiles when they are crossing rivers or drinking.