23 Amazing Zebra Facts

By James Israelsen, Associate Writer

Published May 27, 2022

A baby zebra identifies its mother by her stripes, which have a unique pattern._[2]
Just one hour after birth, zebra babies are able to run._[4]
There are three recognized species of zebra: plain, mountain, and Grevy's. Some experts identify a fourth species, "Hartmann's Zebra," while others classify it as a subspecies of the mountain zebra._[3][6]
The name for zebras may trace back to the Latin word equiferus, meaning "wild horse."_[6]
In addition to their stripes, zebras differ from horses in that their mane is short and sticks up straight._[6]

They wear their teeth down quickly

A zebra's teeth grow continuously throughout its lifetime, offsetting the wear of constant grazing._[8]
The common name of the zebrafish comes from its five horizontal stripes, which are similar to a zebra's stripes in shape but are usually blue instead of black._[1]
All zebra species are native to Africa._[7]
Male zebras often spend their adolescence in all-male herds, returning to their original herd when they are ready to mate._[7]
There are different theories about why zebras evolved their signature stripes, including to confuse predators, to discourage insects from biting them, or to help regulate their body heat._[7]
Zebra herds can travel thousands of miles in any given year in search of fresh grass to eat._[7]
As they migrate, zebra herds sometimes join forces with other herds, forming "super herds," which can have population numbers in the thousands._[7]
The zebra's stripes may help individuals recognize each other._[7]
Zebras are able to eat a wide variety of grasses, unlike many other hoofed mammals that can only eat short grasses._[7]
Every zebra's stripes are arranged in a unique pattern, with no two patterns being exactly alike._[4]

Zebra-prints

Zebras in a herd often form smaller sub-groups consisting of several females, foals, and one dominant male._[7]
When fighting over a female zebra, males will bite and kick each other, sometimes doing enough damage to kill._[7]
Zebra predators include lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs._[7]
Zebra herds respond to a predator by facing the threat together in a semi-circle and trying to drive it off by kicking at it._[7]
Zebras grow to be 3.5 to 5 feet tall (1 to 1.5 meters) from shoulder to hoof._[8]
Migrating zebras will sometimes form mixed herds with wildebeests and other grazing animals._[8]
Zebras groom each other by biting loose hair to pull it off._[8]
Zebra milk is similar in consistency to that produced by human mothers._[5]