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Zebra

Zebra

Check out Australia Zoo’s Zebra!

They don’t come much cuter than the African native, the zebra! Keep your camera ready as some of these gorgeous animals call the Australia Zoo African savanna home.

 

Zebra grazing in the grass with body showing.

 

The plains zebra is one of three zebra species found throughout the shrub and grasslands of Africa. They are closely related to horses and and donkeys, yet, are easily distinguished with their distinctive black and white striped coat!

 

Zebra walking in the foreground and two Zebras in the background.

 

Zebras are usually found in large groups called herds, which can have up to 1,000 zebras. Crikey! Safety in numbers is a way of life for the zebra. With the help of their herd, they will fend off predators such as lions, hyenas and leopards. To warn of danger and communicate with their herd, zebras have a variety of vocalisations, including a loud bark or whinny!

 

Close up of a Zebra head with another Zebra in the background.

 

Zebras are herbivorous and spend their days on the move, in search of fresh grass and water. Due to increased habitat loss, drought and farming in Africa, the zebra population is competing with livestock for water and is hunted for their unique black and white pelts.

 

The plains zebra is currently listed as a near threatened species.

  • Class of animal icon
    Class

    Mammalia

  • Genus of animal icon
    Genus

    Equus

  • Species of animal icon
    Species

    Quagga

  • height of animal icon
    Size

    1 - 1.5 metres at shoulder

  • weight of animal icon
    Weight

    200 - 450 kilograms

  • diet of animal icon
    Diet

    Herbivore

  • gestation of animal icon
    Gestation

    370 days

  • threatened species status of animal icon
    Status

    Near Threatened