All Animals

Zebra

Equus burchellii
Mammal

Step into the world of our zebras and unlock the wonders of these extraordinary creatures

A zebra grazing at Hamilton Zoo

The plains zebras are well-known African mammals, exhibiting characteristic black and white stripes all over their body. Their closest relatives are donkeys and horses. The sparkling coat of this species reflects more than 70% of incoming heat.

Zebras communicate with each other in high pitched barks and whinnies. As well as barking or snorting when they see a predator.

Like most members of the horse family, zebras are highly social. Plains zebras live in groups, known as 'harems', consisting of one stallion with up to six mares and their foals. Bachelor males either live alone or with groups of other bachelors until they are old enough to challenge a breeding stallion.  

Quick facts

Distribution:

Eastern and Southern Africa

Habitat:

Grasslands, plains, savannah woodlands

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Fun fact

Zebra foals have soft, fuzzy fur, and their stripes are usually brown and white at first. Their legs are already almost as long as an adult zebra's and they can walk just 20 minutes after being born!