A Plains zebra has rather broad stripes, especially towards its rump, with colour ranging from black to dark brown. There may be a brown ‘shadow stripe' between a black and white stripe.

Other zebra species differ: Grevy's zebra has narrow, closely spaced stripes over most of the body right to the hooves; and Mountain zebras have faint stripes between darker stripes.

Plains zebra are social animals. They form family groups of stallion, several mares and foals, and unattached males form bachelor groups. In seasonally dry areas such as the Serengeti in Tanzania, small families of plains zebra gather to form large herds. Staying together as families within the herd, they travel up to 800 km each year in an annual migratory trek that returns to the Serengeti.

Because of the prevalence of predators, Plains zebra are restless and alert, and very vocal. They make a barking sound. There is always a family member awake to watch out for predators.

OUR ZEBRA

Bill
Bill recently took the dominant position as head of a herd. His coat is black on white and also brown, making him look dirty.

Sabe
Sabe has taken leadership of the second zebra herd. He is a fairly suspicious zebra who makes a great leader.

Shamwari
Shamwari is the newest addition to our zebra collection. Her name means 'friendly'. She is not shy but is sticking very close to mum, Myra, at the moment. 

DID YOU KNOW?

• It was previously thought that zebras were white with black stripes. However, embryological evidence shows that the animal's background color is actually black and the white stripes and bellies are additions.
• Zebras have proven difficult to train for riding since they have an unpredictable nature and tendency to panic under stress, keeping their wild nature.
• Like horses, zebras sleep standing up, and only sleep when other zebras are around to warn them of predators.