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Grant’s Zebra

Native to the grasslands, savannas and open country of Africa, including Southern Sudan and Ethiopia, and South to Central Angola and Eastern South Africa - Gestation: about 11 – 12 months

Did you know that a group of zebras can be called a dazzle? Among different zebra subspecies, Grant’s zebras have distinctly thick stripes that meet at the belly and continue on the legs. They possess a keen sense of smell, hearing, and vision, enabling them to evade predators and reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. The black and white stripes of zebras are not only unique but also as recognizable as human fingerprints. When a foal is born, its reddish-brown stripes gradually darken and change to black as they grow. The zebra’s striped pattern is believed to serve as camouflage, confusing predators like lions, which are colorblind. Zebras have the remarkable ability to sleep standing up due to their locking joints, allowing for quick escape from predators. However, they still require lying down for deep sleep. Additionally, the pattern acts as natural insect repellent and sunscreen. The stripes may also break up the zebra’s outline or affect how light polarizes or reflects off of them. Zebras can also produce odors that help deter flies.