As in so many things in nature, we can see God's artistic hand in the coat of the zebra. Like fingerprints, each zebra has its own distinctive pattern of black and white stripes.
The pattern of their coats serve as camouflage and helps to hide them from potential attackers, The pattern seems to shift and move when a zebra runs, making it difficult for the pursuer to keep track of its prey as it blends with the natural light and shadows of their surroundings.
The Zebra's Coat
That gorgeous coat has attracted a different predator. Sadly, these beautiful creatures are hunted for their skins. Although the plain, common zebra is plentiful in our world, the larger Grévy's zebra and the mountain zebra are endangered and that is partly due to being hunted by man.
I simply cannot help but wonder why. With so many gorgeous faux furs available, why must man continue to kill the magnificent beast that walks with such gentle beauty and runs with such enviable dexterity. A true natural beauty to behold, whether walking, running or just standing still, and we should treasure them as a rare gift.
Facts About Zebra
Zebras usually live in small herds, or families. There is one dominate male Zebra, or stallion, and several mares with their foals. It won't surprise you to hear that Zebra herds are often referred to as "harems."
Once the male foals reach maturity, they leave their family in order to start their own herd. They acquire mares for their own herds by fighting other males for access to the females. And thus, the circle of life begins again.
Zebras can live up to 40 years and they reach maturity at 3 years of age. A full grown common male zebra can weigh up to 750 lbs and stands approximately 8 1/2 feet tall. One really cool fact, is that Zebras sleep standing up. I'm not sure why that intrigues me so much, I just think it is really cool.
Zebras live in Africa and while we often see them photographed grazing in grasslands, they are in fact, not scientifically defined as grazers. They are actually known as "browsers", a much less commonly known term for animals who eat a variety of leaves, berries, buds, fruits and even bark from trees or shrubs.
Status of The Zebra Today
At the time of the publishing this article, the Grévy's zebra and the mountain zebra are both listed on the US Fish & Wildlife Services Endangered Species List.
More About Zebras
It is important to teach our children about animals. The endangered animals survival will depend on the generations following us and their understanding of the importance of preservation of life.
Zebras (African Animals)Check PriceFascinating Zebras! (Fun picture book for Ages 3-6) (Fascinating Animals!)Check Price
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All Photos are by Sylvestermouse
Zebra Binder ~ Zebra Binder by Sylvestermouse
Zebra Card~ Zebra Card by Sylvestermouse
Zebra Photo Available on additional Items: Zebra Items by Sylvestermouse
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Zebra Binder ~ Zebra Binder by Sylvestermouse
Zebra Card~ Zebra Card by Sylvestermouse
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