International Zebra Day is celebrated on January 31st each year to raise awareness about the conservation of zebras:
It’s purpose is to encourage people to take action to protect zebras and their habitats, and to prevent their population from declining further
Zebras are native to Africa and are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and poaching. The Grévy’s zebra is the largest and most threatened species.
Did you know:
Every zebra has a different stripe pattern
Just as no two people have the same fingerprint, the same is true with zebras and their stripes – each animal has its own unique stripe pattern!
Although, why these mammals have stripes is still baffling scientists, but there are a few different theories!
Some experts believe it is to stop flies from landing on the creatures, or to help them cool down.
While others think the stripes confuse predators such as lions, and protects the animals by dazzling others and masking their movements in an optical illusion!
Zebras spend most of their day eating!
Zebras are herbivores and feed mostly by grazing on grasses, leaves, shrubs and fallen fruit.
They have strong front teeth and special digestive systems which can breakdown highly fibrous plants, twigs and even bark!
They graze for many hours each day, often spending up to 18 hours daily feeding in the wild!
They also are known to travel hundreds of miles in their herds in search of more food and water.
Find more information on how you can help here.
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