What’s black and white and red all over? A zebra eating strawberry jelly, of course! Zebras are majestic animals that come from Africa, so unless you go to a zoo, you might not ever get to see one! We love zebras, and even though International Zebra Day was January 31, it’s never too late to celebrate these amazing creatures with some zebra facts, a fun coloring page, and some book suggestions! Look below to learn more about zebras and help celebrate these unique and beautiful beasts!
Amazing Facts about Amazing Creatures
A zebra’s black and white stripes are similar to humans’ fingerprints in that no two zebras have the same stripes.
Baby zebras and horses are both known as foals, adult female zebras and horses are known as mares, and adult male zebras and male horses are called stallions.
Zebras are not born with their iconic black stripes. Their stripes are reddish brown and darken to black as they age.
Zebras can be found in several different areas in Africa. Some live in more mountainous areas, while others live in open plains.
There are three different species of zebras: the plains zebra (or Equus quagga if you’re using the scientific name), the Grévy’s zebra (Equus grevyi), and the mountain zebra (Equus zebra).
A group of zebras is called a herd or a zeal.
Within a zebra group, the word “dazzle” describes the motion they create while running in a large group.
Zebras are herbivores, meaning their diets consist of plants, not meat.
Zebra can run up to 45 miles per hour when trying to escape a predator.
Zebras can communicate with each other. Scientists have documented six different vocal sounds made by zebras. Snorts signal contentment, while a two-syllable cry warns the herd of approaching predators. Zebras also communicate through facial expressions. Zebras stretch their faces forward and put their ears forward to meet each other. They push their ears to their skulls when feeling threatened.
Book Picks:
Fiction
Zebras by Julie Murray
Introduces the three kinds of zebra–plains zebras, Grevy’s zebras, and mountain zebras–describing their physical features, habitat, life cycle, and behavior.
Zebra: Habitats, Life Cycles, Food Chains, Threats by Malcolm Penny
Presents information on the physical characteristics, behavior, habitat, and life cycle of zebras, striped horse-like animals that live only in Africa.
A Zebra’s Day by Aubre Andrus
Zebras are one of Africa’s most exciting animals, and in this pre-reader, young readers will learn all about where they live, what they eat, and how they survive in the herd. Perfect for beginning and young readers, National Geographic Pre-readers include simple, expert-vetted text and large, engaging photos on every page. A vocabulary tree at the beginning of the book introduces kids to keywords in concept groups, helping them make connections between words. Plus, a wrap-up activity allows kids to use what they’ve learned while expanding their knowledge of the world.
Zebras by Kate Riggs
A basic exploration of the appearance, behavior, and habitat of zebras, the striped African horses. Also included is a story from folklore explaining how zebras came to have striped fur.
Zebras and Oxpeckers Work Together by Martha E.H. Rustad
Simple text and full-color photographs introduce the symbiotic relationship of zebras and oxpeckers.
Zebras by Kaitlyn Duling
Relevant images match informative text in this introduction to zebras. Intended for students in kindergarten through third grade.
Plains Zebras by Lucia Raatma
This book details the life and habits of plains zebras.
Zebras by Mari Schuh
Learn about zebras, where they live and what they eat.
Non-Fiction
Zebra’s Umbrella by David Hernández Sevillano
With the first drops of rain, Zebra opens his colorful umbrella. He invites Gazelle, Rhinoceros, Elephant and Hare under so they don’t get wet. Lion doesn’t want to get wet either. Will there be room for everyone under the Zebra umbrella?
Zoe the Zebra by Sylviane Gangloff
Zoe the zebra races through the pages of this book, only to have her stripes fall off in the process! When the illustrator suddenly makes an appearance, paintbrush in hand, Zoe gratefully accepts his help. Soon, however, the artist pokes fun at the zebra’s demands, giving her some stripe ‘variations’ that does not make her happy.
Zebra’s Hiccups by David McKee
When Zebra gets the hiccups, all his animal friends have cures to suggest.
The Black and White Factory by Eric Telchin
Panda, Zebra, and Penguin invite the reader to tour a factory where messes, color, and surprises are forbidden. However, an accident occurs, and the reader must help clean it up.
Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham
Moose, terribly eager to play his part in the alphabet book his friend Zebra is putting together, then awfully disappointed when his letter passes, behaves rather badly until Zebra finds a spot for him.
The Zebra who was Sad by Rachel Elliot
Zebra feels sad when his friend Giraffe moves away, but eventually, he is cheered up by playing games with his other friends and receiving a letter from Giraffe.
The Zebra’s Great Escape by Katherine Rundell
Mink doesn’t believe in rules. She loves letting her hair down and getting the most out of life. So when a loose zebra appears in the square where she lives, she finds out that his parents have been captured by the evil Mr. Spit — she’ll do what it takes to make sure the zebra family can run as wild and free as she does.”
– Provided by publisher
Coloring Sheet
