Plains Zebra
Equus quaggaGeographic Region: savannahs and open grasslands of central and east Africa
Isn’t it Wild? A zebra foal stands within 12 minutes of birth, walks well by 35 minutes, and runs within an hour.
There’s More to the Story All three species of zebra – the plains zebra, Grevy’s zebra, and mountain zebra – are native to Africa. Scientists don’t have a definitive answer about why zebras have stripes. Maybe the stripes serve to dazzle and confuse predators and biting insects, or to control the animal’s body heat. However, each individual zebra’s stripes are unique – like a human’s fingerprints – so their stripes might have a social purpose, helping zebras to recognize each other.
Details
Height: 4 – 4.5 ft.
Weight: 500 lbs.
Timothy hay, zebra grain, carrots
Least Concern
Fabric of Africa
Exhibit information
Did you know that you can go on safari right here in Rhode Island? View rare and exotic species from far away Africa.
Throughout your adventure, learn how the people, land, and animals of Africa are all interconnected and interdependent while watching zebras, cheetahs, red river hogs, and more in action.
Observe elephants swimming in a waterhole at the Ivory Ella Elephant Yard and Masai giraffes reaching high into the trees for a leafy snack at the Robert F. Stoico / FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation Jambo Junction.
Can’t find the elephants or giraffes? Head into the Textron Elephant & Giraffe Pavilion. Inside you may catch an elephant bath or training session in progress. You can also learn how Roger Williams Park Zoo cares for animals, both here at the Zoo and out in the wild.
