Our Zebras

Alabama Safari Park is home to both Grant’s zebras and Grevy’s zebras. Grant’s zebras are the most common and recognizable of the three zebra species. Grevy’s zebras, the largest of the species, weigh up to 990 pounds and have long limbs. Grevy’s and Grant’s zebras are best told apart by stripe pattern, ear size and belly color. Grevy’s zebras are larger with narrow, dense stripes, massive round ears, and a white, unstriped underbelly. Grant's zebras are smaller with wider stripes that meet under the belly and smaller, pointed ears.

Zebras can be found primarily in eastern and southeastern Africa. Grant’s zebras live in groups known as families or harems, which are headed up by a single male, or stallion. Grevy’s zebra stallions are territorial, and mares, or females, enter the territory to mate and give birth. Zebras’ stripes are unique, like a human’s fingerprints, but collectively, their striped coats are believed to act as camouflage. Plains zebras, such as Grant’s zebra, reside in eastern and southern Africa’s treeless grasslands and woodlands. Ethiopia and northern Kenya’s arid grasslands are home to the Grevy's zebra.

Grant’s zebras eat red oat grass, roots, stems and bark. They spend the majority of their day grazing. Grevy’s zebras have a similar diet, but they also eat fruit. Grevy’s zebras require less water than other zebra species.