Zebras for Kids： Learn all About Zebras - FreeSchool

Let's learn about zebras. Zebras are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded, are covered in fur, and feed their babies milk. They are closely related to horses and donkeys, but unlike their cousins, zebras are covered in black and white stripes. These stripes are as unique as fingerprints. No two stripe patterns are exactly alike. These stripes probably serve as camouflage, and may make it harder for predators to pick out one zebra to chase. For a long time, people have wondered if zebras are black with white stripes, or white with black stripes. It may seem like a riddle without a good answer, but the fact that most zebras have dark skin underneath their striped pelts leads us to believe that they are black with white stripes. Zebras are herbivores, which means they eat plants. In fact, they eat mostly grass, but will also eat shrubs, twigs, leaves, and bark. They live in large herds for protection, and when there is no more grass to eat in the area, the entire herd travels to find new grazing land. Zebras have excellent hearing and eyesight, and can run at speeds of up to 35 miles or 56 kilometers per hour. They can also deliver powerful kicks from their hooves, which allows them to defend themselves from predators like lions and hyenas. There are three different species of zebras, and they are all native to Africa. For the most part, zebras are abundant, but one of the species is endangered. Hunting by humans for meat and skins, as well as competition with livestock, have dramatically reduced zebras' numbers. Now there's one more thing you may wonder about zebras. If they are so much like horses, why don't people ride them? Well, some people have ridden zebras, but zebras do not make good riding animals like horses do. First of all, zebras are small animals, and their backs are not strong enough to support very much weight. Secondly, zebras are much wilder and more aggressive than horses are. Remember how they defend themselves from lions by kicking them? A zebra's kick is strong enough to break bones or kill, and they will kick anything that they think is a danger to themselves or their herd. Some zookeepers have even said that they would rather take care of the lions than the zebras, because it's less dangerous. I hope you enjoyed learning about zebras today. Goodbye till next time!