Plains Zebra
Indoor Habitat
As the temperatures drop, the zebras will be spending more time in their warm and cozy barn. Zebras are native to Africa and do not grow thick winter coats like horses or other animals native to colder climates. Zebras can handle weather down to about -10 degrees Celsius and will enjoy brief periods of outdoor play throughout the winter. The zebras will remain in their indoor habitat when temperatures are below -10 degrees Celsius and will have access to their outdoor habitat when temperatures are above - 10 degrees Celsius.
Risks: Hunting for their hide and meat, blocked migration routes, civil wars and predation as they migrate to food and water sources.
Diet: Plains zebra spend two-thirds of their day grazing on a variety of grasses.
Height: 127 to 140 cm with head to body length of 217 to 246 cm.
Weight: Males weigh between 220 to 320 kg and females weigh 175 to 250 kg.
Fun Facts
- Plains zebra can run up to 26 km per hour and have a very powerful kick to help defend themselves from predators, their kick is strong enough to break a lions jaw!
- If a zebra spots a predator, they will let out a sharp two-syllable call to alert all other zebras.
- All zebras have a different stripe pattern similar to fingerprints.
- Zebras live in small, hierarchical family groups, each comprising of a stallion with a harem of mares and their foals.
- A group of zebras is called a dazzle.
About Our Zebras
Misty, Shadow and Mary are the trio of zebras that call the Zoo home. Zebras are native to Africa and do not grow thick winter coats like horses and other animals native to colder climates. Zebras can handle weather down to about -10 degrees Celsius and will enjoy brief periods of outdoor play throughout the winter.
The zebras came to the Saskatoon Zoo following a seizure by conservation officers as part of an investigation under The Captive Wildlife Regulations. As the only CAZA (Canada's Associated Zoos and Aquariums) facility in Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Zoo had the space, skills and expertise to create a safe environment for these animals. The zebras became a permanent part of the Saskatoon Zoo family on March 31, 2024.