International Zebra Day 2025: 7 fascinating facts about the animal, including mystery behind its stripes

International Zebra Day is a reminder to celebrate not only the zebra’s beauty but also its critical role in the ecosystems it inhabits. From their unique stripes and social behavior to their impressive speed and survival adaptations, zebras are fascinating creatures.

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On January 31st each year, the world celebrates International Zebra Day, an occasion to honor one of nature’s most unique and fascinating animals—the zebra. Known for their black and white stripes, zebras have captivated people for centuries, not only for their beauty but also for their intriguing characteristics.

This year, as we celebrate International Zebra Day 2025, let’s take a deeper look at some fascinating facts about zebras, including the mystery behind their iconic stripes.

1. Stripes: Black or White?

The most iconic feature of a zebra is its stripes, but the question of whether zebras are black with white stripes or white with black stripes has puzzled many. Interestingly, the answer is that zebras are typically black with white stripes. This is because the base color of a zebra's coat is black, and the white stripes are a result of a lack of pigmentation in certain areas of the skin. Embryonic development studies show that zebras begin their development with a dark coat, and the stripes emerge as a pattern later on.

2. Every Zebra Has a Unique Pattern

Just like human fingerprints, no two zebras have the same stripe pattern. Each zebra's stripes are unique, making them easily identifiable from one another. Researchers use this individuality to track and study zebras in the wild. The complexity and variation of their stripe patterns are considered essential for their identification, whether in a herd or in scientific research.

3. Stripes May Serve as Camouflage

One of the most widely debated theories about why zebras have stripes is that the pattern helps them camouflage in the wild. The black-and-white stripes may help break up the outline of the zebra’s body, making it harder for predators like lions and hyenas to single them out from a distance. Additionally, when zebras are in a group, the stripes may confuse predators by making it difficult to target a single animal. This effect is known as “motion dazzle.

4. Stripes Might Keep Bugs Away

Another interesting theory is that the zebra’s stripes serve as a natural deterrent to biting insects, such as tsetse flies and horseflies. Studies suggest that the contrasting black and white patterns may confuse these insects, making it harder for them to land on zebras. The stripes could potentially reduce the number of bites, which are not only irritating but can also transmit diseases.

5. Zebras Can Run at Incredible Speeds

Despite their somewhat bulky appearance, zebras are fast runners. They can reach speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour (about 40 miles per hour) when running. This speed is crucial for their survival, especially when evading predators. They can also make sharp turns, which further enhances their ability to escape danger.

6. Zebras Are Social Animals

Zebras are highly social animals, and they live in herds that are typically led by a dominant male. Within these herds, zebras exhibit strong bonds with one another. They communicate using vocalizations, body movements, and facial expressions. Zebras also exhibit mutual grooming behavior, where they scratch each other’s backs with their teeth, helping to remove parasites and build social relationships.

7. Zebras Are Herbivores with a Diverse Diet

Zebras are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of grasses, but they are also known to eat leaves, shrubs, and bark. Their strong teeth are well-adapted to grazing, allowing them to chew through tough grass. In some regions, they will also eat mineral-rich soil to supplement their diet. The grazing patterns of zebras play an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit, as they help maintain the balance between grasses and other vegetation.