People know zebras for their black and white stripes. Their stripes are important because predators such as lions are colourblind and cannot see them easily. Also, when zebras stand in a big group, it is difficult to pick out one zebra to chase. Other predators include cheetahs, wild dogs and hyenas.

Zebras live in large groups called herds. Each herd is made up of smaller family groups. There is one male, several females and young ones in a family group.

Zebras look like horses but they are smaller and lighter. Their bodies may be a bit longer too. They have thick bodies and long, thin legs so they can run fast. However, horses are faster runners than zebras. 

Of course, their most famous feature is their black and white stripes. No two sets of zebra stripes are the same. Every zebra has different stripes. They have short manes that are also black and white. However, it is their hair that is striped. Underneath, their skin is black.

Zebras live to be about 25 years of age. They grow to 3.5-5 feet tall (1 -1.5 metres) and weigh 440 - 990 pounds (200-450 kg).

mane - hair on the neck

Zebras are herbivores. This means they only eat plants. 

They move about looking for fresh grass to eat, although they may also eat young trees and leaves. They spend most of the day eating and chewing their food. 

Zebra mothers have one baby at a time. A zebra baby is called a foal.

Foals are brown and white when they are born. Little by little, the colour changes and when they grow up, they will be black and white.

Foals can stand up 20 minutes after they are born and can run 1 hour after they are born! This is important because they need to move with the herd to find food and water.