Grevy's zebra

Latin Name
Equus grevyi

Class
Mammals

Order
Perissodactyla

Description

Like all zebras, the Grevy's zebra has a coat consisting of alternating black and white stripes. It's the largest zebra species, with adults standing up to five feet tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 900 pounds. The belly and hindquarters are white, and the animal's mane stands erect from head to shoulders.


 
Range

The Grevy's zebra is native to eastern Africa, where it ranges from Ethiopia to Kenya.


Status

The Grevy's zebra is endangered in the wild due to hunting and habitat loss. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Grevy's Zebra Species Survival Plan®, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.


Habitat

Open grasslands and desert make up the species' habitat. The Grevy's zebra has adapted to dry circumstances, requiring less water than other zebra species.


Niche

Grasses make up the majority of this herbivore's diet, although it will also feed on fruits and bark.


Life History

Grevy's zebras don't live in permanent herds. Instead, they gather in temporary, fluid groups on the savanna. Females can breed year-round and give birth to single calves after a gestation period lasting more than a year. Calves can stand within minutes of birth and run short distances within an hour, a useful adaptation for keeping up with their mothers on the plains.


Special Adaptations

The Grevy's zebra's stripes act as a kind of camouflage, making it difficult for predators to spot them within the grasses and twigs that make up their habitat.


Bonus Content

Baby Zebra Stands on New Legs
See the smallest member of the herd in his first day of life in this video taken behind the scenes at the zoo’s Antelope & Zebra Area.

The zebra colt nestles with mom behind the scenes at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Antelope & Zebra Area.

Small Stripes
Lincoln Park Zoo is happy to welcome a baby colt to the Grevy’s zebra herd! Learn more about little Kito.

 

ARKive Media

ARKive image - Grevy's zebra foalsARKive video - Grevy's zebra overviewARKive image - Grevy's zebra female with foal

ARKive is creating the ultimate multimedia guide to the world's endangered species.
Visit ARKive for thousands more films, photos and fact-files!

Lincoln Park Zoo Exhibit

Antelope & Zebra Area