What Is A Baby Zebra Called？

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A baby zebra is indeed called a foal. Foals are born with their characteristic stripes, although they may appear brownish at first. As the foal grows and matures, the stripes become darker and more distinct, eventually turning black.

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A baby zebra is called a foal. Foals are born with their stripes, but their stripes are brown. As they age their stripes get darker.

Answered from laura freeman

 

You likely know that a baby horse is called a foal. But what is a baby zebra known as? Read on for an in-depth look at how zebras grow from newborns to adults.

What are some general names for baby zebras?

Like horses, baby zebras are called foals. Here are some more details:

  • A newborn male foal is called a colt.
  • A newborn female foal is referred to as a filly.
  • Once they reach one year old, male foals are known as colts and females are called fillies until they turn four years old.
  • When a female zebra turns four, she becomes known as a mare.
  • At age five, a male zebra graduates from a colt to a stallion.

So in summary:

  • Newborn to 1 year old: colt (male), filly (female)
  • 1 to 4 years old: colt (male), filly (female)
  • 4+ years old: stallion (male), mare (female)

The terms foal, colt, and filly can be used for offspring of both horses and zebras.

When are zebra foals born?

Zebras usually give birth at night or in the early morning when predators are less active. This helps keep the newborn foals safe.

The gestation period for zebras is 12-14 months, so they only mate every other year. Zebras typically have one foal at a time. Twins are possible but not common.

Newborn zebra foals weigh 55 to 88 pounds at birth. They will grow rapidly, gaining 200 pounds in their first year.

What do newborn zebra foals look like?

One of the most amazing things about zebra foals is that they are born with their distinctive black and white stripes! Here are some more newborn characteristics:

  • At birth, the stripes are brown and black. They darken as the foal matures.
  • A foal has a mane along its neck and a small mohawk on its forehead.
  • Foals have long legs with black hooves. Their legs are slimmer than an adults.
  • Their coat is soft and fuzzy.
  • Ears are upright and about half the length they will be when full grown.
  • Eyes are large and brown with long lashes. Their eyesight improves over the first few weeks.

While adorable, newborn foals also look a bit gangly and spindly as their limbs are disproportionate for their body. But they grow rapidly and fill out.

When can a newborn foal stand and walk?

Foals enter the world with very strong instincts. They start trying to stand almost immediately after birth. Most foals will stand and walk within 30 minutes of delivery.

At first, their legs are shaky and they walk unsteadily. But their leg strength and coordination improves quickly. They can trot and run just hours after birth. This helps them escape any nearby predators.

What about nursing and eating solid food?

Foals learn to nurse from their mothers very quickly after birth. The nutrient-rich milk provides antibodies to protect the foal from diseases.

For the first 2-3 weeks, nursing is the foal's only source of nutrition. After that, they will begin nibbling on grass alongside their mother. But nursing continues for 6-12 months as they need the extra nutrition while growing rapidly.

Zebras are weaned between 6 and 12 months old. At that point, they rely entirely on grazing for their nutritional needs.

How do zebra families interact?

Zebras have interesting family dynamics. Let's look at some of their social behaviors:

  • Zebras live in family groups consisting of a stallion, several mares, and their collective foals. This is called a harem.
  • The stallion works hard to protect and watch over his harem from predators.
  • Mother zebras are very protective of their foals, keeping them close for safety.
  • Foals will play together in nursery groups under the watch of the mares while the stallion stands guard.
  • Young adolescent male zebras leave the family harem at 2-3 years old to join groups of other bachelors.
  • When mature enough, the bachelor males will challenge an established harem stallion for control of his mares.

What threats do zebra foals face?

Despite the protection from their mothers and other herd members, young zebras still face many dangers in the wild:

  • Predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, African wild dogs, and crocodiles prey on vulnerable foals.
  • Poaching also threatens foal survival. Zebra skins and meat are illegally traded.
  • Drought and lack of food and water takes a toll on nursing foals.
  • Diseases contracted from ticks, flies, and contaminated water can be fatal.
  • Human encroachment on zebra habitats impacts resources needed for foal development.

To reach adulthood, zebra foals must overcome many environmental hurdles. But with proper parental care and some luck, most endure and thrive.

How long do zebras live?

In the wild, zebra lifespans are:

  • Foals: 0-1 years old
  • Adolescents: 1-3 years old
  • Adults: Typically 15-25 years

Captive zebras tend to have longer life expectancies of 25-30 years since they don't face the same environmental threats and have regular veterinary care.

The zebra's lifespan is similar to its close relative, the horse. Proper care allows them to live healthy lives into their 20s whether in the wilderness or in protected conservation areas.

Why do zebras have stripes?

One question that often arises is why zebras evolved their iconic black and white striped coat pattern. Here are some of the leading theories:

  • Camouflage – The stripes may help zebras blend into tall grasses and avoid predators.
  • Temperature regulation – Stripes may help dissipate heat since dark and light colors absorb different levels of light.
  • Insect deterrent – Stripes may discourage biting flies and other parasites.
  • Social function – Stripes are unique as fingerprints, helping identify individual zebras.
  • Evolution – Stripes may have developed over time as an adaptive advantage for zebra survival.

While the exact purpose is still debated, most researchers believe the stripes serve multiple functions for zebra wellbeing and reproduction.

Are there other interesting facts about zebra foals?

Zebras certainly are fascinating animals. Here are a few more interesting tidbits about zebra foals specifically:

  • Within just one hour of birth, a foal can run faster than a human.
  • Foals imprint on their mothers during the first few days and will follow very closely behind her.
  • While nursing, a foal will press against its mother's side and she will position herself so the foal can easily reach the milk.
  • Foals take naps laying down on the ground, but adults rarely do.
  • When foals play, they will often pretend to bite or kick each other as practice for self-defense.
  • If a foal gets separated from its mother, it will whinny loudly until she returns or it learns her location.
  • Foals like to sneak up and surprise their mothers to play or just for fun.

Do zebras make good pets?

Due to their wild natures, zebras are not well-suited as pets. While foals may seem cute and cuddly, they grow up to be powerful, stubborn, and aggressive adults. Even professionally trained zebras are known to attack humans unpredictably. It is best to appreciate zebras at a distance in their natural habitats or conservation preserves. Leave zebra ownership to the zoo professionals!

Conclusion

While zebra foals may resemble cute, striped horses, they are actually unique wildlife meant to roam free. As they grow from wobbly newborns into strong adults, zebras are fascinating to observe in the wild. Hopefully this guide gave you a deeper understanding of how baby zebras mature and interact within their natural environments. Next time you see photos or videos of zebras, you'll have a new appreciation for their behaviors and family bonds.

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