Grevy's Zebra

Did you know?
the Grevy's zebra is the largest of the three zebra species -the Gevy's zebra forms loose territorial groups in comparison to the tight harem groups of the other zebras -the Grevy's zebra lives in dry grassland and even in semi-deserts -the Grevy's zebra is highly threatened in the wild with less than 3'000 animals surviving -the Grevy's zebra has been excessively hunted in the past for their hide

Photo Copyright by
Colin Burnett

Why do zoos keep this animal

The Grevy's zebra is one of the most threatened equids in the wild and has undergone one of the most dramatic reductions in its range of distribution of all African mammals. Today the species is restricted to northern Kenya and parts of Ethiopia, with less than 3'000 animals surviving in the wild. Most of these animals live outside protected reserves, where illegal hunting and competition with domestic livestock are the main threats for their survival. Ex situ breeding is imperative to guarantee a safe genetic reservoir for the constantly dwindling wild population of the Grevy's zebra. In 1977 an International Studbook was set up under the auspices of WAZA, and as of today AZA, EAZA and JAZA operate conservation breeding programmes at the regional level.

How this animal should be kept

Grevy's zebras should be kept in social groups of one adult male and several females with their offspring. In view of the territorial nature of the species, adult males should only be allowed access to the females for breeding purposes and should otherwise be kept in a separate enclosure. Grevy's zebras can also be kept in bachelor groups, although aggressive behaviour with the need to separate individual animals is not uncommon.

An outdoor enclosure of at least 800 m² is required for up to five adult animals, with a further 80 m² for each additional adult. A separate exhibit, ideally adjoining the main enclosure, is needed for the territorial male. An indoor facility with a temperature of at least 10°C is needed in temperate and cold climatic zones. Indoor facilities should be designed either as a common stable of 20 m² for the first two adult animals, which has to be enlarged by 2 m² for each additional adult, or as individual boxes of 8 m² each in size, if the animals are individually stabled.

A fencing of approximately 1.6 m in height or suitably sized water moats or dry moats are needed to demarcate the outdoor enclosure. The enclosure should be well structured. Frequently used areas, e.g. at the entrance to the stables or near feeding sites, should be paved to allow for sufficient abrasion of the hooves. The soil should be well drained. Sandy patches are essential to allow for wallowing. An easily accessible shelter of sufficient size should be given to provide protection from weather extremes. The indoor stables should have a firm substrate, which can be easily cleaned. Straw should be used as a bedding material.

Grevy's zebras are grazers. They should be fed on a diet consisting of grass and hay, supplemented by horse pellets, carrots and fresh branches.

Husbandry guidelines for African equids including the Grevy's zebra have been produced by the EAZA Equid TAG and are available on the EAZA website.