Zebras are striped members of the horse family (Equidae) native to Africa. These grazing animals stand 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) high at the shoulders and are distinctive because of their striking white and black or dark brown stripes running alternately throughout their bodies. These stripes actually have important survival value for zebras, for when they are in a herd, the stripes tend to blend together in the bright African sunlight, making it hard for a lion or other predator to concentrate on a single individual and bring it down.

The zebra's best defense is flight, and it can outrun most of its enemies. It is thus most comfortable grazing and browsing in groups on the flat open plains and grasslands. Zebras are often seen standing in circles, their tails swishing away flies, each one facing in a different direction, alert for lions or other predators hiding in the tall grass...