International Zebra Day is observed every year on January 31. With their natural environment diminishing and increasing human development, these gentle animals are in danger. When habitats are threatened, animals, too, become endangered. International Zebra Day is all about raising awareness and what you can do to help in the conservation of this animal. Zebras are mostly found on the African continent, in the semi-desert areas of Kenya and Ethiopia, and the hilly areas of Namibia, Angola, and South Africa. You can easily identify a zebra by its unique black and white stripes.
History of International Zebra Day
International Zebra Day was most likely founded by a consortium of conservation organizations such as the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the Conservation Biology Institute. International Zebra Day aims to help raise awareness about the living conditions of zebras and how their numbers can be protected from further decline.
Presently, three types of zebra can be found in the wild. They are the Grévy’s zebra, plains zebra, and the mountain zebra. Although the Grévy’s zebra, found in the northern regions of Kenya and are extremely rare, they are an endangered variety having suffered a loss of more than 54% of its total population. The loss has occurred rapidly in the last three decades because of zebras being poached for their hides and pelts.
Zebras are found in the African Savannah where their natural habitat has been well preserved and not all zebras are in danger of disappearing. The other two subspecies of zebra are less endangered than the Grevy’s zebra. Plains zebras are thriving and don’t face threats of endangerment. The mountain zebra lives in South Africa, Angola, and Namibia. Along with the dangers of poaching, these zebras are also in danger from locals who might hunt them for meat when the going gets tough. Zebras have been battling many concerns regarding preserving their population.
International Zebra Day timeline
They are depicted in cave rock art in African regions.
Zebras are sent as exotic gifts to establish democratic relationships.
Quaggas, a type of plain-dwelling zebra, become extinct.
It has a population of less than 2,000 mature zebras.
International Zebra Day FAQs
Why is International Zebra Day celebrated?
International Zebra Day is observed on January 31 every year to create awareness about the need to protect zebras.
How many zebras are left in the world?
They are considered endangered, according to National Geographic. There may be some 300,000 left in the wild, and on the Serengeti-Mara Plains, there are an estimated 150,000 plains zebras.
Are zebras endangered?
The Grevy’s zebra is considered endangered on the Red List of Threatened Species. Their population has gone down by about 54% over the past three decades, according to the African Wildlife Foundation.
How to Observe International Zebra Day
Dress up in its colors
Celebrate International Zebra Day in style by dressing up in black and white. If you’re feeling adventurous, wear a zebra print outfit.
Raise awareness
Talk about International Zebra Day on your social media accounts to raise awareness of this day. You can help spread information on their dwindling numbers, the dangers to their habitat, and what we can do to help.
Donate
The best way to observe International Zebra Day is by donating to organizations that ensure the welfare of zebras. You can donate to the World Wildlife Fund, Wildlife Conservation Society, and others.
5 Facts About Zebras That Will Blow Your Mind
They are fast runners
Zebras can run at a speed of 40 miles per hour.
Zebra stripes are unique
What fingerprints are to humans, stripes are to zebras.
Foals grow up quickly
Zebra foals can stand up as early as six minutes after they’ve been born.
They can sleep standing up
However, they can sleep while lying down too.
Zebras live in groups
A group of zebras is called a ‘dazzle.’
Why International Zebra Day is Important
Conserves the zebra population
International Zebra Day is aimed at conserving, persevering, and increasing the zebra population. But a large number of zebras isn’t enough. These celebrations ensure the animal’s well-being.
Our chance to do something
Celebrations like International Zebra Day allow us to do our bit for wildlife conservation. Through awareness programs and donation drives, we can become involved in the conservation of the species.
Protects our future
The planet is for all creatures to inhabit. International Zebra Day helps preserve the zebra population and envisions a future where all creatures can co-exist peacefully, without fighting for resources.
International Zebra Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 31 | Friday |
| 2026 | January 31 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 31 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 31 | Monday |
| 2029 | January 31 | Wednesday |
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