Wild zebras graze on the grassy plains of Africa. They group together in both small or large bands, usually on the open plains, but some prefer the rough mountain areas. When the grass is fresh and tall, they eat only the tops. However, if food begins to get scarce, they will nibble lower on the grass stems. Eventually they move to a new location, but each band waits for its strong stallion leader to give the signal before moving on.
Most adult zebras are four to five feet high at the shoulders and weigh around five hundred pounds. They may live twenty-five years or more. They are members of the horse family and live very peacefully when with them. However, the different species do not mix in breeding.
Snouts, ears and tips of tails are usually plain black. On some the tail reaches almost to the ground, but on others it may reach only as low as the knees.
Zebras have parallel black and white stripes arranged in exact designs. On some species the colors are more a combination of brown and yellow. Each animal’s stripes are distinctive, although they all may appear the same. On some the stripes cover the animal’s complete body, including head, neck, back, stomach and legs, but there are some species with plain white stomachs; also, the legs of some have ring-like stripes all the way down to the hooves, while on others these are just half-circles and the insides of the legs have no stripes.
The Creator has provided these animals with special characteristics to help them survive in their often-threatening environment. Besides their stripes that are a camouflage to hide them from their enemies, they have excellent sight, keen hearing and a sensitive sense of smell that quickly detects an approaching enemy. Their reaction to such a threat is interesting. When their sense of smell alerts them a lion is dangerously near, they immediately form a tight circle, with their heads facing in and strong, sharp-hoofed legs facing out, kicking out as the enemy gets near. The lion, sensing the danger of a hard kick from one of those hooves, wastes no time in leaving.
A Bible verse warns us that we have an enemy threatening us: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:88Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8)). But verse 10 tells those whose faith is in the Saviour to resist that enemy by faith in “the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus.” Do you know Him as your Saviour?
ML-09/17/2006