How to Rear a Zebra

People rear zebras for many reasons. Some foster the striped creatures for zoos, and some breed endangered types of the species, such as Grevy's zebra and certain subspecies of mountain zebras, to save the animals from extinction. Still others raise and train zebras for circuses, and some people even experiment with crossbreeding to create zebra hybrids. Whatever the reason, it takes strong fencing and plenty of space to rear a zebra.

Things You'll Need

  • Appropriate licenses and permits
  • Fenced pasture
  • Strongly-constructed shelter
  • Straw
  • Grass
  • Hay
  • Supplementary foods
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain the proper licenses and permits that legally will allow you to raise your preferred species of zebra. Even zebra hybrids may require special permits, so check with your local wildlife organizations to determine the requirements where you live.

    • 2

      Try to get a zebra foal between 4 and 9 months old. By this time, young equines are beginning to be ready to switch from a diet of mother's milk to adult feeds like grass and hay.

    • 3

      Make sure you have a large pasture where your zebra can graze and exercise. The area should be at least 15 feet by 30 feet for an individual zebra and larger if you plan to rear more than one.

    • 4

      Fence in your pasture using high-tensile wire or wire mesh. The fence should be strong and at least 6 feet high if your zebra is female and 8 feet high if you are raising a male.

    • 5

      Build a shelter for your zebra, such as a stable or barn. The shelter should be strong enough to withstand weather, with a rubberized or rough concrete floor to minimize slipping. Straw makes a warm bedding material, but the building itself should be heated as well, because zebras do not do well in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You may want to build separate stalls if you plan to raise more than one zebra, especially if your animals will be a mix of males and females. Make sure the shelter can be locked.

    • 6

      Feed your zebra grass and hay, allowing it to graze often and freely in its pasture and supplementing its diet with commercial horse feed. Give your zebra an occasional salt lick, both as a treat and as a mineral supplement. Provide it with plenty of fresh, clean water.

    • 7

      Plan for the future. Like other equine species, zebras have long lifespans. They can live up to 30 years, so if you are raising one as a pet, make plans in the event that you are unable to care for it throughout its life.