Zebras, with their unique black and white stripes, are among Africa’s most recognizable animals. These members of the horse family roam diverse landscapes across the continent. While their appearance is well-known, their physical dimensions often spark curiosity. Understanding their typical size, variations among species, and growth stages provides a fuller picture of these remarkable animals.
Typical Dimensions of Zebras
An adult zebra has a sturdy, horse-like build. Zebras stand between 43 and 62 inches (110–160 cm) at the shoulder. Their body length, from head to the base of the tail, ranges from 82 to 118 inches (210–300 cm). The tail can add 15 to 24 inches (40–60 cm) to their overall length.
These animals have a weight range of 390 to 990 pounds (180–450 kg). This broad range reflects differences between individual animals and across the various zebra species. Zebras are built for speed and long-distance travel, traits reflected in their powerful physique.
Size Variations Among Species
Zebra size is not uniform across all species, with three main types displaying distinct average dimensions.
Grevy’s Zebra
Grevy’s zebra is the largest, standing 4.1 to 5.25 feet (1.24–1.6 meters) at the shoulder and weighing between 776 and 992 pounds (350–450 kg). They are characterized by narrower stripes compared to other species.
Mountain Zebra
The mountain zebra is slightly smaller, measuring about 3.8 to 4.8 feet (1.16–1.45 meters) at the shoulder and weighing between 450 and 948 pounds (200–430 kg). They often have a grid-like pattern of stripes on their rump.
Plains Zebra
The plains zebra is the smallest of the three species, with a shoulder height ranging from 3.6 to 4.8 feet (1.1–1.5 meters) and a weight of 386 to 849 pounds (175–400 kg). Plains zebras are known for their wide, widely spaced stripes, which can include lighter “shadow stripes” between the main black stripes in some populations.
From Foal to Full Size
A zebra foal is well-developed at birth, weighing around 70 pounds (32 kg). These newborns are born with their distinctive stripes. Within minutes of birth, a foal can stand, and within an hour, it can walk and run, an ability important for survival against predators.
Foals nurse from their mothers for an extended period, being fully weaned between 7 and 11 months of age. They begin to graze on grass as early as one week old, learning about suitable forage by observing their mothers. While they become independent around one year of age, young zebras may remain with their family herd for up to four years. Zebras reach sexual maturity between 16 and 22 months, though males may not breed until 5-6 years of age.