If you’re asked what sound zebras make, will you be able to give a good answer? Well, it depends on the kind of sounds that come to mind. Since they closely resemble a horse or a donkey, they should sound the same, right?
If your answer isn’t yes, then you are partly right since zebras can make a few similar sounds as horses, like neighing. This is because zebras belong to the horse family but are different due to their black and white stripes.
In this article, we will take a look at the sounds zebras make and where to see and hear them in the wild.
What Sound Does a Zebra Make?
A zebra makes four main sounds, which are Neigh, Snort, Bark, and Nicker. Others include grunts, groans, squeals, and whistles, and this depends on the situation and mood.
The Four Sounds of a Zebra
Neigh
Zebras make a neighing sound when they are alarmed or scared by a predator. This is an alarm call that is used to warn each other of danger, especially when they are in a herd.
The neigh sounds are similar to those of a horse and sound like “ha-ha” or “hee-hee.”.
Snort
Another sound zebras make is snort. They make this sound when they are nervous or curious about something. This sound is similar to that of a pig.
The snort is a way for zebras to alert each other to something unusual or interesting, such as a new animal or a human.
Nicker
A nicker sound is a low, soft, drawn-out sound that sounds like “hmm” or “mmm” and is similar to the sound that cows make.
Zebras make this sound when they are content or friendly. They use it to show affection and bond with each other, especially between mothers, foals, and mates.
Bark
We will describe this sound as being loud, harsh, and yappy. They make those sounds when they are excited or playful.
Zebras make this sound when encountering other zebras in the herd.
Listen to a Zebra Bark
The video below contains a zebra barking; play the video to hear what they sound like.
That’s it for the four main sounds that zebras make. There is a list of other sounds, such as grunts, groans, squeals, and whistles, depending on the situation and the mood.
Listen to Other Zebra Sounds
The video below contains other zebra sounds; play the video to hear what they sound like.
How to Hear a Zebra in the Wild
If you want to hear a zebra in the wild, you need to go to Africa, where zebras are native and abundant.
There are three main species of zebras: the plains zebra, the mountain zebra, and the Grevy’s zebra. Each species has its own range, habitat, and characteristics, but they all make the same four sounds that we described above.
The plains zebra is the most widespread species of zebra, and it can be found in many countries in eastern and southern Africa, such as Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
These zebra species lives in open savannas and grasslands, where it forms large herds of up to thousands of individuals. They are also the most vocal and noisy species of zebra, and it can be heard from far away, especially during dawn and dusk, when it is most active.
The mountain zebra is the smallest and most endangered species of zebra, and it can be found in two isolated populations in southwestern Africa, one in Namibia and the other in South Africa.
This zebra lives in rugged and rocky mountains and hills, where it forms small herds of up to 30 individuals. The mountain zebra is the most shy and quiet species of zebra, and it can be hard to hear, especially in dense vegetation and steep terrain.
The Grevy’s zebra is the largest and most distinctive species of zebra, and it can be found in a few countries in northeastern Africa, such as Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya.
This zebra lives in arid and semi-arid regions, such as deserts and scrublands, where it forms loose and fluid groups of up to 50 individuals. The Grevy’s zebra is the most solitary and independent species of zebra, and it can be heard occasionally, especially during the rainy season, when it gathers around water sources.
If you want to hear a zebra in the wild, you need to plan your trip carefully and choose the right destination, season, and time of day.
Fun Facts About Zebras
Stripes
Zebras are black with white stripes, not white with black stripes. The stripes help zebras camouflage themselves from predators, regulate their body temperature, and identify each other. Each zebra has a unique pattern of stripes, like a fingerprint.
Speed
Zebras can run up to 65 km/h (40 mph), and they can outsmart and outrun their predators, such as lions, hyenas, and crocodiles. Zebras can also kick, bite, and fight back, and they can cooperate and protect each other as a herd.
Sense
Zebras have excellent eyesight and hearing, and they can see in color and in the dark. Zebras also have a good sense of smell and taste, and they can detect water and salt in their food.
Lifespan
Zebras have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years in the wild and up to 40 years in captivity. Zebras are herbivores, and they can eat up to 10 kg (22 lbs) of grass and other plants per day.
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned what sounds a zebra makes and why they make those sounds. We have also learned some of the places to see and hear a zebra in the wild.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article and that you have learned something new and interesting about zebras. Leave us a comment below if you have any questions.
Hi, I’m Louis Ojibe, and I grew up around wildlife in Africa. I have always been fascinated by animals and nature across the world.
As a child, my parents used to take me to see wild animals like lions, elephants, gorillas, tortoises, and many others at our local zoo.
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