Anup Shah/Digital Vision/Getty Images
In Swahili, the zebra is called "punda milia," meaning striped donkey. This is an appropriate name, since zebras can be incredibly stubborn and difficult to handle. Anyone considering keeping plains zebras should have prior experience handling other equine species. The only species allowed in captivity outside of a zoo or animal rescue is the plains zebra, or Burchell's zebra. All other species are considered endangered and are not allowed as pets.
Legal Issues
Some jurisdictions are more willing to allow exotic pets than others. Prior to purchasing a zebra, check with your local and state governments to ensure you meet all legal requirements. In California, you must have at least two years' experience handling exotic animals and at least one year handling the exotic animal you wish to keep before approval to own one is granted. In addition, your enclosure must pass inspection and a veterinarian must be allowed to inspect your animals twice a year. In other states, such as Wisconsin or West Virginia, regulations are relatively lax and you don't need the state's permission to house a zebra. Since regulations vary widely from place to place, check with your county animal control authorities.
Appropriate Enclosures
Zebras are highly migratory, traveling in the wild from Tanzania's Serengeti to Kenya, a trip of 1,800 miles, each year. In captivity, you must provide ample space for your zebra to move about and enough mental stimulation to keep him happy. If your zebra becomes bored, he may exhibit unwanted behaviors such as pacing, tail swishing or wringing, biting, kicking, head wrapping or "battle axing," charging or excessive vocalization. Zebras are escape artists and aren't content to just stay put. Your enclosure needs a fence at least eight feet high, and you should inspect it often to ensure it hasn't been damaged.
Vaccinations
Particularly in captivity, zebras can fall victim to the same illnesses as domestic horses. Work closely with an exotic animal veterinarian to ensure your zebra is adequately protected. Typical annual vaccines include tetanus, eastern and western equine encephalomyelitis, equine rhinopneumonitis, West Nile and equine influenza. In some areas, your veterinarian may also recommend a rabies vaccine.
Hay, Hay, Hay
Zebras aren't picky eaters. In the wild, they're adaptable to grazing on all varieties of wild grasses, leaves and even young trees. In captivity, feed your zebra alfalfa or grass hay from your local feed store, or allow your zebra to graze if your grass is of good quality. If feeding commercial hay, ensure you are purchasing hay suitable for equine consumption and not for cattle. You can supplement your zebra's diet with treats such as apples and carrots or alfalfa cubes.
Social Etiquette
Zebras are very social herd animals. In the wild they live in family harems consisting of a stallion, several mares and their offspring. Family groups may remain together for months or even years. If you are considering purchasing a zebra, try to have at least two. Zebras experience emotional distress when kept alone. Keeping more than one zebra will allow them to socialize and groom each other, making for happier and more emotionally stable pets.
No comments:
Post a Comment