Zebras Reading Comprehension Lesson

Stripes, Speed, and Strength

Zebras are a type of wild horse easily recognized by their black and white stripes. Even though all zebras may look the same at first glance, every zebra has a different pattern of stripes — no two zebras are alike, much like human fingerprints. Zebras have excellent eyesight and hearing, and they can run up to 35 miles per hour. They also kick with a powerful force that can injure even lions and hyenas, two of the zebra’s main predators.

There are three species of zebra: the Plains zebra, the Mountain zebra, and the Grévy’s zebra. The Plains zebra is the most common and is found across the grasslands of eastern and southern Africa. Scientists believe that the zebra’s stripes serve several purposes: they may help confuse predators when zebras run in a herd (making it hard to pick out a single animal), they may help regulate body temperature, and they may help zebras recognize each other. The stripes run vertically on the body and horizontally on the legs.

Male zebras are called stallions and females are called mares, just like horses. Young zebras are called foals. Foals can stand and walk within an hour of birth and can run with the herd after just a few hours — a critical survival adaptation on the open savanna where predators are always nearby. The mother and foal bond quickly by smell, sight, and sound so the foal can recognize its mother among the hundreds of other zebras in a herd.

Family Life and Communication

Zebras are nomads, meaning they move from place to place looking for food and water. A typical zebra “family” consists of one stallion (the male leader), several mares, and their foals. The lead stallion defends the family against predators, biting and kicking to protect the females and young. Zebras often gather into larger herds of hundreds or even thousands of animals, especially during seasonal migrations across the Serengeti in Africa.

Zebras communicate with each other in several ways. They make a variety of sounds, including barking, braying, and snorting. They also communicate through their body language — especially the position of their ears. Ears pointing forward mean the zebra is curious or alert. Ears flat against the head signal fear or aggression. Zebras also communicate through the way they look at each other and through physical touch like mutual grooming, where two zebras stand side by side and groom each other’s mane and neck.

Zebras face threats from habitat loss and hunting. Their hides have been prized for clothing and rugs, and in some areas they are hunted for meat. The Grévy’s zebra is now classified as endangered — its population has dropped from about 15,000 in the 1970s to fewer than 2,500 today. Conservation efforts include establishing protected reserves and working with local communities to reduce poaching. Zebras play an important role in the African ecosystem: as grazers, they keep grasses short, which benefits smaller animals and maintains a healthier habitat for all.

Download the Worksheet

Full Members can download the printable PDF worksheet and answer key.

Looking for more reading comprehension worksheets? Browse all reading lessons or become a Full Member to access every printable PDF.