Chapman’s zebra

We’re so very proud of our herd of Chapman’s zebras as they were one of the very first zoo animals to arrive here.

Since that day the herd has grown with several foals born over the years.

Chapman’s zebra are found in eastern and southern Africa, mainly in Zimbabwe. They’re very sociable animals and can often be found in large herds numbering in the tens of thousands. Within these larger groups, smaller family groups can be found containing one male and up to six females.

Zebra questions and answers

What do zebras eat?
They are herbivores so they like nothing better than munching on grasses and shrubs.

How long do zebras live?
Zebras can live up to 20 years in the wild and up to almost 40 years in zoos.

How do zebras always look so clean?
They have a neat little trick, they like to roll around in the dust and rub their body and head against trees and rocks to help maintain their coats.

Why do zebras have stripes?
One idea is that it helps them hide from predators. When they’re in a large herd it is difficult for the hunter to make out one zebra’s outline from another.

How long is a zebra pregnant for?
The gestation period, or length of pregnancy, of a zebra is 12 months. The newly born foal is kept away from other zebras for several days until the mother is happy it will always recognise her by her look, sound and smell.

thoughtful zebra
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Adopt a zebra

Treat someone to a gift as unique as they are. Each adoption purchase helps raise funds for conservation too!

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Breeding Programmes

We love baby animals, and you love coming to see them. But for us it's about more than just the ahh factor

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Folly Farm's Giraffe Heights
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Giraffe herd

Here come the boys...Check out our tallest residents on the zoo and learn all about our bachelor herd

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Zoo Membership

We're proud to be members of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Our membership means we share knowledge with leading zoos across the UK and Europe, and we learn from them too.