Watch the World's Rarest Zebra Discovery

When I picture a zebra, I imagine the classic black-and-white striped coat. However, this zebra defies all expectations. In the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, the birth of a unique zebra has caught the attention of the media. Read further to learn why this young foal was born looking very different from the rest of the herd.

“World’s Rarest Zebra”, Source: “YouTube”, Uploaded: “Animals Around the Globe”

Tira – The White polka Dotted Zebra

In September 2019, a unique plains zebra (Equus quagga) foal with a unique coloration was born in the Masai Mara National Park. This zebra was the first in the park to be born with such unique coloration. However in Botswanas Okavango Delta, similar foals have been seen. The white polka dotted zebra has a rare genetic mutation called pseudomelanism. This mutation presents a mostly black coat with white spots. This pigment is so uncommon that it has earned her the title of the rarest zebra in the world.

A Meaningful Name

The name Tira was given to her by the locals. The means ‘small village’ in Hebrew. They chose this name because she stands out among the other zebras in the Masai Mara, as would a small village in the vast savannah.

Since her birth, Tira has been fitting in well amongst the herd of Zebra. Although she is different the herd has not ostricised her.

YouTube video — “The Return of Tira, The spotted Zebra”, source: “Youtube”, uploaded: “Hassanein”

Characteristics of Zebra

Coat: Zebras are black with white stripes. Although this is commonly debated, several pices of evidence confirm that they are black with white stripes. Analysis of their embryos and genetic information confirm that zerbras start out with black skin and develop white strpes later in the embryonic stage.

Social Animals: Zebras are social animals. They move in herds for protection against predators. Their family units consist of one stallion, several mares and their young. Multiple family units may join together to form larger herds. This commonly occurs during migrations.

Herbivorous Diet: They feed primarily on grasses, leaves and other plant materials.

Excellent Vision: Zebras have large eyes on the sides of their heads. This provides them with a wide field of view suitable for spotting predators.

Strong Hearing: Zebras possess acute hearing, which is crucial for detecting the sounds of potential threats.