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This Baby Zebra Was Born With Spots Instead Of Stripes
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This Baby Zebra Was Born With Spots Instead Of Stripes

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Call the doctor, we’re in love. What’s more awesome than a horse? A zebra. And what’s cuter than a zebra? A baby zebra. Do you know what’s even cuter? A baby zebra with spots instead of stripes!

A rare polka dot baby zebra was spotted (pun intended) in Kenya, and the internet is going wild. The animal has already captured many a heart (ours included), and photos of the adorable creature have gone viral. What’s more, we might finally put to bed the age-old question of whether zebras are white with black stripes or black with white stripes.

Photographers captured pictures of an adorable polka dot zebra in Kenya

Image credits: Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association

Image credits: catersnews

Image credits: catersnews

The unusual zebra was seen in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, where photographers Rahul Sachdev and Antony Tira, who is also a tour guide, snapped some photos of it. 

Parmale Lemein, a wildlife specialist from the Matira Bush Camp, told the Daily Nation that this was the first such case of a polka dot zebra at the Mara Reserve. It’s most likely that the baby zebra has melanism, which is the opposite of albinism. However, he had some sad news: no similar zebras have survived past six months with such a condition in African parks.

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Pictures of the baby zebra went viral online

Image credits: catersnews

Image credits: catersnews

Image credits: catersnews

According to some scientists, zebra stripes form when there’s an inhibition in melanin production, meaning that the animal is most likely black with white stripes and not the opposite.

But zebra stripes aren’t just for show. Live Science argues that they help the animals stay cool in the African heat. There are also theories that stripes help zebras hide from potential predators, and also help them avoid getting bitten by flies that are known to transmit diseases.

You can see the video of the beautiful baby zebra here

Image credits: Caters Clips

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Dear Pandas, what do you think of the polka dot zebra? Do you think that zebras are white with black stripes or black with white stripes like some scientists argue? Let us know in the comments below.

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The internet was instantly in love

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Jonas Grinevičius

Jonas Grinevičius

Writer, BoredPanda staff

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Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

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Jonas Grinevičius

Jonas Grinevičius

Writer, BoredPanda staff

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

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I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

Read less »

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

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wh4ok avatar
Jon S.
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(Going to tell this story again, like I did on the last picture of zebras). Once in Iran a man asked me if I had seen Iran's famous white Zebras - pure white Zebras without the stripes. I said I never heard of them would love to see them....He took me to see some white donkeys.

cstinley avatar
Dr.Scott
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

During grad school I was studying elk herds in the Rockies and we would go out before daylight to place cameras. For the ones we set higher in the trees, we would use climbing treestands. One morning I was hiking into a place carrying my camera and stand and kept hearing something following me. Where I was you're thinking mountain lion so I had already accepted my fate. The weird thing was, every time I stopped, the thing following me would stop (every 50 yards or so I would stop). I made it to the tree I was to climb to mount a camera and take my treestand off my back. Turns out the 30 ft pull up rope I had attached to my stand had come undone and was dragging behind me.

Load More Replies...
sokching77 avatar
Desiré Yen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awww can't scientist's come up with a miracle cure to extend its life 🤔❤️

ajones_1 avatar
A Jones
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really cool pattern. At first I thought that madam Zebra had made friends with a certain Okapi until I read the article.

debrinablackmoon avatar
debrina blackmoon
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

no, because an okapi is a giraffe relative-i had to Google about that...didn't say it could breed with a zebra

Load More Replies...
sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The spotted looks like those beautiful African tribe makeup, so cute!!

jonvintage85 avatar
Cactuar Jon
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That zebra mum's got a lot of explaining to do to the dad lol Kinda looks half baby Tapir :O

debrinablackmoon avatar
debrina blackmoon
Community Member
5 years ago

well they are related to horses but also rhinos

Load More Replies...
3142322 avatar
Living_Shadow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's gorgeous, but it stands out, making it an easy target for predators :(

khadijamoeen07 avatar
CookieNeerrrrd
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im in school, really bored, and this is really beautiful and made my day! Thanks!!!

hopecady avatar
Hope Cady
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oml, this animal is the most adorable thing I've ever seen, and if anything happens to it I will cry

autumnwalton avatar
Autumn Walton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

catch it and take it to a place where it can't be hunted pls!! it's too beautiful and cute to die!!

antonicabre avatar
TC
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see a crazy safari tourist hunter coming around soon... The zebra should be kept away and, who knows, perhaps we could breed a newsubspecies.

pugpug avatar
Pug Pug
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maury Povich - "you are not the father!!!!" .... Daddy Zebra - "I knew it, how could you!?" ... Mommy Zebra - "I'm so sorry, it was one time with Chester" ... Chester Cheetah - "It ain't easy bein' cheaty"

d_pitbull avatar
D. Pitbull
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

New comment as I have a question for any other biologists and/or science types out there. A Professor (so no, not a highschool or elementary school teacher... post-secondary education) recounted a story once wherein he had been out on some research trip and was wearing night vision goggles so he could observe some of the wildlife. He swore he was essentially alone with maybe on or two animals far-ish off in the distance, but then he felt something BUMP him... and it freaked him out so he (I can't remember the order) took pictures around himself - just in case he could catch the bumper - and then took off the goggles... and he found himself SURROUNDED by Zebras. He claimed something about the alternating pattern of their hides made them essentially 'invisible' to night vision??? (no, it was also not April 1 when he told us this)

cstinley avatar
Dr.Scott
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would say he just wasn’t paying attention. Zebras wouldn’t be invisible to NV anymore than a giraffe or lion. It would make more sense if their stripes were for camouflage (ex to hide from nocturnal predators), but they aren’t. Anyone else feel free to chime in as zebra aren’t in my area of expertise (mine is cervids), but I just don’t see any credence in the claim.

Load More Replies...
d_pitbull avatar
D. Pitbull
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be interested to know what exactly it is that causes the shortened lifespan (other than something than predation)? What link does the hyper pigmentation have to the biological health of the animal?

cstinley avatar
Dr.Scott
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As I said in my first comment to you, zebra stripes do more for propelling biting bugs than camouflage, so one theory could be they are less likely to repel bugs that carry equine influenza. Another theory would be they are more of a target for predators. Like I said, I’m a deer biologist primarily, so I don’t know that for sure. I have observed melanistic whitetail in the Edwards Plateau Eco Region and at least in their case, there is no higher mortality rate. Actually, in the EPER I mentioned before the abnormal production of melanin can be seen as an advantage as it hides them better from predators. Anyway, there is no physical difference between mammals with or without this mutation. So in my opinion, it just boils down to disadvantages in the forms I mentioned.

Load More Replies...
emiamohler avatar
SirPatTheCat
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder why that happened? It looks a lot like drawings of the horses’ ancestors, I wonder if that has something to do with it?

davidanderson_3 avatar
David Anderson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

USA Verified Stripe Account It cost you High for the first time. But, You will understand later how you will get the benefit of these kinds of Stripe Account. In a word, We will do a complete solution of Stripe Account & bank. You can get Just a Stripe Account at a Cheap Rate But Mind My Word Carefully, If You are looking for a Stripe verified account for long term business, You must Need a Real company setup Stripe account. Otherwise, Fake Stripe can face Verification & even your money can be locked in Stripe. So, Be careful before buying a stripe at a small-Price. https://realstripe.com/

ishem86 avatar
Natalie Fisher
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I worked on a farm I was amazed that Holstein cow when shaved for c-section have white skin under black hair and black skin under white hair. I think the zebra could be the same. So where the baby zebra had white spots is black skin. So the fur is a white strip on black fur but the skin color is the opposite. Very confusing

reddreadlocks1949 avatar
Deborah Akerson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome lil foal.....I hope no harm comes to him and grows to adulthood and makes more babies like him! Beautiful animal!

paulapozo83 avatar
Paula D Pozo
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the Zebra mated with that other Antelope/Deer like creatcher with long horns.

inservioletum avatar
Inservio Letum
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know I've seen that pattern before, but I can't for the life of me remember in what species. A deer perhaps?

naimaivansdttir avatar
Naima Ivansdóttir
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i'm italian, one of our all-time most popular female singers (Mina) hit the charts back in the '60s with what would soon be proving into an evergreen smash hit, "una zebra a pois" (polka-dot zebra). so the news of this spotted baby zebra was no big deal in italy ;D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6njmjJhCXdo

jake1088 avatar
Jacob Johnston
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Zebras are technically black with white stripes, because their skin is black in color.

trish_12 avatar
Trish Voelkel
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(sorry if this is a dupe but can't find my original). His markings remind me a little of the Chital. I wonder is this is a case of inter-species matings? (rather than a reverse albinoism as someone suggested) I tried to post a picture but it wouldn't let me.

cstinley avatar
Dr.Scott
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. It’s from abnormal production of melanin. Changes in the coat color of mammals are (at least believed to be) mutations in the melanicortin 1 receptor gene. The mutated gene that causes melanism is recessive, just like the albinism. So technically it isn’t even “reverse albinism.”

Load More Replies...
trish_12 avatar
Trish Voelkel
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is an African animal called the Chital that looks surprisingly like this baby zebra (except for the stripes on the leg) Could this have been an inter-species match up? chital-5d8...b460b3.jpg chital-5d86999b460b3.jpg

melayahm avatar
Caroline Driver
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's hope they protect it, from hunters or predators. Then perhaps we can see if it's heritable

sharronlparsons avatar
sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very sweet, I do hope it lives to adult hood,as they said it may not !!!

mcjmoran avatar
Mark CM
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Leopards can't change their spots but zebras can change their stripes ... apparently.

firstbk50 avatar
Carol Roeder
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So beautiful. Thank you so much for taking those wonderful pictures and sharing them with us!

hederahelix88 avatar
Tiffiny Seemann
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This solves everything. Zebras are black with white stripes. Or in this case... spots.

arcstrait avatar
Robert Sumner
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm thinking the babe has cervid genes. Look at its eyes in bottom photo -- such a deer!

carlosadalbertotonelle avatar
Carlos Adalberto Tonelle
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

well.. that answer my question! They're browns with white stripes, not the other way around

facebook_radek avatar
Radek Suski
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess its parents didn't mated in front of the branches 😂

lovelyotheremail avatar
Laura Elizabeth
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope it is protected for a hole trophy hunters whose eggplants arent big enough to satisfy them or anyone else. Let this sweetie live.

lieutenantbaconwaffles avatar
Lieutenant BaconWaffles
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A new Zebroid species is born. There's an extinct species of Zebra called the Quagga that also looked very different.

cyvonnel avatar
Candice Lewis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess we finally know that it's black with white stripes (or spots) rather than white with black stripes.

andersonbrandino19 avatar
Anderson B. da Silva
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the emergence of a new species if Darwin and Lamarck were here to see they would be proud of what nature has just created and are likely to spread the genes to the next generation.

mravenecnix avatar
Václav Blumentrit
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even white zebra stripes are melting down. Any more proofs of climate change?

joebloe_1 avatar
Joe Bloe
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The worst possible thing for this creature is international awareness of its existence. Now its life is in great danger from poachers. God help this innocent, beautiful creature. Save it from us.

jmchoto avatar
monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe the beginning of a new kind of zebra. There used to be one called quagga in South Africa that was hunted to extinction (by European settlers). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quagga

Load More Replies...
glowworm2 avatar
glowworm2
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is a really pretty little zebra.I hope he lives long enough for us to see what he looks like when he's all grown up. I bet he'd be gorgeous!

boobearpossum avatar
Brodie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah I was thinking... that baby ain’t gonna last long

mravenecnix avatar
Václav Blumentrit
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Even white zebra stripe are melting down. Any more proofs of climate change?

asibassey avatar
Asi Bassey
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I have just one question, "who's your daddy?"

wh4ok avatar
Jon S.
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(Going to tell this story again, like I did on the last picture of zebras). Once in Iran a man asked me if I had seen Iran's famous white Zebras - pure white Zebras without the stripes. I said I never heard of them would love to see them....He took me to see some white donkeys.

cstinley avatar
Dr.Scott
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

During grad school I was studying elk herds in the Rockies and we would go out before daylight to place cameras. For the ones we set higher in the trees, we would use climbing treestands. One morning I was hiking into a place carrying my camera and stand and kept hearing something following me. Where I was you're thinking mountain lion so I had already accepted my fate. The weird thing was, every time I stopped, the thing following me would stop (every 50 yards or so I would stop). I made it to the tree I was to climb to mount a camera and take my treestand off my back. Turns out the 30 ft pull up rope I had attached to my stand had come undone and was dragging behind me.

Load More Replies...
sokching77 avatar
Desiré Yen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awww can't scientist's come up with a miracle cure to extend its life 🤔❤️

ajones_1 avatar
A Jones
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really cool pattern. At first I thought that madam Zebra had made friends with a certain Okapi until I read the article.

debrinablackmoon avatar
debrina blackmoon
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

no, because an okapi is a giraffe relative-i had to Google about that...didn't say it could breed with a zebra

Load More Replies...
sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The spotted looks like those beautiful African tribe makeup, so cute!!

jonvintage85 avatar
Cactuar Jon
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That zebra mum's got a lot of explaining to do to the dad lol Kinda looks half baby Tapir :O

debrinablackmoon avatar
debrina blackmoon
Community Member
5 years ago

well they are related to horses but also rhinos

Load More Replies...
3142322 avatar
Living_Shadow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's gorgeous, but it stands out, making it an easy target for predators :(

khadijamoeen07 avatar
CookieNeerrrrd
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im in school, really bored, and this is really beautiful and made my day! Thanks!!!

hopecady avatar
Hope Cady
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oml, this animal is the most adorable thing I've ever seen, and if anything happens to it I will cry

autumnwalton avatar
Autumn Walton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

catch it and take it to a place where it can't be hunted pls!! it's too beautiful and cute to die!!

antonicabre avatar
TC
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see a crazy safari tourist hunter coming around soon... The zebra should be kept away and, who knows, perhaps we could breed a newsubspecies.

pugpug avatar
Pug Pug
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maury Povich - "you are not the father!!!!" .... Daddy Zebra - "I knew it, how could you!?" ... Mommy Zebra - "I'm so sorry, it was one time with Chester" ... Chester Cheetah - "It ain't easy bein' cheaty"

d_pitbull avatar
D. Pitbull
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

New comment as I have a question for any other biologists and/or science types out there. A Professor (so no, not a highschool or elementary school teacher... post-secondary education) recounted a story once wherein he had been out on some research trip and was wearing night vision goggles so he could observe some of the wildlife. He swore he was essentially alone with maybe on or two animals far-ish off in the distance, but then he felt something BUMP him... and it freaked him out so he (I can't remember the order) took pictures around himself - just in case he could catch the bumper - and then took off the goggles... and he found himself SURROUNDED by Zebras. He claimed something about the alternating pattern of their hides made them essentially 'invisible' to night vision??? (no, it was also not April 1 when he told us this)

cstinley avatar
Dr.Scott
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would say he just wasn’t paying attention. Zebras wouldn’t be invisible to NV anymore than a giraffe or lion. It would make more sense if their stripes were for camouflage (ex to hide from nocturnal predators), but they aren’t. Anyone else feel free to chime in as zebra aren’t in my area of expertise (mine is cervids), but I just don’t see any credence in the claim.

Load More Replies...
d_pitbull avatar
D. Pitbull
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be interested to know what exactly it is that causes the shortened lifespan (other than something than predation)? What link does the hyper pigmentation have to the biological health of the animal?

cstinley avatar
Dr.Scott
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As I said in my first comment to you, zebra stripes do more for propelling biting bugs than camouflage, so one theory could be they are less likely to repel bugs that carry equine influenza. Another theory would be they are more of a target for predators. Like I said, I’m a deer biologist primarily, so I don’t know that for sure. I have observed melanistic whitetail in the Edwards Plateau Eco Region and at least in their case, there is no higher mortality rate. Actually, in the EPER I mentioned before the abnormal production of melanin can be seen as an advantage as it hides them better from predators. Anyway, there is no physical difference between mammals with or without this mutation. So in my opinion, it just boils down to disadvantages in the forms I mentioned.

Load More Replies...
emiamohler avatar
SirPatTheCat
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder why that happened? It looks a lot like drawings of the horses’ ancestors, I wonder if that has something to do with it?

davidanderson_3 avatar
David Anderson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

USA Verified Stripe Account It cost you High for the first time. But, You will understand later how you will get the benefit of these kinds of Stripe Account. In a word, We will do a complete solution of Stripe Account & bank. You can get Just a Stripe Account at a Cheap Rate But Mind My Word Carefully, If You are looking for a Stripe verified account for long term business, You must Need a Real company setup Stripe account. Otherwise, Fake Stripe can face Verification & even your money can be locked in Stripe. So, Be careful before buying a stripe at a small-Price. https://realstripe.com/

ishem86 avatar
Natalie Fisher
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I worked on a farm I was amazed that Holstein cow when shaved for c-section have white skin under black hair and black skin under white hair. I think the zebra could be the same. So where the baby zebra had white spots is black skin. So the fur is a white strip on black fur but the skin color is the opposite. Very confusing

reddreadlocks1949 avatar
Deborah Akerson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome lil foal.....I hope no harm comes to him and grows to adulthood and makes more babies like him! Beautiful animal!

paulapozo83 avatar
Paula D Pozo
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the Zebra mated with that other Antelope/Deer like creatcher with long horns.

inservioletum avatar
Inservio Letum
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know I've seen that pattern before, but I can't for the life of me remember in what species. A deer perhaps?

naimaivansdttir avatar
Naima Ivansdóttir
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i'm italian, one of our all-time most popular female singers (Mina) hit the charts back in the '60s with what would soon be proving into an evergreen smash hit, "una zebra a pois" (polka-dot zebra). so the news of this spotted baby zebra was no big deal in italy ;D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6njmjJhCXdo

jake1088 avatar
Jacob Johnston
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Zebras are technically black with white stripes, because their skin is black in color.

trish_12 avatar
Trish Voelkel
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(sorry if this is a dupe but can't find my original). His markings remind me a little of the Chital. I wonder is this is a case of inter-species matings? (rather than a reverse albinoism as someone suggested) I tried to post a picture but it wouldn't let me.

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Dr.Scott
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. It’s from abnormal production of melanin. Changes in the coat color of mammals are (at least believed to be) mutations in the melanicortin 1 receptor gene. The mutated gene that causes melanism is recessive, just like the albinism. So technically it isn’t even “reverse albinism.”

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trish_12 avatar
Trish Voelkel
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is an African animal called the Chital that looks surprisingly like this baby zebra (except for the stripes on the leg) Could this have been an inter-species match up? chital-5d8...b460b3.jpg chital-5d86999b460b3.jpg

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Caroline Driver
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's hope they protect it, from hunters or predators. Then perhaps we can see if it's heritable

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sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very sweet, I do hope it lives to adult hood,as they said it may not !!!

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Mark CM
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Leopards can't change their spots but zebras can change their stripes ... apparently.

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Carol Roeder
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So beautiful. Thank you so much for taking those wonderful pictures and sharing them with us!

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Tiffiny Seemann
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This solves everything. Zebras are black with white stripes. Or in this case... spots.

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Robert Sumner
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm thinking the babe has cervid genes. Look at its eyes in bottom photo -- such a deer!

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Carlos Adalberto Tonelle
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

well.. that answer my question! They're browns with white stripes, not the other way around

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Radek Suski
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess its parents didn't mated in front of the branches 😂

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Laura Elizabeth
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope it is protected for a hole trophy hunters whose eggplants arent big enough to satisfy them or anyone else. Let this sweetie live.

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Lieutenant BaconWaffles
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A new Zebroid species is born. There's an extinct species of Zebra called the Quagga that also looked very different.

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Candice Lewis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess we finally know that it's black with white stripes (or spots) rather than white with black stripes.

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Anderson B. da Silva
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the emergence of a new species if Darwin and Lamarck were here to see they would be proud of what nature has just created and are likely to spread the genes to the next generation.

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Václav Blumentrit
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even white zebra stripes are melting down. Any more proofs of climate change?

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Joe Bloe
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The worst possible thing for this creature is international awareness of its existence. Now its life is in great danger from poachers. God help this innocent, beautiful creature. Save it from us.

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Monika Soffronow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe the beginning of a new kind of zebra. There used to be one called quagga in South Africa that was hunted to extinction (by European settlers). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quagga

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glowworm2
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is a really pretty little zebra.I hope he lives long enough for us to see what he looks like when he's all grown up. I bet he'd be gorgeous!

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Brodie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah I was thinking... that baby ain’t gonna last long

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Václav Blumentrit
Community Member
5 years ago

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Even white zebra stripe are melting down. Any more proofs of climate change?

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Asi Bassey
Community Member
5 years ago

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I have just one question, "who's your daddy?"

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