Why do zebras have stripes? Because they don’t want to be spotted. 😂

But the truth is, they are easy to spot. In fact, a herd of zebras is also known as a dazzle, probably because a group of zebras is a dazzling sight to behold. This, sadly, makes them a target for hunters. That and loss of habitat means zebras are on the endangered species list.

International Zebra Day (celebrated every year on January 31^st) is all about raising awareness of their plight. These fantastic zebra facts plus crafts are a fun way to educate kids and enjoy some creativity at the same time.

What’s black and white and red all over?  A zebra with a sunburn!

It’s a mystery how these beautiful mammals manage not to get sunburned as they are native to Africa and roam under its sun-scorched sky. Africa receives many more hours of bright sunshine per year than any other continent of the Earth, according to the ‘world sunlight map’.

5 FANTASTIC ZEBRA FACTS

• There are three different species of zebra – the plains zebra, Grevy’s zebra, and mountain zebra.
• The fact they can run up to 65 km an hour and have fierce fighting skills has not protected them from hunters and the number of Grevy’s zebras is around 54 per cent less than it was in the 1980s.
• Closely related to horses and donkeys, zebra foals can stand just six minutes after being born and are able to run within an hour of birth.
• Zebras have locking joints, which means they can sleep standing up without falling over.
• Their most striking feature is their beautiful stripes which have inspired endless debate about whether zebras are black with white stripes, or white with black stripes. Though it can appear that they have white bodies adorned with black stripes, zebras are black with white stripes. Beneath their fur, zebras have black skin. The white stripes are the result of a lack of melanin, a substance in the body that produces pigmentation (skin, hair, and eye colour). Each zebra has a unique stripe pattern, just as humans have unique fingerprints.

FUN ARTS AND CRAFTS

WHITE CHALK ON BLACK CARD

This is a great one to start with as we know that zebras are black with white stripes. All you need is some black paper or thin card and a white chalk stick. Draw a simple zebra shape like the one pictured above and add the nose, eyes, mane, and stripes with the chalk.

WHITE PAPER AND BLACK MARKER

You can do the whole thing in reverse, using white paper and a black marker. Feel free to download and print this template if you don’t want to draw the zebra shape. Creating the stripe patterns helps you to relax and focus. Discover more drawing benefits in my free eBook, Draw for Joy.

THE HANDS-ON ZEBRA

This is a favourite with Wacky Workshops students. The outline of their hand makes a perfect zebra hand and neck. Simply add the stripes and then fill the picture with torn strips of green paper or fake flower leaves (or both) to create bushes that the zebra head is peeking out from.

THE CARDBOARD ROLL ZEBRA

This one makes a great toy for the kids to play with. You can choose to paint the assembled zebra or cover it with white paper and use a black marker for the stripes, or black paper using a white chalk stick for the stripes.

Use a long cardboard roll, like those used for wrapping paper, and cut it according to the picture below.

You can opt to paint the cutouts white, or (if you’re feeling a bit impatient and don’t want to wait for the paint to dry), cover the pieces with white paper.

Use a black marker to add the strips and facial features.

Cut out a black paper or cardboard tail and mane and glue into place.

Follow my Wacky Workshops Facebook page for more fun crafting tips and tricks.

Happy crafting and have a gleeful week, Tamuria