International Zebra Day
Updated: Nov 26, 2020
January 31st is International Zebra Day and we are so excited! These beautifully patterned herbivores are part of the Equidae family, which also include horses and donkeys. In the wild, zebras live about 25 years and they are native to Africa. There are three species of zebra, which you can see below. When it comes to conservation classification, each of the zebra species has its own status.
The Plains Zebra is not endangered.
The Mountain Zebra is considered vulnerable.
The Grevy’s Zebra is considered endangered.
The reason that Grevy’s zebras are endangered is due to their dwindling population caused by habitat loss and poaching. Young Grevy’s have a low survival rate as a result of limited resources and environmental factors (overgrazing, water competition, drought) and disease.
Some hunters do hunt for food or medicinal purposes, but the poachers are after the Grevy’s skin.
Did you know that a zebra’s stripes are unique to them, just like our fingerprints are to us Scientists believe this helps zebras recognize one another. Zebras are social creatures and have been observed to live in a loose social structure. With the exception of a territorial male having rights to a breeding female, there is almost no show of dominance in zebra herds.
Spiritual Significance of Zebra
Many people refer to “totem animals” or “spirit animals.” As I am not Native American, out of respect to indigenous peoples and sensitivity of cultural appropriation, I have adopted the terms “animal messengers” and “soul animals.” This was after a conversation with a friend in which they said to me, “You can be respectful of an entire culture by simply choosing a different term. And doing that costs you absolutely nothing and doesn’t bring you harm. It’s a tiny change that can help others feel more respected.” (I’m paraphrasing. My friend said it much more eloquently.) So ever since, I use “animal messenger” and “soul animal.” When I refer to those terms here, it’s a similar concept that you’re already used to by using sacred practices that may not belong to you. (Obviously if you are indigenous, you have every right to claim whatever practices your tribe and ancestors passed to you.)
Zebra’s stripes act twofold for attracting and repelling (attracting herd members and repelling and confusing predators). Because of this, Zebra offers us the idea that multiple perspectives are healthy. They represent balance, with their black and white stripes and their general non-confrontational demeanor with their herd mates.
Being a social animal part of a herd, Zebra can teach us to work with others. They can teach us to approach life with a sense of balance and openness, and in a way that is not over exerting our dominance.
Zebras are alert and agile; they are nimble creatures able to think quickly on their feet, and they are fierce fighters as well. Zebra can show us how to harness that skill. In addition to that, when zebras are threatened by a predator, they work together as a team to fight off their attacker. Zebra can teach us lessons in the importance of strong social bonds.
If Zebra has shown itself to you or you feel connected to Zebra, it may be because you are either in need of its energy or you already possess its energy. Work with Zebra in meditation or ritual and see what personal messages Zebra has for you!
Did you know you can adopt a Zebra? Through the World Wildlife Fund, you can make a donation that aids you in the adoption of a Zebra. What a great thing to do for International Zebra Day! (Click the link above to adopt a zebra!)
Want to see upcoming environmental observances? Click here to be taken to the 2020 calendar.
Sources:
Charlie Nichols is the founder of WHE and a staff contributor. Charlie studied Journalism & Mass Communication, Marketing, and Psychology at Madison College in Madison, Wisconsin. She has practiced witchcraft for over two decades and is a certified spiritual empowerment coach, a certified ethical psychic, and a certified crystal healer. Charlie lives on the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, USA with her partner, daughter, and animal companions.
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