The Zebra Hybrid | ||
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The Zebra Hybrid | ||
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Hybrids from these animals are likely to be larger in body size, have greater endurance, and survive better on poorer food than either of their parents. Since zebras are resistant to the common African diseases that affect horses, efforts were made to train them and cross them with horses and donkeys. However, most of the programs failed since the zebra is also resistant to training as well as disease. In horse- or pony-zebra crosses, the hybrid resembles the horse more, but with faint striping. they appear and behave somewhat like mules. They lack the beautiful color and characteristics of zebras and have a temperament less desirable than that of a horse. A cross of a zebra with a horse is called a "zebroid" or "zorse," while with a donkey, it is called a "zedonk." A zebra-pony cross may be referred to as a "zebroid" or a "zony."
Due to the decreasing numbers of zebras and the fact that some are already on the edge of extinction, there is a need to come up with a new world strategy, for their preservation and also conservation of all life on earth. Other creatures may also suffer from the loss of zebras, as the zebras prefer the tough coarse grass. While they are eating it, they are exposing succulent green undergrass which is then consumed by gazelles, wildebeests and other wild grazing animals.
In 1984, a zoo experiment in Louisville, Kentucky provided hope for maintaining populations of zebras. The estrus (heat) cycles of a domestic mare and a zebra mare Gimpy were synchronized, and once Gimpy conceived, the eight-day old embryo was removed from its mother and transferred to the 26-year-old mare's womb. After 366 days of gestation, the first successful embryo transfer between two equine species resulted in the birth of a healthy Grant's zebra. Though the zebra's population is far from being out of danger, this test offers new hope for these animals.
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© 1997-2007
NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/13/2007 |
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