Plains zebras at sunrise, Mokala National Park, South Africa

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Anything but plain. Happy International Zebra Day!

Celebrate the beauty of zebras on International Zebra Day! These striking animals, known for their unique black and white patterns, are mostly found in the African savannah, stretching from Kenya to South Africa. Of the three zebra species—Grévy's zebra, plains zebra and mountain zebra—the Grévy's zebra is the most endangered, with more than half its population lost in only three decades. While plains zebras are thriving, mountain zebras face significant threats, such as poaching and habitat encroachment. Zebras play an essential role in the ecosystems they live in, coexisting with predators like lions and hyenas while shaping the grasslands they call home.

In today's picture, we see two plains zebras—which are anything but plain—standing gracefully at sunrise in Mokala National Park, South Africa. International Zebra Day raises awareness about the challenges these animals face and encourages conservation efforts to ensure their survival. Whether by learning more or supporting wildlife initiatives, we can all play a role in protecting these fascinating creatures.