Zebras have black and white stripes and look particularly conspicuous, but they are also equine animals. Why are there almost no people riding zebras? Is it difficult to domesticate zebras?
In fact, as early as the 15th century, European colonists who came to the African continent had the idea of domesticating zebras.
So you can see the scene of using zebra carts in foreign countries at that time, but these zebras are mostly non-adult zebras, easy to be tamed under coercion and lure, but only temporarily tamed, can carry people, transport, in the circus for a short time Performance.
It’s worth mentioning that tame and domestication are different. Even if coerced and lured, zebras have not changed their wildness, and it is difficult to be as well-behaved as domestic animals.
When zebras become adults, the shortcomings of zebras become more and more obvious.
So what are the disadvantages of adult zebras?
First of all, zebras are aggressive and wild. Zebras remain wild no matter how tame they are. In addition, zebras have avoidance reflexes, and they will avoid when they realize that their master has given it a lasso. It is difficult to be pulled and steered even after it is put on, and it often does not follow instructions. And their temper is also very short-tempered, loves to attack people, bites people without letting go. In foreign zoos, poor keepers are often attacked by zebras. Zebras cause more attacks than tigers.
Second, zebras have a high estrus frequency. When a male and a female zebra in heat stay together, they will bark all day long, and they will applaud for love whenever they get a chance. When two male zebras are together, they will fight, and even engage in sex, the scene is very lively.
Third, zebras are very neurotic and alert. Zebras are more alert than the average horse. The alert distance of the wild horse is about 54 meters, and the escape distance is about 18 meters. The alert distance of zebras is about 68 meters, and the escape distance is 40 meters. Some movements will be frightened and uncontrolled. The ropes cannot be pulled, and they will run around in fear. If you pull it hard, they will kick their legs wildly, and their hooves are so powerful that you feel good when you get kicked. And zebras are also short-sighted, and riding a zebra out may be a disaster.
Fourth, there is no family. Domesticated animals have an important indicator: they must be familial. The so-called family is when you tame the leader of the animals, the rest of the family members will follow you. And only one of the three major zebra breeds is familial, and it has conditions.
Fifth, zebras are not suitable for adults to ride. Zebras are smaller than ordinary horses, and the shape of their backs is not suitable for carrying objects. Compared with ordinary horses, their backs are straighter and are not suitable for saddles. Comfortable and uncomfortable.
After all, it’s not because zebras can’t be tamed, but because they have too many shortcomings and are not worth taming.