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Zorse Facts & Worksheets

An offspring of a zebra stallion and a horse mare, a zorse is among a number of equine hybrids called zebroids.

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An offspring of a zebra stallion and a horse mare, a zorse is among a number of equine hybrids called zebroids. Shaped more like a horse than a zebra, the zorse combines the zebra striping overlain on the colored regions of its coat.

See the fact file below for more information on the zorse or alternatively, you can download our 21-page Zorse worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

CLASSIFICATION AND EVOLUTION

  • A zebroid is the result of the cross between a zebra and any other equine to produce a hybrid. The different hybrids created are generally named by combining the sire’s name and the dam’s name.
  • A zorse is also called a zebrula, zebrule, or zebra mule. The reverse pairing of these two species is oftentimes called a hebra, horbra, zebrinny, zebret, or zebra hinny.
  • Given that there are three subspecies of zebra and hundred different breeds of domestic horse, the zorse is diverse in size and color, depending on its parents.
  • Since it has certain genes from a zebra, the zorse gains resistance to specific pests and diseases that usually plague both horses and donkeys.
  • Just like any other animal hybrid, the zorse is sterile.

ANATOMY AND APPEARANCE

  • The zorse has a horse-like appearance, inheriting its shape, size, color, and temperament from the horse mare.
  • Among its distinct features are the dark stripes that are seen on their legs, rear, body, neck, and head. It also possesses short, coarse fur that ranges from tan to brown to black, with a darker mane and tail.
  • A zorse has a large head with a long muzzle, upright and erect ears, and large, black eyes with long eyelashes that help stop unwanted objects from getting in their eyes.
  • It also has long, slender, and muscular legs with black hooves that help it maintain its strength, balance, and coordination when moving on different terrains.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

  • There are three subspecies of zebra in eastern and southern Africa, specifically on the open grasslands and savannahs. The zorse is said to have historical roots in some parts of Europe and Asia, thus a horse and a zebra cannot be naturally spotted together in the wild.
  • In some regions of Africa where human settlements are near a zebra’s natural habitat, it is possible for a semi-wild zorse to be developed with the cross of a wild zebra with a domestic horse.
  • Majority of the world’s zorses are found in zoos or animal institutes, with small portions being used as work horses especially in some parts of North America.

BEHAVIOR AND LIFESTYLE

  • In the wild, zebras and horses wander throughout their natural habitat in herds with two or more individuals, producing sociable zorses that choose to live with other equines.
  • Zorses got their personalities mostly from their mother, including their strong flight response which is elevated by their zebra genes.
  • They are strong and muscular mammals that spend most of their lives grazing. They are also known to have better vision at night compared to humans.
  • Their large, pricked ears and big nostrils allow them to have a great sense of hearing and smell.

DIET AND PREY

  • Similar to other equines including zebras and horses, the zorse is a herbivorous animal that eats only plants and plant matter to gain nutrients.
  • They spend their life grazing and like horses, the zorse has an advanced sense of taste which lets it classify grasses and grains while foraging.
  • The zorse primarily feeds on grasses, herbs, and flowers that grow on ground level, together with leaves, fruits, and berries from trees. They avoid eating poisonous plants, although they resort to plants that have toxins when there is not enough supply of nutritious food.
  • Their digestive system is made to have food flowing though it almost continually, letting them graze all day if they can.

REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLES

  • After a gestation period of about 11 months, the horse mare produces a single zorse foal. Just like the young of other hoofed-herbivores, the zorse can stand up within an hour after birth and starts to canter or run around after a few hours.
  • Although smaller in size than their parents, the zorse is born with slender legs that are almost adult length already.
  • Just like other hybrid animals including zonkeys and mules, the zorse is sterile despite displaying normal breeding behaviors.

THREATS AND CONSERVATION STATUS

  • Zorse are slightly larger than zebras, making them a harder kill for their predators.
  • The biggest threat to zorses is habitat loss, which can either be caused by human settlements or land projects for agriculture.
  • Since they are cross-bred animals and cannot continue a population, zorses are not listed by the IUCN.

Zorse Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the zorse across 21 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Zorse worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the zorse which is among a number of equine hybrids called zebroids. Shaped more like a horse than a zebra, the zorse combines the zebra striping overlain on the colored regions of its coat.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Zorse Facts
  • ‘Sup Zorse
  • Animal Hybrids
  • Facts in a Jar
  • Just Zorse Stuff
  • A Hybrid’s Life
  • Find Your Way
  • Zorse Wiki
  • Other Equines
  • News Flash
  • Choosing Sides

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Link will appear as Zorse Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, January 4, 2021

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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