How the Zebra Got Its Stripes

This is an African bushman’s legend about how the zebra got his stripes – I researched and found several different sources, but the story remained the same.

Interestingly enough, this story coincides with how the Baboon came to have such a colorful rear end (and a nasty disposition).

Once Upon A Time

In the early days when the earth was young, the land was hot and dry & water could only be found at scattered watering holes. At one such hole a baboon decided it was time to take charge and appointed himself guard.

He lit a fire to warm himself at night & chased off other animals who wanted a drink, telling them that the water was his.

One day a zebra came to quench his thirst after a long and tiring journey. Now in these early days the zebra didn’t have his stripes, he wore a coat of dazzling white fur.

Tempers Flare

As he approached the water the baboon jumped up angrily and said “Go away, I am the lord of this water and it is mine!”

The thirsty zebra challenged him and said “Water belongs to everyone monkey face, not just you.”

This infuriated the baboon who then shouted “If you want a drink of water, you’ll have to fight me for it.”

The two animals were soon engaged in a fierce struggle that seemed to go on forever. Until finally the zebra gave a mighty kick and sent the baboon flying onto the tall rocks behind the pool of water.

The Stripes Are Born

In fact, the zebra kicked so hard that he lost his balance, staggered back and disturbed the baboon’s fire. In doing so he sent burning sticks flying into the air and as they fell they left black scorch marks all over his white coat.

Injured and frightened, (but still thirsty) the zebra galloped off to the plains, where he has remained ever since. He did come to like his new stripes as they gave him a rather distinguished look.

As For The Baboon…

The arrogant baboon landed smack on his bottom with a mighty thud after the grand kick. He continues to live among the rocks (as angry as ever) nursing his the sore, bald patch on his behind where he landed.

More Legends

This post was great fun to write and I’ll be keeping an eye out for more horse legends & wives tales to share as well.