Samantha the Zebra (c.2021-2025)
Obituary
Samantha died after an accident during a storm.
Samantha, a 24-year-old plains zebra, died at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Rhode Island after becoming scared during a storm and running into a fence. Two other zebras, Tundra and Zipper, remain at the zoo. Her baby, Roger, was born in 2006, but was transferred to another zoo.
Zebras are found in eastern and southern Africa. They are social animals and live in herds. The lead male is called a stallion. He protects the herd from predators. Zebras communicate through sounds such as braying and snorting, ear positioning, and facial expressions. There are three species of zebras: Grevy’s zebra, mountain zebra, and plains zebra.
Grevy’s zebras are endangered, while mountain and plains zebras are classified as vulnerable and near threatened. One of the biggest threats to zebras is habitat loss from agriculture and human development. Hunting is also a significant problem. Zebras are hunted for their skin, and sometimes for food, and in traditional medicine.
Multiple zebras have died in similar accidents at zoos. Mosi, a three-year-old zebra, died after running into a corral at Zoo Knoxville in 2024. Zebras are prey animals and are easily frightened and skittish. Keeping them in small enclosures is dangerous and cruel. World Animal Protection urges everyone who loves zebras to avoid zoos and enjoy them at accredited sanctuaries or in the wild.
