Life Lessons from Zebras

Zebras. Muscular, horse-like animals with pointed ears, sturdy legs and a beautiful coat of dense, black and white hair forming dazzling stripes. One of the most recognized and photographed animal. A compassionate social grazer that is found in most parts of eastern and southern Africa.

From their way of life, we can learn some lessons:

1. Pave the Way for Others. 

Zebras survive on a diet of rough vegetation with relatively low nutritional value, which their hindgut fermentation process helps them to digest. Because they cut back old growth and consume lower quality plant matter, they increase the overall quality of vegetation in areas where they graze.

Zebras play a critical role for other herbivores by clearing the way for growth of tender new leaves and grasses. Other herbivores, including wildebeests and gazelles, follow behind the zebras grazing on short grass and the new shoots.

Always endeavor to clear the way for those behind you. Remove the obstacles. Promote growth. Be the solution, not the problem. Create and share opportunities. 

2. Always be Compassionate

Inherently social animals, zebras live in herds made of multiple harems, small families made up of one stallion, multiple mares, and their young. They groom one another, using their teeth to pull loose hairs off each other and provide a gentle back scratch. Zebras are also very welcoming of other herbivores, too; wildebeest often follow along with zebra herds, sharing resources and protection. 

Be social. Be compassionate. Help others, even those not related to you and those we assume cannot be of any help to us.

3. Be Strategic

With a plant-based diet, zebras are prey to nearly every hunter. Lions, hyenas and crocodiles hunt these friendly creatures. Because they are constantly on the defensive, zebras sleep standing up and only do so when they are in groups that can warn them of impending danger. If they sense a predator, zebras will bark or whinny loudly and use the angle of their ears to communicate with other herd members. When forced to flee, zebras run in a zig-zag pattern to avoid getting caught by a predator and will defend themselves with a powerful kick as a last resort.

Always be strategic. Have plans. Rally for support.

4. Remain a Mystery 

Are zebras white with black stripes or black with white stripes? Why do they have the stripes? To date, no one seems to have the conclusive answer! Despite their beauty, Zebras still remains somehow a mystery to humans. They have never ‘exposed’ the secret of their stripes.

Despite several attempts to domesticate Zebras, man has never succeeded. Zebras are very unpredictable.

Try to minimize the amount of information you disclose about yourself. Maintain some air of mystery. Focus on taking in your surroundings, listening to what others say and fading into the background a bit. 

Do not be too obvious. Maintain some element of unpredictability 

5. Always Be on the Look Out

Zebras are always vigilant. Always alert for signs of lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs and other predators.  Despite being in a herd, they are never too comfortable with the current situation. They know they can be attacked any time.

Never be too comfortable with the current situation or circumstance. You never know what ‘they’ are planning behind your back. Be on the lookout. Be ready to venture out, to try other area, to form other alliances, to explore other territories.

6. Present Yourself Appropriately

Because of their stripes zebras are one of the most familiar and recognized animals to people. They are one of the most photogenic animals in the Africa plains, probably due to their unique coats and their tendency to pose to the cameras.  Being so easily spotted of course comes with other hazards.  However, zebras seem to know the beauty of their dazzling stripes and they are proud to display them. They there are absolutely a delight to photograph and make for some of the most fun and delightful captures. 

Do not fear to show your beauty. Both the inner and outer beauty matters. Be well groomed and presentable.

7. Defend Your Vision and Sanity 

Zebras are very courageous animals and are not afraid to confront predators. Zebras have powerful kicks which can cause serious injury to a predator such as a lion, hyena or African wild dog.

Be ready to defend your cause, your ideas, your vision and your peace of mind. When need be, stand on your ground.

8. Complement Each Other

Zebras and wildebeest have developed a great relationship that is beneficial to each other. From feeding, the zebra feeds on the top parts of the grass or the tall grasses. This allows the wildebeest to easily access their preferred short grass.

The zebras are good at protecting and navigating while the wildebeest have the ability to find the water. A good sense of hearing with swarm intelligence of wildebeest and better eyesight with a better memory of zebra helps them to stay out of any danger during the migration.

We should complement each other not compete with each other. We should be collaborators not aggravators. 

Life Lessons from Giraffe

Giraffe. One of the most iconic species of Africa. As the tallest mammal on Earth, these creatures are both wonderful and weird with their long legs, long necks, long tongues, large eyes, long eyelashes, striking coat patterns, ambling gait and calm demeanour. Their legs alone are taller than most adult humans.

Maasai Giraffes in Nairobi Park

These gentle giants of nature, towering high above everyone else in the jungle and literally observe the world from high above, can actually inspire us a lot about happiness and confidence.

Always Stand Tall

Giraffes use their physical characteristics to convey a commanding presence. You can never ignore their presence. You always notice their existence. 

We are all talented differently. Each one of us has a strength. We should aim to excel and rise through our talents, passions and abilities. Concentrate more on your strengths rather than gaining unwarranted assurance from others' flaws.

Be noticeable. Let your presence always be felt. 

Nubian(Rothschild's) Giraffe standing tall in Ruma Park

Stay Humble

Although the giraffes browse on trees high above the ground, they have to lower their head from time to time to feed from the ground.

Always remember your roots. Ensure you relate well with the ‘ground’.

Never Confuse Position with Strength

They are definitely tall and large, but giraffes recognize that their strength has limitations. 

Often, when you are doing better than others, you tend to think of yourself as invincible, and that is where it all goes wrong. 

No Matter How High You Rise, Do Not Get Swayed Away by Power.

Celebrate Your Spots

The giraffes’ spots are unique to each individual. No two giraffes have the exact pattern. 

Even though we may have spots (weaknesses, misgivings, prejudices…) on us that we are aware of, let us learn to embrace them and keep moving forward.

Your Spots Are What Make You Unique. 

Nubian Giraffe in Lake Nakuru Park

Take a Higher View

Just like giraffes have the ability to view things from above, we need to take a higher level of thinking to gain perspective.

Have a Higher Vision.

Always Remain Friendly

Giraffes have a high sense of community. Their leaders are not arrogant. They consider themselves first as a member of the herd and then as the head.

They move together and, when necessary, use their combined might.

Be Friendly. Support Each Other.

A tower of Nubian Giraffes in Ruma Park