Ms. Barrett said...
Jambo Ms. Russell!

We, too, at the Harrington Middle School in Mt. Laurel, NJ are on your safari! We can’t wait to hear about the Grevy’s zebra and the scientific work that is being done. All of us are doing the zebra quest to learn about zebras and Kenya. We will be posting responses to your journals and asking questions throughout the expedition.

Thanks to Louis M., 2nd period has a few questions for you.

1) Is there a difference between the males and females in terms of physical characteristics? Can you differentiate the males from the females in the herd?
You sure can tell the difference between males and females. The easiest way to pick out a female at first glance is to see if there is a baby with her. Second if you see a group of zebra and only one is really looking at you intently and the others continue to eat--you know the one looking at you and being "vigilant" is the male and the others are females. It is the males job to keep a look out for his group of girls. Finally, you can see a different type of reproductive organ under a male and you can not see that under a female.

--Tammy Schmidt, Team Member-St. Louis Zoo

2) Do zebras always travel in herds, and if so, do they stay in a specific herd or migrate to others?
On occasion the Zebras will travel in mixed herds. These may include bachelor males and lactating females. Usually there is not really a strong social bond and they herds may stay together upwards of 3-5 monthes and then disperse.

Tammy Schmidt, Team Member-St. Louis Zoo
Asante sana!
Ms. Barrett’s 2nd period class
Harrington Middle School