What is the Difference Between Zebra and Donkey?

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Zebras and donkeys are both equine species, but they have several key differences:

  1. Physical appearance: Zebras have black and white stripes all over their body, while donkeys have a more uniform coloration. Zebras are generally larger and more slender than donkeys, with a wilder and untamed appearance. They also have a mane that stands up, whereas donkeys have a shaggier mane.
  2. Nose color: The nose is always black in zebras, but not always in donkeys.
  3. Size: Zebras are larger and heavier compared to donkeys.
  4. Habitat: Zebras are exclusively found in African savannahs, while donkeys are not confined to Africa and can be found in other parts of the world.
  5. Domestication: Donkeys are easy to domesticate and obey commands, while zebras are not domesticated and have a more wild nature.
  6. Lifespan: Donkeys can live up to 50 years, while zebras have a maximum lifespan of around 30 years, even in captivity.
  7. Ears: Donkeys have characteristically long and pointed ears, while zebras have more regular equine ears.
  8. Species and breeds: There are three species of zebras, while there are many breeds of donkeys.

Comparative Table: Zebra vs Donkey

Here is a table comparing the differences between zebras and donkeys:

Feature Zebra Donkey
Appearance Black and white stripes all over the body Different colorations, not striped
Location Exclusively found in African savannahs Not confined to Africa, found worldwide
Size Larger and heavier than donkeys Smaller and lighter than zebras
Nose Color Always black Not always black
Domestication Cannot be domesticated Easy to domesticate and obey commands
Lifespan Can live up to late thirties in captivity Can live up to 50 years
Ear Characteristics Usual equine ears Long and pointed ears
Species Three species of zebras Many breeds of donkeys

Zebras have distinctive black and white stripes, while donkeys have various colorations without stripes. Zebras are found exclusively in African savannahs, while donkeys are not confined to Africa and can be found worldwide. Zebras are generally larger and heavier than donkeys, and their noses are always black, unlike donkeys. Zebras cannot be easily domesticated, whereas donkeys are more tractable and can be trained to obey commands. Donkeys tend to live longer than zebras, with a lifespan of up to 50 years compared to zebras' late thirties in captivity. Donkeys also have long and pointed ears, while zebras have more typical equine ears. There are three species of zebras, while donkeys come in many different breeds.