A..... Zebra?

[ramanth]

My family got a card in the mail from my aunt in California. She included photos of her newest pet and thinking she may of gotten another horse, I quickly pulled the photos from the envelope and saw....

a zebra!

My aunt has a zebra. He's young, can't recall the exact age and his name is Roscoe. He is so adorable and from what she says, her horses have really taken to him.

Now I'm itching to go to CA and meet him.

When I get my scanner working, I'll share the photos she sent.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Wow. How did she get a zebra? Does she run a wild animal sanctuary in CA? I know that the pet trade is crazy nowadays...people think it's neat to own wild animals, no offense, but I am not a supporter of the wild animal pet trade. I hope she has some sort of wild animal rescue and Roscoe was rescued from an abusive situation.

No offense to you. Really. I am sickened by the attempts to capture and tame wild animals and turn them into our "pets". I just hope your aunt has not fallen into that catigory.

[ramanth]

No offence taken.

From what my mom told me, there is someone in CA that breeds Zebras.

I love my aunt dearly and it shocked me that she bought one. Mom said she had always wanted a zebra when she was a little girl. Since the opportunity arose....

I know she'll love it and take very good care of it.

I don't agree with the majority of the animals in the wild animal trade given as pets. Especially the big cats.

My aunt adores her equines.

[Logan]

Oh my!!! I'll be anxious to hear more about this whole situation. Zebras are wild animals and need lots of room, I'm sure. Let us know what you find out.

Imagine......a zebra as a pet.

[NoahsMommy]

Wow! A zebra! Does you aunt have a lot of room for Roscoe to run and play? Do horses and zebras get along?

[ramanth]

As far as I know my aunt has 3 horses. Maybe more. She has shown, ridden, barrel raced, and shown with cart. They just bought a brand new show cart last year here in Michigan. They drove out here to get it over the holidays.

She has horses, dogs, cats, and goats. Lots of room for all of them.

The horses have been treating Roscoe as an equal.

[NoahsMommy]

Please ignore my ignorance, I am just not familiar with zebras...

Do they eat what horses eat?
Can you ride them?
Are they tame? Wild?

So, when are you going to visit??

[ramanth]

Some of my aunt's friends have Zebras that they have been able to saddle train. Roscoe is not saddle trained. They are going to try with him. He eats hay, grain, and oats, same as the horses.

Zebras in Africa are wild. Roscoe was bred in captivity. You can pet him just like any other kind of equine.

Here's Roscoe:

[wolflady]

oh he's beautiful!!! I'm glad the other horses have accepted him! Be sure to keep us updated on his progress. So, when are ya coming for a visit??!! LOL LOL I'm sure us California pet talkers would be more than happy to come and welcome you!

[zippy-kat]

he's gorgeous!

is he gelded?

[NoahsMommy]

Can WE go visit Roscoe at your aunts house? He has to be the CUTEST zebra I have ever seen!! How cool!!!

Thanks for educating me on zebra's. I think that is so neat how closely related to the horse they are, yet different.

[NoahsMommy]

What part of CA does your aunt live in? I would be interested in seeing where the zebras are bred.

[AmberLee]

Isn't he gorgeous? How old did you say he is? Yes, when you come to CA let us know in advance so we can coordinate a meeting, if possible.

I seem to remember that zebras and horses can mate, but their offspring aren't able to reproduce. (Or did somebody already say this??)

[ramanth]

LOL!

I'm just going to answer in a bunch.

Not sure if he's gelded, but I doubt she's going to mate him with any of her horses. He's 3 years old.

She lives near San Diego. I probably won't make it out to CA this year but hopefully next year.

I'd love to meet you all. I don't think my aunt would mind.

[ramanth]

Talked to my aunt recently and Roscoe has bonded closely to two of her horses. Especially Sandman. So much so, that my aunt has to take Roscoe with her if she goes riding with Sandman. And vice versa. (That is when she takes Roscoe to the corral, Sandman throws a fit if he can't go too and be with Roscoe). Roscoe will probably never be ridden. He's only 500 lbs.