Examples of animals like zebras include horses, asses, rhinos, and tapirs.
Their black and white stripes make them stand out in any environment, and they are often used as symbols of purity and elegance.
However, zebras are not the only animals that have these distinctive markings.
There are a number of other creatures that share this patterning, giving rise to their own nicknames like “zebroid” or “zorse.”
Zebras are odd-toed ungulates and thus belong to the Perissodactyla order.
There are three extant families within this order: Equidae (horses, asses, and zebras), Rhinocerotidae (rhinos), and Tapiridae (tapirs).
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of these animals and explore the similarities and differences between them and zebras.
Examples of Animals Like Zebras
Examples of Animals Like Zebras
1. Baird’s Tapir
1. Baird’s Tapir
Scientific NameTapirus bairdiiType of AnimalMammalRangeforests and wetlands from Mexico to Colombia
The Baird’s tapir is a large, herbivorous mammal that can be found in Central and South America.
It is the largest land animal in its range, and it is characterized by its black and white striped hindquarters.
This Tapir is an endangered species due to habitat loss and hunting.
2. Black Rhinoceros
2. Black Rhinoceros
Scientific NameDiceros bicornisType of AnimalMammalRangeNamibia, Kenya, and South Africa
The black rhinoceros is a large mammal that is native to Africa.
Like the zebra, it has a number of distinctive features, including its size, coloration, and horns.
However, there are some significant differences between these two animals.
For one, black rhinos are actually gray in color, with their namesake hue coming from the mud and dust that they wallow in.
Scientific NameEquus asinusType of AnimalMammalRangeSouthwestern North America, South and Central America, Spain
The burro donkey is a hybrid of a domestic donkey and a zebra.
This animal has the body of a donkey but the stripes of a zebra.
The burro donkey is found in the United States, Mexico, and Europe.
4. Giant Tapir
4. Giant Tapir
Scientific NameTapirus augustusType of AnimalMammalRangesouthern China, Vietnam and Laos, with reports suggesting it also lived in Taiwan, Java, and potentially on Borneo
The giant tapir is the largest member of the tapir family.
It is found in the tropical forests of South America, where it feeds on leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants.
Like zebras, giant tapirs have stripes that are thought to help them blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators.
However, their stripes are much less distinct, and they are generally brown or reddish in color.
Giant tapirs are also much larger than zebras, weighing up to 800 kg (1760 lb).
They are the size of a small horse and have a long snout that is used for grasping leaves and fruits.
The giant tapir survived until about 4,000 years ago in China.
Scientific NameEquus asinus x Equus caballusType of AnimalMammalRangeWorldwide
A hinny is a hybrid animal that results from breeding a male horse with a female donkey.
Like mules (the offspring of a male donkey and female horse), hinnies are sterile.
Hinnies tend to be smaller than horses and have the proportions of donkeys, with heads that more closely resemble those of horses.
Their coat is generally darker than that of a horse, and they often have manes and tails that are shorter and less full.
Scientific NameEquus caballusType of AnimalMammalRangeWorldwide
Horses are the largest and most widespread of the three families within Perissodactyla.
The vast majority of horse breeds have solid-colored coats, but there are a few that display striped patterns similar to zebras.
Horses are herbivores that eat mostly grasses and other plants.
They are social animals that live in herds and have a strict hierarchy, with a lead mare at the top.
Horses are intelligent creatures that can learn a variety of tasks and tricks.
Related Article: 4 Animals Like Horses
7. Indian Rhinoceros
7. Indian Rhinoceros
Scientific NameRhinoceros unicornisType of AnimalMammalRangeThe Indian state of Assam
The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is a large mammal that once roamed across much of Asia.
Like zebras, Indian rhinos have a number of unique physical characteristics.
They are one of the largest land mammals after elephants and hippopotamuses.
Indian rhinos are also the closest living relatives to the extinct woolly rhinoceros.
As its name suggests, the Indian rhinoceros has a single horn that is made of keratin (the same protein that makes up human hair and nails).
The Indian rhinoceros is grayish-brown in color and has a number of folds in its skin that give it a wrinkled appearance.
These folds help to protect the animal from thorns and biting insects.
8. Javan Rhinoceros
8. Javan Rhinoceros
Scientific NameRhinoceros sondaicusType of AnimalMammalRangeJava, Indonesia
The Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is a single-horned rhinoceros that was once found throughout Southeast Asia.
Today, however, it is considered one of the world’s most endangered animals with only around 60 individuals remaining in the wild.
Like zebras, Javan rhinos are odd-toed ungulates.
They are also herbivores that eat a diet of leaves, twigs, and fruits.
However, there are some notable differences between these two animals.
For starters, Javan rhinos lack the stripes that zebras are so famous for.
Instead, their skin is covered in a thick layer of hair that is gray or reddish-brown in color.
They also have a single horn on their head, whereas zebras have none.
Javan rhinos are shy and elusive creatures that are mainly active at night.
They live in dense rainforests and swamps where they can easily hide from predators.
9. Malayan Tapir
9. Malayan Tapir
Scientific NameTapirus indicusType of AnimalMammalRangethe Malay Peninsula and Sumatra
The Malayan tapir is the largest of the four tapir species and can be found in the jungles of Southeast Asia.
These animals are characterized by their black fur, which is often adorned with white spots or stripes.
While their coloring may resemble that of a zebra, tapirs lack the latter’s distinctive patterning.
Mammoth Donkey
Mammoth Donkey
Scientific NameEquus asinusType of AnimalMammalRangeAdrian, Michigan
The mammoth donkey is a large member of the donkey family.
It is native to North America and is one of the largest donkeys in the world.
The mammoth donkey is black with white stripes on its legs and belly.
It also has black fur on its head, neck, and back.
The mammoth donkey is a hardy animal that can live in a variety of environments.
It is a good working animal and is often used for farming or transportation.
Donkeys are related to horses and zebras.
Donkeys are usually smaller than horses, and they have long ears.
Scientific NameEquus asinusType of AnimalMammalRangethe Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia
They stand between 2 and 3 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh between 200 and 400 pounds.
Miniature donkeys are native to the Mediterranean island of Sicily but can now be found in other parts of the world, including the United States.
Mountain Tapir
Mountain Tapir
Scientific NameTapirus pinchaqueType of AnimalMammalRangeColombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru
The mountain tapir is the largest of the four tapir species and can be found in the Andes mountains of South America.
These animals are mostly black or dark brown in color, with a white “saddle” on their backs.
They have short fur and long snouts, and they are proficient swimmers.
Mountain tapirs are herbivores and mostly feed on leaves, fruits, and stems.
They are nocturnal animals and spend most of their time alone or in pairs.
Scientific NameOkapia johnstoniType of AnimalMammalRangethe Democratic Republic of Congo
The okapi is a member of the family Equidae, making it a close relative of horses and zebras.
It is the only living member of the genus Okapia.
These two animals share a number of similarities, including their long necks, dark spots on their fur, and striped legs.
The biggest difference between zebras and okapis is their habitat.
Zebras are found in Africa south of the Sahara desert, while okapis are restricted to a small region in central Africa.
Okapis are also much smaller than zebras, with an average height of about 5 feet (1.5 m).
Scientific NameEquus asinusType of AnimalMammalRangeFrance
The Poitou donkey is a French Donkey that is easily distinguished by its shaggy coat and long, thin legs.
It is one of the largest donkey breeds in the world and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds (450 kg).
Poitou donkeys are believed to be the ancestors of the American Mammoth Jackstock, which was developed in the United States in the 19th century.
These donkeys were bred for their size and strength, and they were used for a variety of purposes including farm work and logging.
South American Tapir
South American Tapir
Scientific NameTapirus terrestrisType of AnimalMammalRangeNorth-Central Colombia and east of the Andes and including most of tropical South America
The South American tapir, also known as the Brazilian tapir, is a species of tapir that is found in the Amazon Basin of South America.
As its name suggests, it is the largest of the four tapir species and can grow to be up to 8 feet long and 3 feet tall at the shoulder.
South American tapirs are brown or black in color with white markings on their face, neck, and legs.
They have a long snout that is used for sniffing out food, and their ears are large and round.
Scientific NameDicerorhinus sumatrensisType of AnimalMammalRangeSumatra
These animals are found in Indonesia and Malaysia, where they inhabit rainforests, swamps, and cloud forests.
The Sumatran rhinoceros is similar to other rhinos in that it has a large body, thick skin, and a single horn.
However, it is distinguished by its much smaller size and the numerous folds and wrinkles in its skin.
Its fur is also shorter and denser than that of other rhinos.
Scientific NameTapirus kabomaniType of AnimalMammalRangethe Amazon rainforest
The Tapirus kabomani, also known as the Brazilian tapir, is a species of tapir that is found in the Amazon rainforest.
It is the smallest of all tapirs, and its coat is dark brown or black in color with white markings on the face and legs.
Like zebras, tapirs are odd-toed ungulates.
They are herbivores that eat a variety of plants, and they have a long snout that they use to sniff out food.
Tapirs are also good swimmers and can hold their breath for up to four minutes.
White Rhinoceros
White Rhinoceros
Scientific NameCeratotherium simumType of AnimalMammalRangeSouth Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya
The white rhinoceros is the largest of the three rhino species and is the most widespread.
The majority of the world’s white rhinos are found in South Africa, with smaller populations in Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Kenya.
White rhinos are grazers and prefer to eat grasses, leaves, and twigs.
They are generally calm animals and live in herds of up to 25 individuals.
The white rhinoceros is the most social of the three rhino species and is often seen in pairs or small groups.
Woolly Rhinoceros
Woolly Rhinoceros
Scientific NameCoelodonta antiquitatisType of AnimalMammalRangeEurope, North Africa, and Asia
The woolly rhinoceros is an extinct species that was once found across Europe, Asia, and North America.
It is thought to have gone extinct around 10,000 years ago.
As its name suggests, the woolly rhinoceros was covered in a thick coat of fur.
This helped to keep the animal warm in its cold, northern habitat.
The fur also served as camouflage, helping the woolly rhinoceros to blend in with its snowy surroundings.
The woolly rhinoceros was a large animal, measuring up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 8,000 pounds (3,600 kilograms).
Read Also: 19 Animals Like Zebras
Zebras are one of the most easily recognizable animals in the world.
Zebras are one of the most easily recognizable animals in the world.
Their black and white stripes make them stand out from a distance, making it difficult for predators to sneak upon them.
While there are many animals that share similar coloring to zebras, these 19 animals are the most likely to be mistaken for zebras.
Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal.
Tapir Profile
Tapir are herbivorous mammals that live in the jungles and forests of South and Central America.
Weighing hundreds of pounds, the tapir is the largest land mammal in South America.
They are often confused with pigs or small hippos, but they are actually more closely related to horses and rhinos.
Tapir Facts Overview
Central America, South America, Southeast Asia
300 to 800 pounds (depending on the species)
Brown, grey, black, or white
Leaves, fruits, aquatic plants, seeds
Malayan tapir – Endangered
Mountain tapir – Endangered
Baird’s tapir – Endangered
Lowland tapir – Vulnerable
Due to their large size and proximity to civilization, tapirs are unfortunately adversely impacted by humans.
Practices such as deforestation, farming, and plantation development have led to marked reductions in tapir populations.
Their conservation status is endangered and vulnerable for all 4 species.
Tapirs—because of their size and high sensitivity to environmental changes—are useful indicators of the health of their habitats.
It is estimated that there are only a couple thousand tapirs left on the planet.
Further efforts are needed to help protect these beautiful animals.
Interesting Tapir Facts
Similar to the trunks of elephants, the flexible snouts of tapirs help carry out many daily functions.
In addition to grasping hard-to-reach leaves and fruits, it can be used as a snorkel when the tapir is swimming or diving underwater.
Tapirs spend a lot of their time in water.
They have also been observed to walk along the bottom of riverbeds, like hippos, searching for plants to graze on.
There are four toes on the front feet of tapirs and three on their back feet.
Tapirs have small eyes and monocular vision.
To make up for this, tapirs have good olfactory and auditory senses to survey their surroundings.
5. Tapirs are active at night
Tapirs can be diurnal (active during the day) or nocturnal (active during the night).
6. The largest tapirs can weigh as much as an adult grizzly bear
Among tapir species, the Malayan tapir is the largest.
It can grow up to 800 pounds which is approximately the size of a full-grown grizzly bear.
Tapirs gestate for approximately 400 days (13 months) before giving birth.
8. They are very vocal animals
A variety of different vocalizations are used by tapirs to communicate.
9. All tapir calves have the same markings
Depending on their species, adult tapirs will have distinct coats with unique colors and patterns.
All calves, however, have brown coats with white markings.
This striped pattern provides calves with much-needed protection as it allows them to easily blend in with their surroundings.
Calves can reach adult size in about a year and a half, and they learn key survival skills very quickly.
In the past, tapirs were thought of as solitary animals that only came together to mate.
In recent studies, tapirs have been found foraging for food in small groups, suggesting they might have social tendencies we are not fully aware of yet.
To evade detection, tapirs will sometimes defecate into local waters.
Tapirs have been called “gardeners of the forest”
Seasonal fruits and seeds are one of the main food sources for tapirs.
After they consume them, tapirs will travel to different locations and deposit droppings (scat), dispersing the seeds throughout forests.
This helps to bring nutrients to the forest floor as well as disseminate various species of vegetation, enriching the overall landscape.
In Costa Rica, it is common practice to hunt tapirs.
Tapir meat is high in fat and is often smoked, cooked in stews, or incorporated into porridges.
Tapirs are ancient animals
Studies suggest that, evolutionarily, tapirs have not changed for millions of years.
Tapir Fact-File Summary
Scientific Classification
Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
South American tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
Mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque)
Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus)
National Geographic.“Tapir”.
Britannica.“Tapir”.
“Tapir Guide: number of species, why babies have spots and stripes, and more”.