Why zebras are not domesticated?

Question

zebras seem to be sturdy animals for farm labour and rural transport

Answer 1

Actually, many people have attempted to domesticate zebras over the years, but have never been truly successful.

There are several characteristics of an animal species that are required before we can really effectively domesticate them. The zebra simply lack some of those characteristics.

One of the most important is a social structure in which there is a dominant herd member or leader in the animal's group. When domesticated, the human essentially takes that role. Most of our most successful domestications (dogs, horses, cows, sheep) are examples of this 'human domination' method of domestication.

Zebra herds are not that strictly stratified, and they do not have a lead mare or other dominant herd member that a human can supplant. Herding zebra is kind of like herding cats - but cats that weigh a ton, have really mean tempers and kick at the slightest provocation and can run at 40 mph.

So while an individual zebra might be tamed and trained through hard work and dedication, it's not possible to tame and train an entire herd, and have them work and move as a herd. Also, they do not pass the social structure to their offspring, and the next generation has to be tamed and trained individually all over again.

So basically, they're too mean, ornery, and don't listen to orders.

Answer 2

As pointed out by others, for a species to become domesticated it must possess certain natural characteristics that can then be exploited through artificial selection (controlled breeding.) Zebras would not have been the likely first choice as beast of burden, source of flesh, or source of milk in Africa. If one desired a domesticated zebra population, it would probably be possible to create one. As others have said, they have been used for riding and carriage pulling in the past. If only the most docile were chosen for breeding over many generations, a more tractable individual would almost certainly result. It is possible that the strong stripe pattern would reduce, as happened in the silver fox when they were selected for temperament alone.

Answer 3

Because theres already enough donkeys and mules that provide that. Also most of the labor can be done with new technology, and as for transport you always have cars or horses. So why pay alot of money to transport some Zebra from Africa and use it for labor? When you just have a donkey that you can get pretty cheap

Answer 4

zebras are not domesticated because the wild ones don't trust humans enough to let them get close. even if you manage to catch one and take it home, that's called poaching and it's illegal. they're wild animals! why do you want to domesticate them? however, some zoos have interbred horses and zebras resulting in a cross called a zorse...

P.S you tell 'em, Jackieinphilly, PeachPie, and Bella!

Answer 5

Leave the zebras alone. Why do we humans have to "domesticate" everything?

Answer 6

Good question. Some relevant articles ...

http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/zebra.html

http://www.schreinerfarms.com/zebra.htm

http://www.pbs.org/gunsgermssteel/variables/zebra.html

Google zebras + domesticated for more articles.

Answer 7

Zebras are essetially identical to donkeys, except of their striped coat. They would not bring anything that donkeys do not already provide.

Answer 8

because their nature is very nasty and they are extremely difficult to tame. you have never seen anyone riding a zebra for a reason. they are not amenable to domestication.

Answer 9

They are wild animals,And should stay that way.

Answer 10

because most farms arent in africa