Zebras require large mixed-species herds, extensive ranging space, and carefully managed social groups to maintain positive welfare in zoological settings.
Zebra welfare in captivity benefits greatly from mixed-species management approaches that allow formation of naturalistic multi-species associations, though social dynamics must be carefully monitored. Adequate space for movement and flight distance maintenance (zebras need room to run from perceived threats) is critical. Zoo zebra herds with appropriate family-group social structures and compatible mixed-species groupings demonstrate far better welfare indicators — lower cortisol, more natural ranging, and normal reproductive behavior — than those in small, single-species enclosures.