Zebras are highly social, wide-ranging herbivores whose welfare in tourism and captivity settings presents distinct challenges from more commonly studied species.
Zebras present welfare challenges in both captivity and wildlife tourism contexts. Their strong social bonds mean that disruption of harem groups causes significant distress, and captive animals frequently develop stereotypic behaviours indicating chronic frustration. Vehicle-based wildlife tourism, while generally lower-impact than direct contact, can disrupt grazing and resting behaviour when poorly managed. Veterinary care requires chemical immobilisation, which carries mortality risk. Captive zebra welfare is improved by large naturalistic enclosures, stable social groups, and enrichment that encourages natural foraging behaviour. Conservation of wild zebra populations requires habitat protection and management of human-wildlife conflict in range countries.