Zebra

 

Z is for Zebra

This week’s letter assignment is the letter Z.

 

 

 

 

OK, so I wanted to go the NC Zoo, about an hour drive from where I live. My inner 5 year-old really, really wanted to go. I also wanted to take my own photos. It didn’t happen *sigh*.  I guess it was for the best as it was a million degrees this past weekend, with the humidity ratcheting up the temperature to a billion, so I sat in the comfort of my A/C with my laptop and got these great pictures from their photo gallery.

According to National Geographic:

“No animal has a more distinctive coat than the zebra. Each animal’s stripes are as unique as fingerprints—no two are exactly alike—although each of the three species has its own general pattern.”

“Why do zebras have stripes at all? Scientists aren’t sure, but many theories center on their utility as some form of camouflage. The patterns may make it difficult for predators to identify a single animal from a running herd and distort distance at dawn and dusk. Or they may dissuade insects that recognize only large areas of single-colored fur or act as a kind of natural sunscreen. Because of their uniqueness, stripes may also help zebras recognize one another.”

“Zebras are social animals that spend time in herds. They graze together, primarily on grass, and even groom one another.”

 

 

“Plains (also known as Burchell’s or Grant’s) zebras are the most common species. They live in small family groups consisting of a male (stallion), several females, and their young. These units may combine with others to form awe-inspiring herds thousands of head strong, but family members will remain close within the herd.”

 

Visiting the Zoo animals  in my living room, I thought I would release my Zebra from the captivity of my plate rack, and set a tray with my other Zoo animals this week for my tablescape. . .

 Zebra/Tiger/ Leopard Plate – Raymond Waites for Certified International

Leopard Print Tray – Raymond Waites for Toyo

Animal Flatware- Murval

Leopard Glasses – Global Amici

Animal coffee mugs – Pier 1

Leopard Pitcher – Raymond Waites for Certified International

Runner –  Sweet Dreams

Napkin – Bed, Bath & Beyond

Get Some Stripes! as the box recommends and satisfy your junk food cravings with these. . .

  Little Debbie Zebra Cakes for dessert~

Zebra Cake Trifle~ layers of chocolate pudding, whipped cream and of course, Little Debbie Zebra Cakes.

If you’re looking for a good book to read in the comfort of your A/C to escape the heat~ try this one about a Dog named Enzo and a Zebra.

I highly recommend The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein~ You can read an Edible Review of this Book here.

 

“It was the Zebra.”

Chloe & Gracie agree with Enzo~ the Zebra is very sneaky and evil and must be watched at all times. . .

Thanks to my hostesses to this week’s parties I’m linking to:

 Jenny Matlock’s Aphabe-Thursday for Alphabet Fun

 Susan ~ Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday