How Much Does a Zebra Cost? Unraveling the Expenses Involved in Owning This Striking Creature
Zebras have a unique black-and-white look that attracts people’s attention. We are usually captivated by their looks and personality. If you want one for yourself, you should know how much are zebras.
Zebras’ price depends on their species, age, sex, and condition. The ones caught in the wild are far more expensive than the ones bred in captivity. Wild zebras are pricy due to transport and capturing difficulties. Zebras are social animals with untamable personalities, no wonder they have never been truly domesticated. Keep that in mind when trying to ride your pet friend. Even experienced breeders have difficulties taming zebras.
Another important issue to consider before looking into zebras’ prices is their feisty nature and kicking instinct when threatened. Therefore, you have to be careful at all times. Also, they are social animals, so you will need at least two zebras to make a pair. In the wild, they gather in large groups (up to 1000), while regrouping in family groups within the herd (5 to 20). If you are still determined to own zebras check out our list of zebras’ prices by species and the cost of raising a zebra. If you think they are way out of your league budget-wise, we offer you a much cheaper alternative, zebra adoption.
Cost of Zebras by Species
Zebras are expensive creatures! Besides the initial cost, you will need an additional budget for shelter, food, and veterinary care. The price of one zebra is between $3,500 and $10,500. Don’t forget that you need at least a pair, so every price is times two.
According to the Wildlife Informer, there are three main zebra species and eight subspecies. All three main species, the plains zebra, the mountain zebra, and the Grévy’s zebra, have distinctive black-and-white stripes with slightly different patterns. They have many subspecies like Grant’s zebra, Burchell’s zebra, Maneless zebra, and more. Read on to find out the cost of three zebras species and subspecies:
1. Plains Zebra
Average cost: between $3,000 and $10,000;
Where to buy plains zebra: Reputable breeders and sellers, or websites selling exotic animals.
You can find plain zebras on exotic animals for sale for the following prices:
- $30,000 for one zebra stud and two fillies;
- $10,000 each.
The stud is around five and the fillies are around 4. You may expect foals as early as next year. The sellers are also interested in partial trade for a young tame filly or young camel. For a wider selection of zebras also check the following links:
The exotic animal market changes and there are new animal additions for sale all the time. So, don’t give up. If you are determined to buy zebras check these sites regularly until you find the zebra that is perfect for you and your budget.
2. Zebra Colt
Average cost: between $5,500 and $7,500;
Where to buy zebra colt: Reputable breeders and sellers, safari parks, or websites selling exotic animals.
On exotic animals for sale, you can purchase zebra colt:
- For a price of $7,500;
- Currently settled in a petting barn at a safari park.
There are a few more zebra colts on sale on Exoticanimalsforsale.net like an eight-month zebra stud colt located in Nebraska, and two zebra stud colts but the price is not listed. If you are interested, you can call or e-mail the sellers. You can find all the necessary contact information in the ad. Zebra colts can be a wonderful addition to your farm or ranch, so if you like the prices start bidding!
3. Grant’s Zebra
Average cost: between $7,500 and $10,500
Where to buy Grant’s zebra: Reputable breeders and sellers, ranches, or websites selling exotic animals.
You can find Grant’s zebras for sale at Lonesome Bull Ranch under the exotic animal sales for these prices:
- $7,450 for Grant’s zebra males from 3-days old to 18 months old;
- $8,950 for Grant’s zebra females from 3-days old to 18 months old;
- $10,450 for Grant’s zebra breeding age females;
- $8,950 for Grant’s zebra breeding-age males.
Exotic animals for sale offer:
- Two Grant’s zebra stallions for a price of $10,000 each (one and two years old);
- Grant’s zebra filly, born on December 20, 2023, for $10,000.
But, that’s not all! There are plenty of zebras to choose from at the Lonesome Bull Ranch. They have around 10 herds of zebras or over 120 zebras. You can contact the ranch to purchase zebras between 3 days old and 1.5 years of age. They also offer a deposit option for keeping the 1st newborn baby zebra for you. If you leave a deposit for a baby zebra, you have to pick it up within 72 hours and pay it before it leaves the ranch. The experienced breeders at the ranch will provide you with specific instructions on feeding and taking care of the baby zebra, and they are always open to any questions you may have. If you think a baby zebra needs too much care you can buy a zebra between 4 months and 1.5 years of age.
Costs of Raising Zebras
Now that you know the initial cost for some of the zebra species and subspecies you have to think about the costs of raising zebras. Once you make your purchase you will have to consider the following costs:
- Housing costs
Zebras are free-spirited animals that love to stay outdoors and don’t like to be contained in a closed space. To keep them safe and inside the premises, you will need to build an 8-foot fence that may cost between $800 and $1000. Zebras tend to damage the fence with their strong kick, so you will need extra cash for fence maintenance. Make everything 100% escape-proof because if zebras escape you will have a hard time catching them. Besides the roaming area, you will need a warm stable for their protection in winter or cold weather, so you need to calculate that cost as well.
- Feeding costs
The zebra’s diet consists of a lot of grass, shrubs, plants, branches, leaves, or bark. Zebras need to be fed every day. Therefore, the feeding costs for zebras can get high. If you don’t own land with good pasture, you may buy plant-based food from the market for their daily meals. Zebras are herbivores (their digestive system is not meant to digest meat), so you need to provide a healthy and well-balanced diet based on grass and other vegetation, and that can be quite expensive.
- Medical costs
To keep your zebras in good condition, healthy, and happy, you should periodically visit the vet to avoid any high medical costs in the future. Set aside between $200 and $300 for every visit to the vet. Generally speaking, zebras don’t get sick often, but sometimes they may suffer injuries, and a visit to the vet is a must. Also, don’t forget to add the vaccination expenses to the overall medical cost.
- Training costs
It’s hard to domesticate and take care of zebras. Therefore, you might consider hiring a professional to train them. That would be an additional strain on your budget, but it is a wise decision for your and the zebra’s safety.
Cost of Zebra Adoption
Now that you know how much are zebras, and the costs of raising zebras, you can calculate whether having a zebra pet is in your price range. If not, you can consider a much cheaper alternative, zebra adoption.
Many zoos and wildlife conservatories offer the possibility of zebra adoption. For a symbolic adoption fee of around $100, you donate to the zoo or conservatory’s funds and support their conservatory efforts. Once you donate and buy the adoption kit you will receive a personalized certificate of adoption along with a photo and a fact card. It’s not the same as owning a zebra, but it’s the next best thing if you are on a budget. Once the symbolic adoption is finalized you will receive all the necessary information about the zebra you have adopted. If this is something you would like to try, check out the following establishments that allow zebra adoption:
- The World Wildlife Fund gift center offers symbolic zebra adoption. Every symbolic adoption is a valuable donation (from $20 to $100) that helps both the adopted animal and the endangered wildlife. By choosing an adoption kit you can afford (from $20 to $125) you are also protecting delicate ecosystems, and setting an example of building a future where we become one with nature.
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens also offers symbolic Grant’s zebra adoption. Your donation for the adoption will be used for taking care of the Grant’s Zebra and supporting the San Francisco Zoological Society’s conservation activities and its mission to connect people to wildlife. The San Francisco Zoo also offers group adoption programs for associations and schools. The income of this symbolic group donation will be used for taking care of the Grévy’s zebras. To start the adoption process choose the adopt me today option and you can select one of the following adoption packages: basic for $50, friend for $100, advocate for $250, protector for $500, and founder for $1000.
- Valley Zoo Development Society offers a symbolic adoption program for a Grévy’s Zebra. If you choose this program your donation will be used for taking care of the animals in the Edmonton Valley Zoo and will inspire others to do the same. Your symbolic adoption will be a valuable asset for improving animals’ habitats. The Valley Zoo Development Society offers the following adoption packages: for $75 you will get an 8″ Plush Grévy’s zebra, an adoption certificate, a fact sheet, and an invitation for two for the annual parent appreciation event. Also, you can add a Zootique store gift card (of $25, $50, or $100) to the package and create a full zoo experience.
As you can see each zebra adoption program offers different possibilities, but the final goal is the same. Your adoption donation makes you a proud animal parent who is taking care of animals and raising awareness of the importance of helping animals. The cost of zebra adoption is way cheaper than buying and raising zebras. Wait no longer, choose the zebra adoption plan that fits your budget, and start the adoption process!
Conclusion
The cost of zebras depends on multiple factors like zebra’s species, age, sex, genetics, condition, and location. Make sure to buy zebras from reputable breeders with experience and a history of safe animal delivery. You want your zebra to be perfectly fine when it arrives at your farm or ranch. The next step is to consider the costs of razing zebras starting from housing to proper training. If the zebra’s purchase and maintenance expenses are way out of your budget you can take our advice and choose a symbolic adoption program. That way you will help zebras and learn everything you need to know through the entire adoption process.
Whatever you decide, it is important to use all the information in this article to ensure smooth zebra purchase, raising, or adoption. Wait no longer, weigh your options, and prepare to become a zebra owner or a symbolic zebra parent!
