Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
One of the most famous and most recognizable of all equids is the zebra of Africa, of which there are three recognized species: the plains zebra (Equus quagga), the mountain zebra (E. zebra), and the Grevy’s zebra (E. grevyi). It is especially popular with children, as reflected by its numerous appearances in film and television, not to mention an abundance of toys.
This 2018 zebra by Schleich is easily recognizable as a mare thanks to the two teats visible on her underside. She is sculpted in a walking pose with her head held high, ears perked, and looking to the left. Her right front and rear limbs are extended and her tail is held down. She measures 12.5 cm long and stands about 8.5 cm tall at the ear tips.
As you’d rightly expect, the mare is painted white with plenty of black stripes. Her eyes and nostrils have been painted glossy black to give them a moist appearance and her hooves and tail tuft are dark brown. She also features a bit of dark brown in her mane. The absence of brown shadow stripes leads me to suspect that she represents a Grant’s zebra (E. quagga boehmi), which is the smallest of the seven subspecies of plains zebra. They usually achieve up to 4.6 feet tall, 8 feet long, and 300 kg/660 lbs in weight.
The stripes have been painstakingly applied to ensure an orderly, but naturalistic appearance. Particularly so on the head and limbs. It is still uncertain just what the exact purpose of a zebra’s stripes are, although two distinct possibilities are to prevent overheating and to deter biting insects.
The mare’s body has a fine pitted texture to simulate the short fur of a real zebra. The longer fur on the mane and tail tuft also look very realistic. The soles of the hooves are concave and the limbs are slim and taut. As well they should be, for a zebra’s primary means of defence is to flee as fast they can (although it will also kick and bite if cornered). Its deadliest enemies are the lion, the spotted hyena, and the Nile crocodile.
Overall, a perfectly good zebra figure, one can usually be found wherever Schleich products are sold.
