Celebrating Zebra International Day

Ownia's Blog

A Spotlight on Grevy’s Zebra Trust and The Safari Collection

International Zebra Day is more than a celebration of these iconic striped animals—it’s a call to action to protect one of Africa’s most endangered species: the Grevy’s zebra. With fewer than 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild, their survival hangs by a thread. This day also highlights the incredible work of the Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT), a pioneering organization dedicated to conserving these unique zebr

Let’s dive into what makes Grevy’s zebras special, the challenges they face, and how The Safari Collection is partnering with GZT to ensure their future.

Meet the Grevy’s Zebra: A Rare Beauty

The Grevy’s zebra stands apart from its more common relatives, the plains and mountain zebras. Larger, taller, and marked by strikingly narrow black-and-white stripes, these zebras are truly elegant.

Unique features include:

A fully white belly and light brown muzzle.
Large conical ears for exceptional hearing.
Adaptations to arid environments, allow them to survive up to five days without water.

Historically roaming the Horn of Africa, today their range is limited to northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia, with northern Kenya holding the largest population.

A Fight for Survival

The Grevy’s zebra faces numerous threats, including:

Habitat loss from human encroachment and climate change.
Poaching and competition with livestock for limited resources.

These challenges have led to the most significant range reduction of any African mammal.

Grevy’s Zebra Trust: Guardians of the Stripes

Founded in 2007 by the Safari Collection, Grevy’s Zebra Trust is the only organization solely focused on conserving this endangered species. Operating across a vast 10,000 km² area in northern Kenya, GZT works tirelessly through:

Population monitoring using innovative stripe-ID methods.
Education and outreach programs to engage local communities.
Habitat restoration and protection from poachers.

A cornerstone of their success is community involvement. Programs like the Grevy’s Zebra Scouts and figures such as Mama Grevy play vital roles in monitoring and protecting these animals.

The Safari Collection and GZT: A Sustainable Partnership

The Safari Collection, renowned for its eco-luxury properties—including Sala’s Camp, Sasaab, Solio Lodge, and the iconic Giraffe Manor—is a proud partner of the Grevy’s Zebra Trust. Sasaab, located near the GZT headquarters in Westgate Community Conservancy, lies at the heart of one of the largest remaining Grevy’s zebra populations.

Through medical clinics and community meetings, The Safari Collection supports GZT’s mission, showcasing how sustainable tourism can drive meaningful conservation efforts. As a member of the Ownia Collection, The Safari Collection embodies the purpose of healing the world through travel, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.

How You Can Help

Zebra National Day is the perfect opportunity to get involved. Your contribution, big or small, can make a tangible difference:

$50 funds supplies for three Grevy’s Zebra Scouts for a year.
$450 buys a digital camera for monitoring zebra populations.
$1,500 supports a field officer’s work for an entire year.

By donating to GZT or staying at sustainable properties like The Safari Collection, you contribute to the survival of these majestic creatures.

Travel with Purpose

Zebra National Day reminds us that travel has the power to transform lives—not just for humans but for wildlife, too. Whether you’re waking up to giraffes at Giraffe Manor or exploring the Samburu wilderness at Sasaab, your visit to The Safari Collection helps protect Africa’s wildlife and landscapes for generations to come.

Together, we can celebrate Grevy’s zebras and ensure their stripes never fade.

Learn more and support Grevy’s Zebra Trust today.

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