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Why are zebras called zebras?

Updated: 10/8/2023
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9y ago

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The name originally applied to a 'wild ass' now extinct and said to be Congolese. There is also a 15th Century reference in both the Italian and Portuguese languages brought to Europe by early explorers.

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10y ago
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9y ago

When the Portuguese saw a Zebra they noticed some similarities with the animal they had at their country, the Zebro or Zevro, a type of ass; Equus hydruntinus.

Zebra originates from the Italian word zebra, which originates from Portuguese "zevra" which means "wild ass." This in turn is from Vulgar Latin Equiferus, meaning "wild horse."

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Q: Why are zebras called zebras?
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