In Grévy’s zebras, mothers gather in small groups and leave their young in “kindergartens” to be guarded by a male living in that territory. Still, if pack-hunting hyenas and dogs threaten them, the entire dazzle attempts to protect them by forming a protective front with the foals in the center, with the stallion rushing at anything that comes too close. Plains and mountain zebra foals are cared for primarily by their mothers. While males reach sexual maturity after a year or two, they can only form their herd after six years. In Grevy’s zebras, the nursing lasts longer, and the foals don’t drink water until three months of age. Foals attempt to graze within a few weeks but may continue to nurse for eight to thirteen months. This involves familiarizing their striping pattern, scent, and vocalization on the baby zebras. Newborn zebras follow anything in motion, so to prevent losing their foals new mothers prevent other mares from approaching them during the period of imprinting.
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