Wildlife Lens

Interesting Facts About How Zebras Sleep and Rest By WildlifeLens — August 2025 When we think about sleep, we usually picture people or pets like dogs and cats. But what about wild animals that live out in the open? Zebras, with their bold stripes and strong survival instincts, have developed interesting ways to rest while staying safe from predators. One common question is: do zebras actually sleep standing up? Image Credit: Eric Kilby / Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) Understanding Zebra Behavior in the Wild Zebras are social animals that live in herds , usually made up of family groups called harems. They need to stay alert all the time because lions, hyenas, and other predators share the same plains. Sleep for zebras isn’t just about rest — it’s also a way to stay safe. They have to balance resting with being ready to react to danger. Unlike humans, zebras don’t get long, deep sleep. Their environment means they must stay aware even while resting. This is why many ze...