Zebra Born with Spots Instead of Stripes found in Kenya

This rare baby zebra with gorgeous polka dots was seen in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Photographers Rahul Sachdev and Antony Tira took some photos of this unique animal and the internet fell in love but also got saddened. It turns out even though this was the first case seen at the Mara Reserve this kind of zebras was seen before. They’ve never survived past six months with this condition in African parks. It’s actually melanism that causes the polka dot pattern. An opposite of albinism. Some fun facts or maybe theories from scientists are that zebras are actually black animals with white stripes and that such pattern helps them keep cool in hot weather. It keeps them more hidden from predators and flies known for transmitting diseases.

Photo taken in Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

Can you believe that these are both zebras?

Melanism causes the polka dot pattern. It’s an opposite of albinism.

Unfortunately, zebras with this condition have never survived more than 6 months.