Learn 5 Unusual Facts About Zebras. Inspiring the fashion industry for decades, the stripes on the magnificent zebra function as a kind of camouflage, confusing their predators. Though the zebra looks much like a horse, they are too wild and fierce to be tamed or ridden. Though their patterns are similar, each zebra has a set of stripes that is unique to that one animal. Unlike many herd animals, zebras will turn and fight to protect a wounded member of the herd from predators. There are three species of these animals: the mountain zebras, the Burchelli or plains zebras, and the Grevy's zebras.