How The Zebra Got His Stripes

A very long time ago in the animal kingdom shortly after God created them in a peaceful and colorful garden. All animals lived there peacefully. Right in the garden was the Zebra. He had a fur as white as snow, he was very proud of his fur. He would gallop around to show other animals his fur. Many animals like the shelled ones wished they had fur like him. This was before the Zebra became stripped.

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Baboon was on his wild quest when he discovered a big waterhole in the North-Eastern region of the garden. It was indeed a paradise; it had different trees surrounding the waterhole just like palm trees, plantain and many more.

”I am staying here till I die.” He told himself.

He created a barricade with tree branches at the entrance. When other animals came around, he chased them angrily.

”I saw this place first, it is mine now. I am the lord here. Please leave and don’t come back!” He would shout as he chased them away.

The Tortoise in his cunningness tried to trick him but he failed so he stayed off. The other animals didn’t care, there was enough food and water around because it was the rainy season.

Months went by and the dry season came in. Rain stopped falling and food became scarce because they have not developed saving culture. The waterholes dried up which scared the animals. They couldn’t approach Baboon, he had warned them severally to stay off his waterhole.

Zebra was not like other animals, he saved food. One particular evening, he had a heavy meal and became thirsty. He tried to get water but he couldn’t. The only waterhole around with water was too full with other animals then he remembered the one occupied by Baboon. He ran towards the place.

Baboon built a big fire at the entrance of the water hole to scare off other animals. Zebra didn’t care, he was too thirsty. He bypassed the fire. Baboon jumped out.

”Who are you and what do you want here?” He asked angrily.

”I am Zebra, I just need little water to quench my thirst or I will die.” He replied. The Baboon didn’t care, he pushed him back with his hands till Zebra hit him back.

_”How can you be so merciless? This was created for us all yet you colonized it for yourself and can’t still help your own kind.” Zebra was so disappointed.

Baboon became so impatient. ”Tell that to your ancestors. Leave now or face my wrath you stupid Zebra!.”

The Zebra ignored him and dashed towards the waterhole. The baboon charged towards him and they both rolled around and started fighting. The Baboon insisted if the Zebra wanted water, he would have to fight him for it. After minutes, Zebra finally used all his strength to kick him very hard and Baboon flew off the water hole and landed on the hard behind the waterhole.

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Zebra lost gravity as he hit him hard and fell into the fire that was at the entrance. The burnt firewood went off to the sky and landed on his fur drawing black stripes all over him. He was so frightened that he ran off. The stripes became permanent – that is how Zebras became stripped till today.

Meanwhile, the kick was so mighty on Baboon, he landed hard on his rear side. This made him to develop a shiny red bottom. Till today, all Baboons have red bottom and are always angry.