This list includes 13 Zoo animals that start with Z, from “Grevy’s zebra” to “Zorilla”. These species are mostly mammals and birds with distinctive markings or behaviors, often used in education, conservation, and visitor interpretation.

Zoo animals that start with Z are species with common names beginning with Z kept in zoos. Grevy’s zebra is a notable example, prized for conservation programs and distinctive narrow stripes.

Below you’ll find the table with Common name, Scientific name, Region of origin, and Typical adult size (cm, measurement method).

Common name: The everyday species name you recognize; use it to identify animals on signage, reports, and school projects.

Scientific name: The binomial Latin name helps you confirm the exact species and link to scientific literature or conservation listings.

Region of origin: Shows the species’ native continent or country so you can understand habitat, biogeography, and exhibition context.

Typical adult size (cm): Gives average adult measurements in centimeters, with method noted (head–body length or shoulder height) for comparison.

Sourcing notes: Species names and ranges follow major zoo inventories, ZIMS, and IUCN listings where possible.

Zoo animals that start with Z

Common nameScientific nameRegion of originTypical adult size (cm)
Plains zebraEquus quaggaAfrica: Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana120 (shoulder height)
Grevy’s zebraEquus grevyiAfrica: Kenya, Ethiopia140 (shoulder height)
Mountain zebraEquus zebraAfrica: Namibia, South Africa130 (shoulder height)
Zebra finchTaeniopygia guttataAustralia: widespread10 (length)
ZebrafishDanio rerioSouth Asia: India, Bangladesh4 (length)
Zebra sharkStegostoma fasciatumIndo-Pacific: Red Sea to Australia200 (length)
Zebra plecoHypancistrus zebraSouth America: Xingu River, Brazil10 (length)
Zebra duikerCephalophus zebraWest Africa: Liberia, Sierra Leone50 (shoulder height)
Zebra doveGeopelia striataSoutheast Asia: Indonesia, Philippines23 (length)
Zenaida doveZenaida auritaCaribbean: Bahamas, Greater Antilles26 (length)
Zebra longwingHeliconius charithoniaAmericas: Florida to South America7 (wingspan)
Zebra swallowtailEurytides marcellusNorth America: Eastern United States8 (wingspan)
ZorillaIctonyx striatusAfrica: Southern & Eastern Africa40 (body length)

Descriptions

Plains zebra
Social black-and-white striped equid common in zoo savanna exhibits, grazing in herds across East and Southern Africa.
Grevy’s zebra
Largest zebra with narrow stripes and large ears; endangered species often part of zoo conservation and breeding programs.
Mountain zebra
Stocky zebra adapted to rocky terrain with grid-like stripes and a distinctive dewlap; kept in some safari-style zoo enclosures.
Zebra finch
Small, lively songbird with black-and-white barring and orange beak; a staple of aviaries and education displays.
Zebrafish
Tiny striped freshwater fish seen in public aquaria and research displays, known for its horizontal blue stripes and ease of care.
Zebra shark
Docile bottom-dwelling shark with juvenile zebra stripes that fade to spots; commonly exhibited in large public aquaria.
Zebra pleco
Striking black-and-white striped catfish prized in aquarium exhibits for its bold pattern and small size.
Zebra duiker
Small forest antelope with zebra-like flank striping; shy species kept in some zoos for conservation and education.
Zebra dove
Slender, softly cooing dove with fine barred plumage; commonly displayed in aviaries and tropical bird houses.
Zenaida dove
Stout ground-feeding dove with subtle markings, featured in Caribbean aviary collections and educational exhibits.
Zebra longwing
Long-winged butterfly with black-and-yellow striped wings; a favorite in butterfly houses and pollinator exhibits.
Zebra swallowtail
Striking black-and-white striped swallowtail butterfly often showcased in conservatories and butterfly displays.
Zorilla
Skunk-like mustelid with bold black-and-white stripes and a pungent defense spray; featured in some zoos to illustrate African carnivores.
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