On a recent podcast episode, this hilarious nugget of information was brought up: "Zebras have the loudest farts". 

What. 

I have spent some time Googling this, and I cannot yet definitely verify the accuracy of this statement. But there is some scientific basis to it - zebras are hindgut fermenters, and there's a whole bunch of biology behind it but the important takeaway is that yes, zebras fart plenty. This also explains their 'bum-heavy' shape, similar to cows, horses, elephants, and even rabbits. 

Zebras are a fascinatingly strange animal. Here are some other fun facts about zebras: 

1. Zebras are black. 

There's some debate over whether zebras are 'black with white stripes' or 'white with black stripes'. The correct answer is the first one. Zebras have black skin, and their fur grows from follicles containing melanocyte cells. A more comprehensive explanation can be found here. 

2. Zebra stripes are like fingerprints

Each zebra's stripe pattern is unique and identifiable, making them similar to human fingerprints. 

3. No one knows for sure why zebras have stripes

There are many theories, and currently the most accepted one is to do with dealing with fly bites. Nature's 'OFF!'. A study found that striping was more common in areas with higher density of biting flies, which suggests that zebra's stripes was an evolutionary solution to deal with pesky flies. Can't say I blame them. Another theory is to do with thermoregulation, as zebras are only native to Eastern and Southern Africa. 

4. A group of zebras is called a 'dazzle'

That's just a hilariously appropriate nomenclatural choice, and also kinda cute. 

5. Zebras can sleep standing up

Similar to horses (who zebras share genealogical heritage with), zebras are able to lock their joints and take naps while standing up. This allows them to quickly awaken and run away from predators. A true power nap. 

6. A new born can run one hour after birth

Talk about overachievers. And fully grown, zebras have a top speed of 65km/h - fast enough to get 4 demerit points on many Singapore roads. 

Nature is (David Attenborough voice) really fascinating. And yet with all that said, I still don't know if zebra farts are the loudest.