How to Draw a Zebra Step by Step
Step 1: Draw the Top of the Head
Start near the top of your page. Draw a tall, rounded dome shape, a bit like an upside-down U. Close the bottom with a gently curved line. This is the upper part of the zebra’s head.
Leave plenty of space below it. The body and legs will go there later.
Step 2: Add the Muzzle
Under the head, draw a wide, rounded U shape. This is the zebra’s muzzle (its nose and mouth area). Make it slightly wider than the bottom of the head so it looks soft and chubby.
A big muzzle is what makes a baby zebra look cute.
Step 3: Draw the Ears
On each top corner of the head, draw a long, pointed ear that leans outward. Inside each ear, draw a smaller line that follows the same shape. This shows the inside of the ear.
Tip: Try to make both ears the same size. Draw one, then copy it on the other side like a mirror.
Step 4: Add the Hair Tuft
Between the ears, draw a small, wavy tuft of hair. Use three or four little bumps that stick up from the head. Zebras have short, stiff hair that stands up, so this tuft fits them perfectly.
Step 5: Draw the Nostrils and Smile
Inside the muzzle, draw two small circles for the nostrils, one on each side. Between and just below them, draw a curved line for a happy smile.
Step 6: Draw the Eyes
Just above the muzzle, draw two oval eyes. Color them in, but leave a small white circle in each one. These shiny highlights make the eyes look alive. Add a tiny curved eyebrow above each eye.
Tip: Place the eyes low on the head and close to the muzzle. Low eyes make animals look younger and cuter.
Step 7: Draw the Neck and Chest
From the left side of the muzzle, draw a line going down and curving slightly to the right. This is the front of the zebra’s neck and chest.
Step 8: Draw the Back
From the right side of the muzzle, draw a line along the zebra’s back. Let it dip slightly, then curve up and around for the rump, and come down where the back leg will be.
Keep the body short and round. A short body matches the big head and keeps the zebra cute.
Step 9: Start the Front Legs
Under the chest, draw short straight lines going down. These are the outer edges of the front legs. Keep them parallel so the legs don’t look bent.
Step 10: Finish the Front Legs
Complete both front legs. Close each leg at the bottom with a rounded hoof. The leg in front can be a little bigger than the one behind it.
Step 11: Draw the Belly
From the top of the front legs, draw a short, nearly flat line toward the back. This is the zebra’s belly. End it with a small hook where the back leg will start.
Step 12: Draw the Back Legs
Draw the two back legs under the rump, with rounded hooves just like the front ones. Make sure all four hooves sit on the same line, so the zebra stands steady.
Your zebra’s outline is now complete!
Step 13: Draw the Zebra Stripes
Now for the best part: the stripes! On the back and sides, draw curved stripes that start at the top and get thinner as they go down. On the legs, draw short, slanted stripes that point sideways.
Stripe tips:
- Start each stripe thick and let it end in a point.
- Follow the shape of the body, curving the stripes around it.
- Don’t make every stripe the same. Real zebras have unique stripe patterns, so a little variety looks natural.
- Take your time. It’s easier to do the body stripes first, then the legs.
Step 14: Add the Tail
At the back of the rump, draw a thin tail hanging down. Add a few stripes on it, and finish with a small, pointed tuft of hair at the tip.
Step 15: Draw the Mane
Along the back of the neck, draw a short, bumpy mane. Use small, rounded scallops from the top of the head down to the shoulders. Zebra manes are short and stand straight up.
Step 16: Trace and Finish
Go over your final lines with a black marker or fine liner. Let the ink dry, then gently erase the pencil lines underneath.
Congratulations! You just learned how to draw a zebra.
How to Color Your Zebra
Zebras are mostly black and white, but you can have fun with color too. Try one of these ideas:
- Classic zebra: Fill the stripes, hooves and tail tuft with black. Leave the body white. Color the inside of the ears light pink and the muzzle light gray.
- Pastel zebra: Use soft lavender, mint or baby-blue stripes instead of black for a sweet, gentle look.
- Rainbow zebra: Make every stripe a different color. Perfect for a birthday card or classroom poster.
Background ideas: a green grassy savanna, a big orange sunset, or a few trees and a giraffe in the distance.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| The stripes look like straight lines | Curve each stripe around the body and let it taper to a point. |
| The zebra looks like a horse | Make the head bigger, the body shorter and add the stiff hair tuft and short mane. |
| The legs are too long and thin | Keep cartoon legs short and chunky, with rounded hooves. |
| The zebra seems to tip over | Put all four hooves on the same imaginary ground line. |
| The face looks flat | Add the white highlights in the eyes and the little eyebrows. |
Fun Zebra Facts for Kids
- Every zebra’s stripes are unique. No two zebras have the same pattern, and researchers use stripes to tell zebras apart.
- Zebras have black skin underneath their hair.
- There are three species of zebra: plains zebras, mountain zebras and Grevy’s zebras.
- Zebras live in Africa, from grasslands to rocky mountain slopes.
- Baby zebras are fast learners. A zebra foal can walk about 20 minutes after it is born and run after an hour.
- Stripes help them stay safe. When zebras stand together, their stripes make it hard for a lion to pick out just one.
Source: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance – Zebra
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you draw a zebra for kids?
Start with a big rounded head and muzzle, add ears, eyes and a smile, then draw a short, round body with four chunky legs. Finish with curved stripes, a tail and a short mane. Breaking it into small steps, like the 16 steps above, makes it easy for kids.
Is a zebra black with white stripes or white with black stripes?
Zebras have black skin under their hair. They are usually described as having white coats with black (or sometimes brown) stripes. For drawing, it’s easiest to draw a white zebra and add black stripes.
How do you draw zebra stripes?
Draw curved stripes that start thick at the top of the body and taper to a point as they go down. Curve them around the body, and use short, slanted stripes on the legs. Vary the size a little so they look natural.
How long does it take to draw a zebra?
This tutorial takes about 15–20 minutes. Add another 10 minutes if you want to color it.
What can I draw with a zebra?
Try a savanna scene with grass, a tree and a sunset. You can also add other safari animals, like a giraffe, an elephant or a lion.
Can I print this zebra drawing tutorial?
Yes. Download the free step-by-step chart, coloring page and tracing worksheet in the printables section. No sign-up needed.