Chuck Ripper: Grevy's Zebras Drinking Water

Artist: Chuck Ripper
1929 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1992
Image Size: 12.25 by 14.75 inches
Overall Size: 14.75 by 17.75 inches
Medium: Gouche Water Color on Masonite

Standing five feet at the shoulders, Grevy's Zebras are larger than their close cousins the mountain and plains zebras. Old paintings reveal that these magnificent animals were probably the first zebras known to the ancients. The Musée de l'Homme -- Museum of Man -- in Paris has an ancient tapestry depicting Christ's birth in which a Grevy's Zebra stands alongside the crib, instead of the usual donkey. Like all zebras, Grevy's Zebras are bedecked with exquisitely-striped coats. No two coats are exactly the same; like finger prints, each has its own unique pattern. Controversy surrounds the question of why zebras are striped. Some say stripes serve as camouflage, helping hide the animals from predators. However, zebras never attempt to conceal themselves or "freeze" in response to predators, preferring instead to group in exposed areas which provide them a good view, and fleeing when danger approaches. Other theories postulate that stripes help zebras regulate their body temperature. But stripe patterns remain similar in the many different climates zebras inhabit. "Visual" theorists argue that stripes confuse predators such as lions, preventing them from easily singling-out individuals from the herd. However, field observations reveal the relative ease with which lions kill zebras. Ironically, the very coats that may help Grevy's Zebras survive the wild have led them to the brink of extinction. For they are hunted extensively for the high price these beautiful hides bring.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.N. S7 Grevy's Zebra stamp issued March 3, 1993.

Artwork Copyright © 1992 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB14187

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