Unique livestock: Zebras in Kansas draw onlookers of all ages

Amy Hadachek
Jul 8, 2020
Jul 8, 2020 Updated Feb 10, 2021

Zebra mug — Zeke the zebra bares his teeth. “They have unique personalities, and they’re a lot of fun to watch,” said owner Dr. Lannie Hanel of Courtland, Kan.
Submitted photo by Tyra Frye of Belleville, Kansas

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When residents of the small, cohesive town of Cuba, Kansas kept popping into the quaint local grocery store to sign an oversize birthday card for Helen West’s 88th birthday during the COVID pandemic, Helen excitedly relayed her birthday plans that afternoon: to see the zebras.

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Zebra with rainbow — A rainbow is seen behind the male zebra, Zeke on its pasture near Belleville, Kan.
Submitted photo by Tyra Frye of Belleville, Kansas

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Zebras on pasture — Bella, the zebra who is pregnant, grazes with with Gator the horse and Zeke the male zebra in their Belleville, Kan., pasture. The owners decided to name the baby Equal, which they thought would be fitting with everything going on in the world today.
Submitted photo by Tyra Frye of Belleville, Kansas

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Amy Hadachek can be reached at editorial@midwestmessenger.com.