Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Ocala - Zebra Capitol of the World?



A month or two ago, our neighbor told us he had seen zebras at a horse farm just a few miles north. We were skeptical, but every time we drove by the area, we checked carefully. No zebras.

Then a couple of weeks ago, on our way home from Cedar Key, we looked toward the field where the zebras were supposed to be and lo, and behold, there they were! We stopped, went to the fence, took a bunch of photos, and found them to be quite friendly, if a bit skittish.

We do not know where they came from or why they are here.
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31 comments:

  1. EG CameraGirlFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    I know enough geography to know that Ocala is not in Africa. So these are LIVE painted horses, right? (As opposed to the painted horse in yesterday's photo.)

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  2. JackFebruary 2, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Can't fool me. How long did it take for Lois and you to paint them?

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  3. nophamFebruary 2, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    You have a very good Photoshop software.

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  4. nophamFebruary 2, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    They're on their way to a costume party.

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  5. KateFebruary 2, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    Lucky, lucky you to see, greet, and meet these beautiful animals!!

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  6. ShannonFebruary 2, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    How awesome, they look beautiful! That would be fun to hear about them and not see them and not see them and then finally spot them. How exciting. The game farm here has zebras, but it's been a long time since I've seen them. Great shots!

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  7. Chattahoochee Valley DailyFebruary 2, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    They are so pretty. We have buffalo in our neighborhood.

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  8. brattcatFebruary 2, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Well, sir, you have certainly earned your stripes with these shots!

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  9. RandyFebruary 2, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    I love the first photo. What a great glow he has on his ears. Very cute.

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  10. magiceyeFebruary 2, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    must be tourists.. :)

    lovely captures!

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  11. OlivierFebruary 3, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    Beau portrait, j'aime la première. ATTENTION si vous voulez faire du pinhole avec votre D300, ne pas se mettre en face d'une lumière forte (soleil ou autre) car sans objectif vous n'avez plus le filtre anti UV, et cela peut cramer votre D300.

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  12. Small City ScenesFebruary 3, 2011 at 1:00 AM

    I like the first shot.
    Here's looking at you he seems to be saying. great post. MB

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  13. PatFebruary 3, 2011 at 2:11 AM

    How interesting! I don't think zebras can be tamed to ride, either. Cross-breeding? Hope not! Wonder if that can be done?

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  14. cieldequimperFebruary 3, 2011 at 2:25 AM

    The original painted ponies.

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  15. Cezar and LéiaFebruary 3, 2011 at 5:34 AM

    Thanks for sharing!
    They look very happy with your visit, the pictures are wonderful!
    Gorgeous ( and fashion) critters!
    Léia

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  16. AshFebruary 3, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    Wow, love these beauties! The first shot is awesome.

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  17. SharonFebruary 3, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    A little touch of Africa in Florida, how nice. These are beautiful photos and beautiful animals!

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  18. HalcyonFebruary 3, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    You got some really great shots! I am surprised they were so willing to let you get close. They really are amazing animals though. Mother Nature does come up with some neat things. :)

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  19. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    Shame on you not belivin' the neighbor ;-)
    Great photos taken by skepticals!

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  20. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Ohh, I knew my believing was wrong... the missing e and g *LOL*

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  21. DarylFebruary 3, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    Such odd looking creatures and yet so lovely

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  22. JudyFebruary 3, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Now that is a horse of a different color! Not something one would expect to see but how fun!! Those pictures are wonderful.

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  23. Memphis MOJOFebruary 3, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    They call football referees zebras because of their outfits. Super Bowl weekend, zebras, coincidence?

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  24. UnknownFebruary 3, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    LOL at the title! Great zebra shots, Jacob.

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  25. irinapicturesFebruary 3, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    Soon the beautiful horses in Ocala will have suspicious black stripes...

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  26. SRQFebruary 3, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Jailbirds! Er....zebras. They're beautiful. Terrific pictures.

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  27. irinapicturesFebruary 4, 2011 at 4:31 AM

    Jacob, I know nothing about breeding. And zoology. They are all different kinds of horses for me))). I simply sit and wait for your summer photos. And we'll see.

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  28. Lisa WilsonFebruary 4, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    Great shots!! That really makes me miss going to the zoo.

    I actually didn't know anything about the railroad that went through our area, but I found some interesting info: http://bit.ly/fcLNu2
    I think the Rio Grande in Leadville was built specifically for passengers. And yes, the weather has been scary cold, down to as low as -20 at night.

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  29. Stefan JanssonFebruary 8, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    Great to see. And great photos.

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  30. FranciscaFebruary 9, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    These lovely zebras are far from home, but they look none the worse for wear. Sweet doleful eyes.

    [It looks like the business model we've been slaving over has tickled the fancy of the Soros organization, and if they ink the contract for funding the feasibility study, I'll be going to Europe for four months. :-) ]

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  31. AnonymousNovember 20, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    I heard that ya want to be careful about walking up to them from behind

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