Burchell's zebra live in herds of permanent members. In contrast, Grevy's zebra groupings fluctuate, and associations within the group last only a few months. During the breeding season, males will become highly territorial, guarding boundaries of large swaths of land to keep herds within them.

She stated that when zebra sleep during the day, they remain semi-conscious and at the merest hint of danger or of anything out of the ordinary, they are immediately alert and ready for flight. At night, however, sentries are posted and the rest of the herd sleeps soundly.