Editor's note: This is part of a series of videos offering an up-close perspective on the animal kingdom. A special 360-degree video camera system was set up in zoos and other facilities to show how the animals view their world as they interact.

Also visit our special 360-DEGREE LIVES page (http://t.asahi.com/360lives), where you can watch all the previous videos.

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It may come as a surprise, but no two zebras look the same, despite the stripes that give the animals their distinctive look and help camouflage them from predators.

The Animal Zone of the Izu Animal Kingdom in Higashi-Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture, is popular with small children eager to see the herbivores up close.

Living in the display area is a family of seven Grant’s zebras, consisting of a male, several females and their offspring.

According to zookeeper Hiroki Kurita, 22, baby zebras weigh about 30 kilograms, while adults tip the scales at between 200 and 300 kg.

The zebras may look gentle, but they appeared a little intimidating as they chomped on dried grass and other food placed around a video camera. The adult male seemed to push away other family members with its legs as it enjoyed the repast.

In the African savanna, zebras are less vulnerable against predators when they form a herd, the zookeeper said.

“OK, do you know what color a zebra would be if it was shaved?” he asked.

The answer is black, as their skin is dark.

Zebras may look friendly, but on the contrary, they are quite suspicious by nature and difficult to domesticate because of their obstinate personalities, the zookeeper added.