Ep 9. Why Zebra Has Stripes

Why Zebra Has Stripes, the ninth episode of Tinga Tinga Tales' first season, tells the story of how Zebra got its stripes.

The episode begins with all the birds and animals gathered around a confused and plain-looking Zebra trying to figure out who he is. None of the animals are able to recognize him since he looks just like a donkey.

Feeling down, Zebra wanders off into the forest where he sees some zebras with stripes. He wonders why he doesn't have any stripes and feels sad. As he walks along, he meets a wise old crow named Chura who offers to help him understand why he doesn't have stripes.

Chura tells Zebra that the secret of the places in the stories lies in the story itself, and asks him to listen to the legend of how Zebra got its stripes.

The story takes Zebra back in time to when Zebra was bland and timid, with no stripes or colours to his skin. A con artist baboon named Mzee convinces Zebra to buy spots from him and promises that they will change his life. Zebra accepts the offer, and the baboon paints spots all over his body.

Feeling proud of his new decorated skin, Zebra goes back to the forest. However, he quickly finds that the spots have only brought him trouble. Other animals mistaken him as a disease-ridden donkey with chickenpox, and chase him away in fear of getting infected.

Feeling humiliated and alone, Zebra turns into a cave where he finds himself face to face with Wise Old Turtle. Turtle asks him what lesson he learned, and Zebra realizes that it's not about having something that others don't but learning to be happy with who he already is.

Turtle then tells Zebra about a great flood that happened in the land many years ago. All animals were told to seek safety on a rocky plateau, but Zebra got lost and was caught in the floodwaters. As he was about to drift away, the spirits of the rivers and mountains heard his cry for help and decided to rescue him.

They covered him with mud, so he wouldn't sink, and they turned his plain brown coat into the beautiful stripes he has today. The spirits gave Zebra these stripes to help him blend in with the trees and bushes and be safe from predators.

Realizing the significance of his stripes, Zebra embraces them and rushes back to the forest to show off his unique new looks. All of the animals are amazed and can't believe the transformation they see in Zebra. From that moment on, no one can mistake him as anything but an elegant and beautiful Zebra with stripes, and he proudly wears them for the rest of his life.

The story teaches Zebra, and the audience, that it's okay to be different, and that it's important always to embrace one's uniqueness. As the episode ends, all of the animals are chanting Zebra's new name: "Stripes."

Overall, the episode is an inspiring yet light-hearted story that is sure to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Its message of embracing who we are, rather than trying to be someone else, is a universal one that resonates with everyone. The lively and vibrant animation style, combined with excellent storytelling and voice acting, makes Tinga Tinga Tales a must-watch for anyone looking for high-quality children's entertainment.