At one such pan the Baboon stood guard, claiming that he was the owner. "No one may drink here, for this water is mine alone!" he declared, chasing away all who came to drink.

He had built a fire close to the pool so that he could protect his water during the bitterly cold desert nights.

One day the Zebra came to quench his thirst after a very long and tiring journey. In these days the Zebra had no stripes. He wore a dazzling coat of pure white fur.

The Baboon jumped up angrily. "Who are you? Go away!" he screamed, "I am the Lord of this water. It is mine!"

The Zebra was in no mood to listen to this selfish Baboon. "This is not your water you ugly monkey! It belongs to everyone!" shouted the Zebra.

The Baboon was furious and said that if he wanted the water he must fight for it.

The two were soon engaged in a fierce struggle. Locked in combat, they rolled back and forth around the pan. Finally the Zebra gave a mighty kick that sent the Baboon flying high up into the rocks behind the pool.

The Zebra kicked so hard that he lost his balance. Staggering back into the Baboons fire, he sent the burning sticks flying up in the air. These left black scorch marks all over his fine white coat.

Hurt and frightened he galloped into the plains where he has remained ever since. Eventually he came to like his new apparel which made him stand out, distinguished amongst the other animals.