Furug has developed a longstanding relationship with our tannery in South Africa, giving us access to exceptional real zebra hides as they are being processed. When a particularly superior hide is identified, it is reinspected and set aside for consideration as part of the Furug collection.
Each authentic zebra hide is selected for its overall quality, distinctive striping, coloration, condition, and character. Because these are genuine African game hides, occasional scars and natural markings may be present. We consider these part of what we call “wild life” — authentic characteristics acquired in nature that make each zebra completely one of a kind.
Our zebra hide rugs are professionally tanned in South Africa to preserve the natural luster of the hair while creating an exceptionally soft, supple, and durable hide. With proper care, an authentic zebra rug can remain a striking part of an interior for decades.
These are real zebra hides — not reproductions or zebra-patterned cowhides. Each authentic Burchell's zebra hide in the Furug collection is sourced and professionally tanned in South Africa before being legally imported into the United States.
Furug maintains the required U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Import/Export License for the commercial importation of wildlife products. This allows us to work directly with our South African sources and bring carefully selected authentic zebra hides and other African game hides into the United States in accordance with applicable wildlife import regulations.
While Furug also offers stenciled zebra cowhide rugs for clients who prefer that look, our genuine zebra hide rugs are something entirely different. Each is an authentic African zebra, hand-selected for exceptional quality, natural coloration, distinctive striping, and individual character.
No two zebras share the same pattern. Every real zebra hide is individually photographed, so the zebra pictured is the exact hide you will receive.
Furug believes that the provenance of an authentic zebra hide matters just as much as its beauty. Our real zebra hides are wild-sourced in South Africa, professionally tanned there, and legally imported into the United States in accordance with applicable wildlife regulations.
We work directly with a longstanding tannery partner in South Africa that shares our commitment to responsibly sourced African game hides. Rather than sourcing anonymous hides through mass-market channels, this relationship allows Furug to carefully select exceptional zebra hides based on quality, natural markings, condition, and character.
As with all genuine wildlife products, we believe in respecting the origin of the animal and choosing pieces that reflect the authenticity of the African landscape from which they came.
Every Furug authentic zebra hide is individually selected, imported through the proper wildlife channels, and offered as a one-of-a-kind natural piece.
Despite their exotic appearance, authentic zebra hide rugs are remarkably durable. A professionally tanned real zebra hide, when properly cared for, can remain a beautiful part of an interior for decades.
For everyday maintenance, lightly vacuum your zebra hide using a handheld vacuum or upholstery attachment without a rotating brush. For an even simpler approach, take the hide outdoors occasionally and gently shake it to release dust and debris that may have collected in the hair.
For minor spills, blot away excess liquid promptly and gently wipe the affected area in the natural direction of the hair. Avoid soaking the hide, scrubbing against the grain, or using harsh household cleaners.
With simple routine care, your real zebra rug will retain its natural luster, softness, and distinctive character for years to come.
Is this a real zebra hide?
Yes. Furug's authentic zebra hides are genuine Burchell's zebra hides sourced and professionally tanned in South Africa. These are real zebra hides, not printed, painted, or stenciled cowhides made to resemble zebra.
Will I receive the exact zebra hide shown in the photographs?
Yes. Every Furug zebra hide is individually photographed. The stripe pattern, coloration, shape, size, and natural characteristics shown in the listing belong to the exact hide you will receive. We never use a representative zebra hide for our individual listings.
Are authentic zebra hides legal to own in the United States?
Yes, authentic zebra hides can be legally imported and owned in the United States when applicable wildlife regulations and import requirements are followed. Furug maintains the required U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Import/Export License for our commercial wildlife imports and legally imports our zebra hides from South Africa.
What is the difference between a real zebra rug and a zebra cowhide rug?
A real zebra rug is an authentic zebra hide with the animal's naturally occurring stripe pattern. A zebra cowhide rug is a cowhide that has been printed, painted, or stenciled with a zebra-inspired pattern. Furug offers both, but our authentic zebra collection consists of genuine South African zebra hides.
Why does my zebra hide have slight scars or natural markings?
Zebras are wild animals, so an authentic hide may display occasional scars, markings, or other natural characteristics acquired during the animal's life. At Furug, we call this “wild life.” These characteristics are not manufactured imperfections; they are part of the history and individuality of a genuine zebra hide.
Are zebra hide rugs durable?
Yes. A professionally tanned zebra hide rug is surprisingly durable. Furug's zebra hides are professionally tanned in South Africa to create a soft, supple hide while preserving the natural luster of the hair. With proper care, an authentic zebra rug can remain beautiful for decades.
How do I clean and care for a zebra hide rug?
For routine care, lightly vacuum with a handheld vacuum or upholstery attachment without a rotating brush, or take the hide outdoors and gently shake away accumulated dust. For minor spills, blot excess liquid promptly and gently wipe in the direction of the hair. Avoid soaking, aggressive scrubbing, and harsh household cleaners.
Are all real zebra hides the same?
No. Just as fingerprints are unique, every zebra has its own distinctive stripe pattern. Natural coloration, stripe width, shadow striping, shape, mane, markings, and dimensions also vary from hide to hide. This individuality is why Furug photographs and sells each authentic zebra hide separately.
Delivery
Orders are shipped free on the next working day via UPS. You will receive tracking information once your order has been packaged and labeled.
Returns
You may request a return of your order within 14 days of receipt.
Return delivery address details will be sent out with your order.
Please ensure you repack your item(s) carefully and include your order details so we may confirm refund details. All refunds are issued after we receive and inspect the order. Item(s) must be returned in new, unused condition as they were received.
Interior designers have trusted Furug for hundreds of residential and commercial projects because every rug is individually photographed, hand selected, and naturally one of a kind.
Unlike warehouse inventory, the rug shown is the exact rug you'll receive—allowing designers to specify with confidence.