Zecora

Zecora (/zɪˈkɔːrə/ zi-KOR-ə) is a fictional character who appears in the fourth incarnation of Hasbro's My Little Pony toyline and media franchise, beginning with My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic (2010–2019). She is a recurring character throughout the series who serves as a wise mentor and ally to the Mane Six. She is voiced by Brenda Crichlow.

Zecora is depicted as a mysterious and sagacious anthropomorphic zebra who lives alone in the Everfree Forest. She is a skilled herbalist and potion maker who possesses extensive knowledge of magic, herbal medicine, and mysticism. Zecora is characterized by her distinctive habit of speaking exclusively in rhyming couplets, her tribal-inspired jewelry and decorations, and her initially frightening but ultimately benevolent nature.

Zecora's character and debut episode have been the subject of academic analysis regarding racial representation in children's media. Some authors interpreted the character positively, arguing that Zecora's debut episode "Bridle Gossip" serves as commentary against racism and xenophobia by demonstrating the problems with prejudice through the ponies' initial unfounded fears. However, other scholars have offered more critical assessments, with one describing the episode's approach as problematic due to what they characterized as stereotypical tokenism and a "hodgepodge" combination of disparate African cultural elements, arguing that Zecora falls into the "noble savage" stereotype despite apparent good intentions.