Do you capitalize the word zebra?

The word "zebra" is a common noun, so it is not capitalized unless it is the first word of a sentence or part of a proper noun.

For example:

* Zebra stripes are black and white.

* I saw a zebra at the zoo.

* The Zebra Crossing is a safe way to cross the street. (Here, Zebra Crossing is a proper noun)