International Day of the Zebra Date in the current year: January 31, 2025

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is an umbrella term for more than a dozen genetic connective tissue disorders whose symptoms typically include joint hypermobility, skin hypertensibility (stretchy skin), and tissue fragility. Each type of EDS has its own unique combination of signs and symptoms, but even patients with the same type may experience different signs and symptoms.

Genetic connective tissue disorders that involve joint hypermobility but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for EDS and other connective tissue disorders are known as hypermobility spectrum disorders. They can cause joint instability and chronic pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, headaches, and other symptoms. Because HSD is a spectrum, different patients often experience symptoms.

There are no direct disease-specific treatments for either EDS or HSD. These conditions are managed by addressing each patient’s individual symptoms. Management may include pain management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthopedic devices to stabilize joints, sometimes surgery, and monitoring for potential complications in patients with EDS (since cardiovascular complications such as aortic dissection can be life-threatening).

An awareness day dedicated to EDS and HSD was named International Day of the Zebra because in American medical slang the term “zebra” refers to a surprising, often exotic, medical diagnosis. It comes from an aphorism coined by American medical researcher Theodore Woodward: “When you hear hoofbeats behind you, don’t expect to see a zebra” (or “When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras”) based on the principle of Occam’s razor. In other words, always look for a more common diagnosis that explains the symptoms.

However, sometimes when you hear hoofbeats, it really is a zebra. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is one of those rare “zebra” diagnoses, and the zebra has been adopted as the EDS mascot. And just as no two zebras have identical stripes, no two patients with EDS or HSD have identical symptoms and experiences.

There are many ways to get involved with International Day of the Zebra. If you’re living with EDS or HSD, take the opportunity to share your experience with others to raise awareness (of course, only if you feel comfortable doing). If you have never heard of EDS/HSD or have heard very little about these disorders, this is the perfect opportunity to educate yourself and share what you’ve learned with others. You can also show your support by wearing a zebra print awareness ribbon and posting on social media using the hashtag #DayOfTheZebra.

Interestingly, some people have started celebrating January 31 as a conservation awareness day dedicated to actual zebras, unaware of the animal’s connection to EDS. However, it is called slightly differently: International Zebra Day.