Madagascar and its sacred zebu narrated by the Arte channel

Madagascar no longer leaves international channels indifferent. In October, it is the turn of the Franco-German channel Arte to devote a few hours of reporting on Madagascar and its sacred zebu.

Sacred animal of the big island, the zebu is present in the daily life of the Malagasy, that it is in happiness or in misfortune. At a happy event such as a wedding, family meals served to guests include zebu meat dishes. When the family organizes a special event (exhumation, circumcision or other customs), it is impossible to miss the zebu.

Arte has decided to shoot a special show on the big island in order to better know this craze of Malagasy for this iconic animal. Presenter Linda Lorin was in charge of presenting the show. She took the spectators on the Highlands of Madagascar to show them the place taken by the zebu in the daily life of the Malagasy.

Madagascar and the zebu: an endless love story

The zebu is part of the history of Madagascar since the dawn of time. Whatever the circumstances, the zebu was, is and will remain the emblem of the Big Island. Formerly a symbol of royalty, the image of zebu has become over the years Malagasy cultural identity. That's why they decided to give the name of a zebu to the Malagasy national football team: Barea.

For tourists who are used to coming to Madagascar, they have surely crossed a herd of zebus in the savannah, in the countryside and in the suburban cities of the island. 50% of the Malagasy populations are proud to raise several zebu heads. They consider these animals as symbols of their wealth and power.

Let's not forget that zebu can also be domesticated. And from there, it enters the heart of many traditional Malagasy practices.

Unfortunately, flying zebus is a common plague on the big island. We often hear on the radio or on TV the armed attack of the bandits to come and steal an entire herd. Arte did not specify this negative point in his report, fortunately. What is certain is that Madagascar and the zebus are two inseparable individuals who cannot do without each other.