The last quagga, a unique subspecies of the plains zebra, lived at the Natura Artis Magistra, a zoo located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by stripes on the front of the body while the back remained brownish, the quagga was once native to the grasslands of South Africa. The creature became a symbol of the rapid extinction of species due to hunting and habitat loss. The quagga's decline began in the 19th century when European settlers heavily hunted these animals for their hides and meat, contributing to their dwindling populations. Other factors like competition with livestock for grazing and habitat destruction played significant roles in the quagga's fate.

As the last specimen in captivity, the death of the quagga at the zoo was quite poignant, highlighting the consequences of human exploitation on wildlife. The population of quaggas dwindled to zero in the wild by the late 1800s, reinforcing the critical importance of wildlife conservation efforts. The Natura Artis Magistra zoo provided a rare chance for people to see this remarkable animal, which brought attention to the urgency of protecting endangered species. After its death, the quagga continued to be a subject of interest, inspiring future conservation efforts and discussions about extinction and biodiversity loss.

The quagga was studied, and mounted specimens became important to both zoological and evolutionary studies. Efforts to understand the genetic makeup of the quagga have also led to discussions on de-extinction and the scientific possibilities of reviving extinct species in the future. The loss of the last quagga provided a stark reminder of the fragile balance between humans and nature, fueling ongoing conservation initiatives worldwide.