Origami Zebra Cootie Catcher Template
- Jessie
- Apr 14, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 18, 2025
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Get ready to gallop into some creative fun with this Origami Zebra Cootie Catcher Template! This easy and entertaining animal paper craft for kids turns a single sheet of paper into a playful zebra puppet that can chomp, talk, and move with every fold. It’s the perfect mix of creativity and imagination—kids can color, fold, and play all in one simple, screen-free activity. Whether you’re teaching about African animals, planning a zoo-themed craft day, or just looking for a fun art project, this zebra cootie catcher is sure to bring smiles and excitement!
This printable zebra cootie catcher is designed to be simple enough for preschoolers yet engaging for older kids too. Once folded, it becomes a charming zebra puppet that opens and closes its mouth—perfect for pretend play or classroom storytelling. Kids can color in the zebra’s black-and-white stripes, add a touch of creativity with rainbow accents, or decorate it however they like. It’s a fun and easy craft that encourages imagination while helping little hands build fine motor skills.
Parents and teachers love this DIY animal origami craft because it’s low-prep, affordable, and mess-free. All you need is the Origami Zebra Cootie Catcher Template, a printer, scissors, and some coloring supplies. The step-by-step folding process makes it easy to follow along, and by the end, kids will have a zebra puppet they can use for games, storytelling, or just silly animal fun. It’s the perfect activity for classrooms, homeschool projects, or family craft time.
The zebra cootie catcher craft also makes a great addition to any wildlife or safari unit study. Teachers can pair it with lessons about African animals, habitats, or patterns in nature, helping kids learn while they play. The classic black-and-white zebra design is easy to color, and the folding process keeps kids engaged from start to finish. Once complete, the puppet can even be used as part of a group performance or animal-themed storytime!
This Origami Zebra Cootie Catcher Template is part of the Artsy Kids Zone Animal Cootie Catcher Collection, which features a whole lineup of safari friends! Be sure to check out the Lion, Giraffe, Gazelle, Gorilla, Elephant, and Hippo Cootie Catchers too. Each one has its own adorable design and unique personality, and when displayed together, they make a fun paper zoo! Collect them all to create your own safari adventure full of coloring, folding, and imaginative play.
One of the best things about cootie catchers is how versatile they are. Kids can use their finished zebra as a puppet, a storytelling prop, or even a game piece. They can act out scenes from the savanna, pretend to race through the grasslands, or pair their zebra with other animal cootie catchers for fun group activities. Crafts like this encourage creativity and confidence while giving kids a hands-on break from screens.
The DIY zebra paper puppet is also a wonderful way to practice patience and focus. As kids fold along the lines and see their animal take shape, they’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. It’s a simple project that teaches valuable skills—fine motor control, following instructions, and spatial awareness—all while having a blast making something cute and interactive.
Whether you’re looking for an educational animal craft, a classroom activity, or a fun project to do at home, this Origami Zebra Cootie Catcher Template is the perfect choice. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and full of creative potential. Download the template, grab your markers and scissors, and let your little ones fold, color, and play with their new striped safari friend!
Origami Zebra Cootie Catcher
Begin by downloading the Origami Zebra Cootie Catcher Template and printing it on 8.5x11 white paper. For best results, use regular printer paper—it folds easily and holds its shape perfectly for this project. Make sure your printer settings are set to “Actual Size” or “100%” so the template prints correctly. Once printed, let the ink dry for a few seconds before moving on to the next step.
Cut out the pieces. Pro Tip: Absolutely, precise cutting is key to a successful origami project. It ensures that the template aligns accurately during the folding process, resulting in a cleaner and more polished final product. So, take your time, follow the cut lines carefully, and enjoy the origami journey!
Fold the cootie catcher in half both horizontally and unfold. Then fold the cootie catcher vertically and unfold.
Flip it over so the printed side is facing down. Take the bottom right corner and fold the point into the center. Repeat step on each corner until all four corners are folded.
Flip the cootie catcher again so the printed side is facing down. Take the four corners and fold them into the center again.
Fold the cootie catcher in half vertically and undo the fold. Then fold horizontally and unfold.
Slip your fingers under the flaps and open the cootie catcher.
Glue the top sides together and then the bottom sides together. You will no longer be able to open the cootie catcher if you do this but it will help the puppet stay together for kids to play with.
Glue the ears to the top of the cootie catcher's head. Glue the hair on the front and in between the ears.
Glue the arms to the two sides of the cootie catcher.
Glue the arms to the two sides of the cootie catcher.
Glue the tail to a side of the cootie catcher underneath one of the arms.
Exciting news! Your Origami Zebra Cootie Catcher is now fully crafted and ready for some thrilling entertainment! Prepare to engage in imaginative games or even orchestrate an enthralling puppet show with this delightful creation. And for an extra dose of excitement, why not invite the zebra's companion, the elephant, to join in on the fun? Let your creativity soar as you dive into the fascinating realm of origami animals!
How Do I Download the Zebra Cootie Catcher Template?
You can purchase the Zebra Cootie Catcher Template directly from Artsy Kids Zone. After purchase, you’ll receive an instant digital download—no waiting, no shipping costs. Simply download the PDF, print at home, and start crafting! By purchasing, you’ll not only enjoy this fun project, but you’ll also be supporting Artsy Kids Zone so we can continue creating more creative activities for kids.
***These printables are intended for personal and school use exclusively. Unauthorized copying, uploading, republishing, distributing or alteration of these files in any manner is strictly prohibited. If you plan to showcase these printables, please ensure to include a link back to artsykidszone.com.
At Artsy Kids Zone, the crafting adventure extends far beyond the savanna! While our collection of safari animal cootie catchers is certainly a hit, there's a whole world of creativity waiting to be explored. Set sail with our pirate-themed crafts, where young buccaneers can craft their own treasure maps and pirate hats. For those enchanted by mythical creatures, our unicorn-themed projects offer a touch of magic and whimsy. And why not add a splash of green to your crafting repertoire with our adorable cactus creations? From pirates to unicorns to prickly pals, Artsy Kids Zone has something for every imagination to thrive and flourish!
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