Like most large Latin American cities, Bolivia’s capital city of La Paz has horrific traffic jams in the downtown area. In order to referee traffic at some of the busiest intersections, the city deploys Zebras to act as Traffic controllers. As far as I know, this is the only city in the world that uses Zebras in this fashion. No, these are not real Zebras – but some guys (or gals) dressed up in a Zebra suit.

They are actually quite entertaining to watch as they go about their routine – prancing across the intersection, making some comical gestures while they interact with drivers. They are downright zany! These Zebra suited people seem to have a real good time while they perform their job.

I understand that the CITY started the “Cebra Voluntaria” (Voluntary Zebra) in 2001 and it has been a resounding success. Many young people who are reformed druggies have been recruited to work as Zebras.

BRAVO! What a novel way of utilizing human resources.