Locals worship zebra statues at this shrine in central Bangkok.

Footage shows dozens of miniature zebras in varying sizes arranged beneath a white shrine beside a tree on the Sukhumvit Road in the Thai capital.

Just inches away from the altar sits a statue of Ganesh, the Hindu god of wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings, easily recognisable by his elephant head, pot-bellied human form, and garlands of yellow flowers.

Resident Tanawadee, who lives nearby, said: 'Two theories are widely believed among locals. The zebras are said to be offerings given to the local spirit after a worshipper's wish has been granted, serving both as a token of gratitude and as a decorative steed for the spirit.

'The second, and more popular belief, is that the zebra statues symbolise safety and good fortune. The black-and-white stripes are closely associated with the Thai term for a pedestrian crossing, or ‘zebra path', representing a prayer for protection from Bangkok's busy traffic.'