Definitely not true. Ice Station Zebra is a made-up tale. It doesn't draw from any real-life incidents or circumstances. It's designed to engage and thrill audiences through its fictional plot and characters.
Some believe that the stripes of the zebra developed over time as an adaptation to their environment. Maybe it helps regulate body temperature or confuse insects. But no one theory is definite.
Some believe it's a result of evolution for camouflage. Zebras' stripes might have developed over time to help them blend in with their environment and avoid predators.