diff --git a/zebra/kernel_socket.c b/zebra/kernel_socket.c
index 20c6cc8..27b8895 100644
--- a/zebra/kernel_socket.c
+++ b/zebra/kernel_socket.c
@@ -178,7 +178,7 @@
   struct message *mes;
   static char buf[BUFSIZ];
 
-  buf[0] = '0';
+  buf[0] = '\0';
   for (mes = rtm_flag_str; mes->key != 0; mes++)
     {
       if (mes->key & flag)