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African Aviary

African Journey

African Slender-snouted Crocodile

Upcoming Events

Elephant Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

1:00pm - 1:30pm

African Journey Keeper Chat

12:00pm - 12:30pm

Penguin Feeding

10:30am - 10:45am 3:30pm - 3:45pm

Chimpanzee Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

2:00pm - 2:30pm

African Watering Hole Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

11:30am - 12:00pm

Penguin Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

1:30pm - 2:00pm

Animal Ambassadors

Southern Three-banded Armadillo

Antelope Exhibit

Bald Eagle

haliaeetus leucocephalus

The bald eagle is bold, fierce, and iconic, but it is not really bald. It has a conspicuous white head that is fully feathered!

Quick Facts

RANGE

United States, Canada, Northern Mexico

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, mammals, birds, crustaceans, reptiles, amphibians, carrion

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 28 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-3 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

28‑38 in (71‑96 cm)
Wingspan: 168‑244 cm

WEIGHT

2.5‑6.3 kg

Bobcat

lynx rufus

About twice the size of a domestic housecat, the bobcat is a fearsome predator capable of taking down prey ten times its size.

Quick Facts

RANGE

North America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Rabbits, squirrels, and other small-to-medium prey

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

About 18 years

OFFSPRING

2-4 kittens/litter average

LENGTH

26‑41 in

WEIGHT

20‑30lbs on average

Maryland Wilderness Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

3:00pm - 3:30pm

Cave Exhibit

Cheetah

acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest mammal on earth. Everything about it is built for speed. During a twenty-second chase, its feet barely touch the ground as it reaches a top speed of 70 mph.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Isolated populations in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly Eastern and Southern

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Carnivore - Small to medium sized ungulates, birds, hares, small mammals

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

10‑16 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-8 per litter

LENGTH

44‑59 in (112‑150 cm)

WEIGHT

77‑158 lbs (35‑72 kg)

Chimpanzee Forest

Upcoming Events

Chimpanzee Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

2:00pm - 2:30pm

Crane Barn Yards

African Slender-snouted Crocodile

mecistops cataphractus

Slender snouted crocodiles are among the least studied and least known of the 24 crocodilian species, which include all alligators and crocodiles.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and West Africa, from Mauritania and Senegal to North Angola east to Zaire, Zambia, and East

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Carnivore - Insects, crabs, fish, frogs

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

40 years or more

OFFSPRING

13-27 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

10‑13 ft (2.5‑4.2 m)

WEIGHT

275‑716 lbs (125‑325 kg)

Blue Duiker

philantomba monticola

The blue duiker is a tiny antelope about the size of a house cat.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and Southern Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Fruit, leaves, flowers, fungi, seeds, some insects and small animals

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

Up to 10 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single offspring

LENGTH

1.8‑3 ft (55‑90 cm)

WEIGHT

8‑20 lbs (3.5‑9 kg)

African Savanna Elephant

loxodonta africana

African elephants are the largest land animals in the world. They have the largest brains in the animal kingdom and the largest among them can top 15,000 pounds–more than four times the weight of the average car!

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and East Africa, south of the Sahara

STATUS

Endangered

DIET

Herbivore - Grasses, leaves, branches, roots, fruits, tree bark

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 38 years

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth (twins possible)

LENGTH

Male: Up to 12 ft (3‑75 m)
Female: Up to 9 ft (3 m)

WEIGHT

Male: Up to 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg)
Female: 9,000 lbs (4,082 kg)

Elephant Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

1:00pm - 1:30pm

Farmyard Exhibit

Kunekune Pig

Trumpeter Swan

Miniature Texas Longhorn

Miniature Donkey

Cotswold Sheep

Alpaca

Upcoming Events

Opossum Keeper Chat

Tuesday @ 2:00pm - 2:30pm

Caribbean Flamingo

pheonicopterus ruber ruber

Also known as the American flamingo, the tall, slender, scarlet Caribbean flamingo is the most brightly colored and among the largest of the world’s six flamingo species.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Islands and mainland coasts of the Caribbean Sea

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Small shellfish, fish, worms, insects, algae, aquatic seeds and plants

ACTIVE

Diurnal - Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 40 years

OFFSPRING

1-2 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

Body: 47‑57 in (120‑145 cm)
Wingspan: 55 in (140 cm)

WEIGHT

4.8‑6.1 lbs (2.2‑2.8 kg)

Giant Tree Slide

Wood Turtle

Spotted Turtle

Mole Kingsnake

Eastern Hognose Snake

Corn Snake

Black Rat Snake

Eastern Tiger Salamander

Reticulated Giraffe

giraffa camelopardalis reticulata

The giraffe is the tallest animal on earth. A male giraffe towers up to nineteen feet above the ground.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern, Central and Southern Africa

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Herbivore - Leaves

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

In human care: Up to 25 yrs
Wild: 10‑16 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth (twins are extremely rare)

LENGTH

Male: 18 ft (5.5m) tall
Female: 14‑15 ft (4‑4.5 m) tall

WEIGHT

Male: 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg)
Female: 1,540 lbs (700 kg)

Goat Corral

Pygmy Goat

Nigerian Dwarf Goat

Brown Bear

ursus arctos

A grizzly bear's claws are as long or longer than your fingers.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Parts of Russia, Central Asia, China, Canada, the United States (mostly Alaska), Scandinavia, and the Carpathian region (especially Romania), Anatolia, and Caucasus.

STATUS

Least Concern - Within the continental U.S., grizzly bears, a North American subspecies of brown bear, are listed as threatened by sub-population under the federal Endangered Species Act.

DIET

Omnivore - Nuts, berries, roots, insects, honey, fish, and mammals ranging in size from pocket gophers to moose

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Male: 21.9 yrs
Female: 26.8 yrs

OFFSPRING

1 to 3 cubs per birth on average

LENGTH

5‑8 ft

WEIGHT

Male: 300‑1,200 lbs
Female: 175‑550 lbs

Northern Passage Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

2:30pm - 3:00pm

Lemur Exhibit

Red Ruffed Lemur

Coquerel’s Sifaka

Colobus Monkey

Leopard

panthera pardus

A leopard’s next meal probably isn’t going to know it until it’s too late. This big cat is known for stealth.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Africa and Asia

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Carnivore - Large and small mammals, birds, reptiles, arthropods

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

7‑9 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-3 cubs per litter

LENGTH

3.5 - 6.5 ft (1.0‑1.9 m)

WEIGHT

66‑155 lbs (30‑70 kg)

African Lion

panthera leo

The King (and Queen) of Beasts are justly named. Lions are dominant predators lording over the food chain wherever they roam. What they have over every other big cat, and over every other African predator, is strength in numbers. They know that when it comes to catching dinner, it pays to cooperate.

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa, mostly Eastern and Southern

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Carnivore

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

15‑16 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-6 young per litter

LENGTH

Male: 5.5‑8 ft (1.5‑2.5 m)
Female: 4.5‑6 ft (1.4‑2m )

WEIGHT

Male: 330‑550 lb (150‑250 kg)
Female: 264‑400 lb (120‑181 kg)

African Journey Keeper Chat

12:00pm - 12:30pm

Main Valley

Snowy Owl

Lappet-faced Vulture

White Stork

Indian Peafowl

Saddle-billed Stork

Northern Ground Hornbill

Marsh Aviary

North American Ruddy Duck

Wood Duck

Northern Pintail

Hooded Merganser

Blue-winged Teal

Black-crowned Night Heron

Sandhill Crane

Maryland Wilderness

Broad-headed Skink

Kunekune Pig

North American Ruddy Duck

Wood Turtle

Timber Rattlesnake

Spotted Turtle

Northern Pine Snake

Mole Kingsnake

Wood Duck

Trumpeter Swan

Northern Pintail

Eastern Hognose Snake

Upcoming Events

Opossum Keeper Chat

Tuesday @ 2:00pm - 2:30pm

Maryland Wilderness Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

3:00pm - 3:30pm

Meadow

Broad-headed Skink

Eastern Box Turtle

Bog Turtle

Northern Passage

North American Porcupine

Bald Eagle

Brown Bear

Upcoming Events

Northern Passage Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

2:30pm - 3:00pm

Okapi

okapia johnstoni

At first glance, you would think that okapi are related to zebra. The reddish-brown and cream stripes on the okapi’s hindquarters seem like a sure giveaway. In reality, the okapi’s closest relative is the giraffe!

Quick Facts

RANGE

Congolese Rainforest in Central Africa

STATUS

Endangered

DIET

Herbivore - Leaves, fruits, and seeds

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 30 years

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

5‑5.6 ft (150‑170 cm)

WEIGHT

462‑550 lbs (210‑250 kg)

Ostrich

struthio camelus

Contrary to popular belief, an ostrich never buries its head in the sand. It doesn’t need to. It is the largest living species of bird on the planet and the fastest animal on two legs. It can’t fly, but it can sprint up to 40 mph and land a very powerful kick!

Quick Facts

RANGE

Africa, North and South of equatorial forest belt

STATUS

Least Concern - Common

DIET

Herbivore - Green grass, browse on shrubs, succulents, seeds, few insects

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

20‑30 years

OFFSPRING

Clutch averages 13
Multiple females lay in the same nest for incubation

LENGTH

Male: 6.5‑8 ft (2‑2.5 m)
Female: 5‑6.5 ft (1.5‑2 m)

WEIGHT

Male: 242‑330 lbs (110‑150 kg)
Female: 198‑242 lbs (90‑110 kg)

Panamanian Golden Frog

atelopus zeteki

Beautiful, mysterious, and rare, Panamanian golden frogs have been revered as good-luck tokens in their native country of Panama since pre-Columbian times.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Cordilleran mountains of Western-Central Panama

STATUS

Critically Endangered - Quite possibly extinct in the wild

DIET

Carnivore - Insects and other small invertebrates

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 8 years

OFFSPRING

200-600 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

1‑2 in (2.5 - 5.1 cm)

WEIGHT

Under 1 lb

Penguin Coast

Great White Pelican

White-Breasted Cormorant

African Penguin

Upcoming Events

Penguin Feeding

10:30am - 10:45am 3:30pm - 3:45pm

Penguin Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

1:30pm - 2:00pm

Black-tailed Prairie Dog

cynomys ludovicianus

Prairie dogs take their common name from where they live and what they sound like when alarmed. They go by many other nicknames as well, including wishtonwish, mound yapper, yaprat, yek-yek, tousa, pispiza, ping-sping-sa, and sod poodle.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Narrow bands of short-grass prairie from Central Texas north to the U.S.-Canada border

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Wheatgrass, grama, buffalo grass, scarlet globemallow, rabbitbrush, prickly pear cactus, thistle

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑8 years

OFFSPRING

3-4 per litter

LENGTH

14‑17 in (350‑425 mm)

WEIGHT

1‑3 lbs

Black-tailed Prairie Dog

cynomys ludovicianus

Quick Facts

RANGE

Narrow bands of short-grass prairie from Central Texas north to the U.S.-Canada border

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Wheatgrass, grama, buffalo grass, scarlet globemallow, rabbitbrush, prickly pear cactus, thistle

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑8 years

OFFSPRING

3-4 per litter

LENGTH

14‑17 in (350‑425 mm)

WEIGHT

1‑3 lbs

Sitatunga

tragelaphus spekei

Sitatunga are swamp antelope. They are adapted to survive where few other antelope could. Their long, splayed hooves allow them to walk across islands of floating vegetation and wet terrain without sinking. They are strong swimmers and can even hide underwater with only their nostrils (and maybe eyes) showing.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Reeds, sedges, grasses, leaves, fallen fruit

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

10‑15 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

Male: 60‑67 in (152‑170 cm)
Female: 53‑61 in (135‑155 cm)

WEIGHT

Male: 154‑275 lbs (70‑125 kg)
Female: 110‑126 lbs (50‑57 kg)

North American River Otter

lontra canadensis

River otters are the only truly amphibious members of the weasel family.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Throughout North America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, frogs, crayfish, crabs, rodents, rabbits, insects

ACTIVE

Diurnal - Diurnal and nocturnal

LIFESPAN

8‑9 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-6 per litter

LENGTH

18‑32 in (460‑830 mm)

WEIGHT

6‑31 lbs (3‑14 kg)

Tortoise Exhibit

Sulcata Tortoise

Leopard Tortoise

Common Warthog

phacochoerus africanus

When warthogs run, their tails stick straight up in the air!

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Grass, roots, berries, bark of young trees, occasionally carrion

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

12‑15 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-8 per litter

LENGTH

35‑59 in (900‑1500 mm)

WEIGHT

110‑331 lbs (50‑150 kg)

Southern White Rhinoceros

ceratotherium simum simum

The white rhino is the third largest land mammal in the world, dwarfed only by the Asian elephant and the African elephant. White rhinos weigh between 4,000 and 6,000 pounds and stand 5 to 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Their heads alone can weigh up to 2,000 pounds.

Quick Facts

RANGE

South Africa

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Herbivore - grasses

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

In human care: 40 yrs
Wild: 35 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

118‑150 in (300‑380 cm)

WEIGHT

Male: up to 6,000 lb (2,721 kg)
Female: up to 4,500 lb (2,041 kg)

African Watering Hole Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

11:30am - 12:00pm

Plains Zebra

equus quagga

To think of a zebra as a striped horse is not quite right, but not quite wrong either. Zebras are members of the horse family Equidae. Zebras are also unmistakably striped! Each zebra has a distinct pattern of stripes, as unique as a person’s fingerprints.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern and Southeastern Africa

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Herbivore - Grasses

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

15‑20 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

Up to 59 in (1.5 m) at shoulders

WEIGHT

500‑800 lbs (227‑363 kg)

Great White Pelican

pelecanus onocrotalus

With a nine-foot wingspan, these are the second largest pelicans in the world.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Southeastern Europe, Africa, and western Asia

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Fish

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 10 years

OFFSPRING

1-3 chicks per year

LENGTH

About 4 ft tall

WEIGHT

10‑30 lbs

Virginia Opossum

didelphis virginiana

The opossum is one of the only marsupials found outside of Australia.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and Eastern United States, down to Costa Rica

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Small vertebrates and invertebrates, fruits, vegetables

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

About 2 years

OFFSPRING

4–25 per litter

LENGTH

1–2 feet

WEIGHT

4–6 lbs

Snowy Owl

bubo scandiacus

These Arctic birds have razor-sharp talons and beaks built for ripping flesh.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Circumpolar north

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Carnivore

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 10 years

OFFSPRING

3–11 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

21–28 in. (52–71 cm)

WEIGHT

3.5–6.5 lbs (1.6–3.0 kg)

Lappet-faced Vulture

torgos tracheliotos

lappet faced vulture with wings extended

The lappet-faced vulture is named for the loose, fleshy, ear-like lappets that hang from the sides of its bare pink head.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Middle East and throughout Africa, from the southern Sahara to the Sahel

STATUS

Endangered

DIET

Carnivore - Mainly carrion; also bird eggs, small mammals, some insects

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 23 years

OFFSPRING

1 egg per year

LENGTH

31–45 inches

WEIGHT

10–21 lbs

White Stork

ciconia ciconia

A white stork can regulate its body temperature by defecating on its legs, with evaporation cooling the bird.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Europe, southwestern Asia, northwest Africa, sub-Saharan Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, small birds and mammals, amphibians, reptiles, mollusks, crustaceans, insects, eggs

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 17 years for males, about 13 years for females

OFFSPRING

3-5 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

Heights 3‑4 ft, wingspan 6‑6.5 ft.

WEIGHT

5‑10 lbs

North American Porcupine

erethizon dorsatum

These prickly, vocal rodents are master tree climbers.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Southern half of Canada, and northern and western U.S; scattered populations throughout the eastern U.S; parts of northern Mexico

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Roots, stems, leaves, berries, seeds and grasses, tree bark

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 18 years

OFFSPRING

LENGTH

2–3 ft

WEIGHT

11–20 lbs

Southern Three-banded Armadillo

tolypeutes matacus

The southern three-banded armadillo is one of only two armadillo species that can curl into a ball completely.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central South America

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Carnivore - mainly ants and termites

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

18–20 years

OFFSPRING

1 per year

LENGTH

12–14 inches

WEIGHT

2–3 lbs

Red-tailed guenon

cercopithecus ascanius schmidti

Red-tailed guenons have cheek pouches in which they can temporarily store about as much food as their stomachs will hold.

Quick Facts

RANGE

East-central Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Mostly fruit, also leaves and some animal prey

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 28 years

OFFSPRING

Single offspring

LENGTH

Female: About 13–18 in (32–46 cm)
Male: About 16–25 in (40–63 cm)

WEIGHT

3–4 kg (6.6–8.8 lbs)

Broad-headed Skink

plestiodon laticeps

Skinks are a type of lizard found on every continent except Antarctica. There are four skink species native to Maryland, and the broad-headed skink is the largest.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and southeastern U.S. in open and often moist wooded areas

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Mainly insects, spiders, other invertebrates; occasionally mollusks, small reptiles and mammals

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Unknown, but likely about 4 years

OFFSPRING

8-13 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

6‑12 in.

WEIGHT

1‑2 oz.

California Kingsnake

lampropeltis californiae

California kingsnakes are highly variable in color and appearance, but the most common “morph” is black-and-white banded.

Quick Facts

RANGE

California and neighboring states, from southern Oregon to northern Mexico

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and eggs

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

10‑15 years on average

OFFSPRING

3-24 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

2.5‑3.5 ft on average

WEIGHT

Up to 3.3 pounds

Mexican Redknee Tarantula

brachypelma smithi

Tarantulas may appear scary at first glance, but never fear! The venom from these large arachnids won’t harm people.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central Pacific coast of Mexico - Arid habitats such as desert, scrubland, and dry forests

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Carnivore - Insects, frogs, small lizards, and mice

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Males: 5‑10 yrs; Females: 25‑30 yrs

OFFSPRING

200-400 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

5 inches

WEIGHT

0.5 oz

Red-footed Tortoise

chelonoidis carbonarius

To attract females, male red-footed tortoises make a clucking sound that sounds remarkably like a hen.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and South America; several Caribbean islands

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Omnivore - Primarily fruit; grasses, fungi, carrion, invertebrates

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

50+ yrs

OFFSPRING

2-15 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

12‑16 in

WEIGHT

Up to 11 lbs

Iranian Eyelid Gecko

eublepharis angramainyu

Geckos possess more complex vocal structures than other lizards, allowing them to chirp and click as well as hiss, bark, and growl.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Iran, Iraq, northern Syria, southeastern Turkey

STATUS

Data Deficient

DIET

Carnivore - Insects, spiders, other arthropods, possibly eggs and small reptiles

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

Unknown

LENGTH

8‑9.5 in

WEIGHT

55‑70 g

Egyptian Tortoise

testudo kleinmanni

Egyptian tortoises are no bigger than baked potatoes.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Libya, desert and semi-desert

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Herbivore - Leaves and flowers of desert plants

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

1-5 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

Up to 5 in (12.7 cm)

WEIGHT

5.5‑12.5 oz (156‑354 g)

Indian Peafowl

pavo cristatus

The magnificent peacock, known far and wide, is actually a male Indian peafowl. The female is a peahen.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Native to India and neighboring countries

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Seeds, fruit, insects, occasional reptile or small rodent

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

20 years

OFFSPRING

4-6 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

6‑7.5 feet

WEIGHT

6‑13 pounds

Chinese Alligator

alligator sinensis

The Chinese name for this alligator is yowlung, which means “dragon.”

Quick Facts

RANGE

Lower Yangtze River basin, China

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, snails, clams, occasional duck or rodent

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

50‑70 yrs

OFFSPRING

10-40 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

Up to 5 ft.

WEIGHT

Up to 90 lbs

Tawny Frogmouth

podargus strigoides

Tawny frogmouths are odd birds whose looks are owl-like and whose mouths are frog-like (hence the name).

Quick Facts

RANGE

Australia and Tasmania

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Primarily insects; also invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, frogs, and birds

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

15‑20 years

OFFSPRING

1-3 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

13‑20 inches; Wingspan: 25‑38 inches

WEIGHT

Up to 1.5 pounds

Kunekune Pig

sus scrofa scrofa kunekune

Kunekune means “fat and round” in Maori, a language spoken by indigenous New Zealanders.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Worldwide

STATUS

Domesticated - Rare but rebounding

DIET

Herbivore - Grass, hay, grain

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

8‑16 years

OFFSPRING

6-12 piglets per litter

LENGTH

Up to 4 ft.

WEIGHT

130‑220 lbs.

American Badger

taxidea taxus

American badgers are super-fast diggers that can burrow underground and out of sight in a matter of seconds.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and western North America, from southern Canada to Mexico

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Rodents, birds, bird eggs, reptiles, amphibians, insects

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

4‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-5 cubs per litter

LENGTH

16‑28 in.

WEIGHT

8‑26 lbs

Spur-winged Lapwing

vanellus spinosus

Spur-winged lapwings are known as “foot tremblers” – they stomp their feet to flush prey from hiding.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central, sub-Saharan Africa; eastern Mediterranean

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Primarily insects, insect larvae, and small invertebrates

ACTIVE

Diurnal - Variably diurnal or nocturnal

LIFESPAN

17 yrs on average

OFFSPRING

2-4 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

10‑11 in
Wingspan: 27‑32 in

WEIGHT

4.5‑6 oz

Prehensile-tailed Skink

corucia zebrata

What’s a skink, you ask? Generally speaking, a skink is a large, short-limbed, practically no-necked lizard. The prehensile-tailed skink is the largest of all skinks.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Solomon Islands, tropical rain forest

STATUS

No Listing

DIET

Herbivore - Leaves and fruit

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

Up to 15 years

OFFSPRING

1-2 offspring

LENGTH

2.5 ft

WEIGHT

Approximately 2 lbs

North American Ruddy Duck

oxyura jamaicensis

Ruddy ducks are small-winged ducks that have to get a running start across water in order to take flight.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Summer: Mid-Western U.S. and Canada, and much of Central America; Winter: along Atlantic, Pacific

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Aquatic insects and invertebrates; pondweed, algae, wild celery, seeds of other aquatic plants

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

8 eggs/clutch on average

LENGTH

13–17 in

WEIGHT

10–30 oz

Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine

coendou prehensilis

The face of a prehensile-tailed porcupine is irresistible – two dark round eyes and a curiously large, bulbous, whiskered nose set in a soft ball of speckled spines. Resist the urge to cuddle, though.

Quick Facts

RANGE

North/Northwest South America

STATUS

Least Concern - Stable

DIET

Herbivore - Bark, leaves, fruit, buds, root vegetables

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

About 15 yrs

OFFSPRING

Usually single offspring

LENGTH

30 to 40 in, including tail

WEIGHT

4‑11 lbs

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

gromphadorhina portentosa

Save your loathing because Madagascar hissing cockroaches are not pests. Like the vast majority of all cockroach species, they will not take up residence in your house.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Madagascar

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

2‑5 yrs

OFFSPRING

20-60 per brood

LENGTH

2‑3 in

WEIGHT

0.8 oz

Marbled Teal

marmaronetta angustirostris

The marbled teal, also known as the marbled duck, is an elegant, medium-sized duck with a speckled brown body and dusky eye patch.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Scattered across Northwest Africa, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East, and Central Asia

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Omnivore - Mall seeds, aquatic invertebrates

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

4-12 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

15‑19 in (38‑48 cm)

WEIGHT

8.5‑21.5 oz (240‑600 g)

Wood Turtle

glyptemys insculpta

Wood turtles are skilled earthworm hunters. They stamp the ground alternately with their front feet to bring earthworms to the surface, and then grab them quickly.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Southeastern Canada, Northeastern U.S., Great Lakes region

STATUS

Endangered

DIET

Omnivore - Insect larvae, fish, invertebrates, crayfish, plant matter

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

40+ yrs

OFFSPRING

6-8 eggs per clutch on average

LENGTH

Carapace (top shell): 6‑9 in

WEIGHT

1‑3 lbs

Timber Rattlesnake

crotalus horridus

Timber rattlesnakes are one of 27 species of snake native to Maryland, but they have become exceedingly rare here and in many other parts of their historic range.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern U.S., historically

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Carnivore

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

10‑20 yrs

OFFSPRING

6-12 live young per clutch

LENGTH

3‑4 ft

WEIGHT

1‑3 lbs

Sulcata Tortoise

centrochelys sulcata

The Sulcata tortoise, also known as the African spurred tortoise, is the third largest species of tortoise in the world, after the Galapagos tortoise and the Aldabra giant tortoise. It is the largest of all mainland tortoises.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central Africa, from Southern Sahara, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Sudan, Chad to Ethiopia

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Herbivore - Grasses, weeds, cactus

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

50+ years

OFFSPRING

15-30 per clutch

LENGTH

24‑30 in (61‑76 cm)

WEIGHT

70‑200 lbs

Spotted Turtle

clemmys guttata

Spotted turtles are one of 19 species of turtle native to Maryland.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Great Lakes region and Atlantic seaboard, from Southern Canada to Florida

STATUS

Endangered - Per IUCN listing

DIET

Omnivore - Invertebrates, fish, frogs, algae, aquatic plants

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

30+ yrs

OFFSPRING

3-4 eggs per clutch on average

LENGTH

Carapace (top shell): 3‑5 in (7.5‑12.5 cm)

WEIGHT

Under 1 lb

Northern Pine Snake

pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus

The Northern pine snake is a large, non-venomous snake that is harmless to people.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Northern and East-Central United States from New Jersey to Alabama

STATUS

Least Concern - but threatened in New Jersey

DIET

Carnivore - Mainly small rodents, birds, bird eggs

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

Several dozen eggs per clutch

LENGTH

5‑7 ft

WEIGHT

4‑9 lbs

Mole Kingsnake

lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata

Due to their coloration, many mole kingsnakes are mistakenly identified as venomous copperheads.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern and Gulf Coast states of the U.S.

STATUS

Least Concern - Stable

DIET

Carnivore - Mainly mice, snakes, and lizards

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

About 20 yrs

OFFSPRING

10-12 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

30‑40 in (76‑102 cm)

WEIGHT

.5‑1.0 lb

Wood Duck

aix sponsa

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder perhaps, but few could behold the wood duck and not consider it the most beautiful of all North American ducks.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Southern Canada and most of the United States, Mexico, and Cuba

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 4 yrs

OFFSPRING

10-15 eggs/clutch on average

LENGTH

18.5‑21 in

WEIGHT

1‑2 lbs

Waldrapp Ibis

geronticus eremita

The Waldrapp ibis, also known as the northern bald ibis, is one of the most critically endangered birds in the world.

Quick Facts

RANGE

A small area in Morocco

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Omnivore - Reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, birds, and insects; some fruits and seeds

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

20‑30 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-2 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

70‑80 cm

WEIGHT

8‑10 lbs

White-Breasted Cormorant

phalacrocorax carbo lucidus

To cool off, a white-breasted cormorant will flutter its gular pouch, located just below the beak.

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Fish with the occasional crustacean or amphibian

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

2-6 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

35 in (90 cm)
Wingspan: 35 in (90 cm)

WEIGHT

7.2 lbs (3.3 kg)

Von der Decken Hornbill

tockus deckeni

This small member of the hornbill family is named after the German explorer Baron Karl Klaus von der Decken, who first described it in his journals.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Snails, mice, nestling birds, lizards, tree frogs, seeds, fruit, berries, insects

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

Usually 2 eggs per clutch, sometimes 3 or 4

LENGTH

1‑2 ft

WEIGHT

4‑6 oz (120‑212 g)

Turkey Vulture

cathartes aura

When threatened, turkey vultures protect themselves by hissing and vomiting powerful stomach acids.

Quick Facts

RANGE

North, Central, and South America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 16 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-3 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

2‑3.5 ft
Wingspan: About 6 ft

WEIGHT

4‑4.5 lbs

Trumpeter Swan

cygnus buccinator

The trumpeter swan is the largest swan in the world and the largest waterfowl in North America.

Quick Facts

RANGE

United States, Canada, Mexico

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation, grasses, grain, occasional invertebrates

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

15‑25 yrs on average

OFFSPRING

4-6 eggs/clutch on average

LENGTH

Approximately 4 ft
Wingspan: 6‑8 ft

WEIGHT

20‑30 lbs

Saddle-billed Stork

ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

Saddle-billed storks are quintessential storks: tall, graceful wading birds with long legs, long bills, and a striding gait. They are, in fact, the tallest stork in Africa.

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, crustaceans, small reptiles

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

12 years

OFFSPRING

1-5 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

55‑59 in (139‑150 cm)

WEIGHT

11‑16 lbs (5‑7.5 kg)

Red Crested Pochard

netta rufina

Red-crested pochards are the only ducks known to engage in a feeding ritual whereby the male dives and brings food offerings to his mate while she swims on the surface.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Scattered across North Africa, Europe, and Asia

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Aquatic vegetation supplemented by aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, small fish

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

8-10 eggs per clutch on average

LENGTH

22 in (57 cm)

WEIGHT

1‑1.1 kg

Ostrich

struthio camelus

Quick Facts

RANGE

Africa, North and South of equatorial forest belt

STATUS

Least Concern - Common

DIET

Herbivore - Green grass, browse on shrubs, succulents, seeds, few insects

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

20‑30 years

OFFSPRING

Clutch averages 13
Multiple females lay in the same nest for incubation

LENGTH

Male: 6.5‑8 ft (2‑2.5 m)
Female: 5‑6.5 ft (1.5‑2 m)

WEIGHT

Male: 242‑330 lbs (110‑150 kg)
Female: 198‑242 lbs (90‑110 kg)

Northern Pintail

anas acuta

Northern pintail start to nest earlier than almost any other duck species in North America. They are among the first ducks to migrate south in the fall and north in the spring.

Quick Facts

RANGE

North and South America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Grain, seeds, weeds, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and snails

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

3-12 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

20–30 in (51–76 cm)

WEIGHT

17.5–51 oz (500–1450 g)

Northern Ground Hornbill

bucorvus abyssinicus

Northern ground hornbills are large black birds, about the size of wild turkeys, with bold facial markings and long eyelashes.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central Africa, North of the equator and South of the Sahara Desert

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Carnivore - Reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, birds, and insects; carrion; some fruits and seeds

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 17 years

OFFSPRING

1-2 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

Up to 3 ft

WEIGHT

8‑10 lbs

Leopard Tortoise

stigmochelys pardalis

The leopard tortoise is Africa’s most widely distributed tortoise.

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa, from Sudan south to the Cape Province of South Africa

STATUS

Least Concern - Stable

DIET

Herbivore - Grasses and succulents

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

50+ years

OFFSPRING

5-30 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

16‑18 in (40‑50 cm)

WEIGHT

Average 40 lbs (18 kg)

Indian Python

python molurus

Indian pythons are the third largest of all snakes, behind the anaconda and the reticulated python.

Quick Facts

RANGE

India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Carnivore - Small to medium-sized mammals and birds

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

20 to 30 yrs on average

OFFSPRING

50 eggs on average in a clutch, but they can have as many as 100

LENGTH

Possibly exceeding 20 ft

WEIGHT

150lbs+

Eastern Hognose Snake

heterodon platirhinos

Eastern hognose snakes play dead when threatened.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern North America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Small prey of many types

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

15-25 eggs/clutch on average

LENGTH

20‑35 in (50‑85 cm)

WEIGHT

Under 1 lb

Eastern Box Turtle

terrapene carolina carolina

The box turtle gets its name from its unique ability to clamp its upper and lower shells shut like a box.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern-Central United States from Southern Maine to Florida and into Central U.S. in Michigan, Illinois, Eastern Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Omnivore - Snails, insects, berries, carrion, fungi, slugs, worms, roots, flowers, fish, frogs, snakes, salamanders, birds, and eggs; young are primarily carnivorous, adults are primarily herbivorous

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Up to or exceeding 100 yrs

OFFSPRING

3-8 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

4‑9 in (10‑22 cm)

WEIGHT

1‑2 lbs (311‑523 g)

Corn Snake

pantherophis guttatus

The corn snake supposedly got its name from the resemblance of its belly markings to kernels of maize or Indian corn. It is also called the red ratsnake, in recognition of its coloration and its common prey.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S.

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Rodents, birds, bats, lizards, frogs

ACTIVE

Nocturnal - primarily

LIFESPAN

About 20 years

OFFSPRING

10-20 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

2‑6 feet

WEIGHT

1‑3 lbs

Bog Turtle

clemmys muhlenbergii

The bog turtle is the smallest and rarest turtle in North America.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Isolated colonies ranging from upstate New York to Georgia

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Omnivore - Insects, slugs, worms, crayfish, frogs, snakes, snails, carrion, and some plant matter

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

1-6 eggs per year

LENGTH

Up to 4 in long (10 cm)

WEIGHT

1.5 g

Black Rat Snake

pantherophis obsoletus

Black rat snakes are known to some as “pilot snakes” for the mistaken belief that they lead other snakes, including rattlesnakes, to suitable winter denning areas.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and Eastern U.S.

STATUS

Least Concern - Stable

DIET

Carnivore - Primarily mice and other small rodents; also frogs, lizards, birds, eggs

ACTIVE

Diurnal - or nocturnal, depending on season

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

12-30 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

3‑5 ft on average

WEIGHT

3‑4 lbs

African Slender-snouted Crocodile

mecistops cataphractus

Slender snouted crocodiles are among the least studied and least known of the 24 crocodilian species, which include all alligators and crocodiles.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and West Africa, from Mauritania and Senegal to North Angola east to Zaire, Zambia, and East

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Carnivore - Insects, crabs, fish, frogs

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

40 years or more

OFFSPRING

13-27 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

10‑13 ft (2.5‑4.2 m)

WEIGHT

275‑716 lbs (125‑325 kg)

Hooded Merganser

lophodytes cucullatus

Hooded mergansers can chase fish underwater for up to two minutes!

Quick Facts

RANGE

North America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Mostly fish, aquatic insects, crawfish, some plant material

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

10‑20 yrs

OFFSPRING

5-44 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

15.7–19.3 in (40–49 cm)

WEIGHT

16–31 oz (453–879 g)

Harris’s Hawk

parabuteo unicinctus

Social and lethal, Harris’s hawks are aptly described as “wolves of the air.”

Quick Facts

RANGE

Southwestern US, Mexico, Central and South America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

10‑15 years

OFFSPRING

1-5 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

1.5‑2.5 ft

WEIGHT

1.5‑2.5 lbs

Hamerkop

scopus umbretta

The all-brown hamerkop has a long, flat crest on its head that gives it the unmistakable look of – you guessed it – a hammer.

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Amphibians, fish

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

10‑20 yrs

OFFSPRING

3-7 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

22 in (56 cm)

WEIGHT

14.5‑15.1 oz (415‑430 g)

Hadada Ibis

bostrychia hagedash

The hadada ibis is named for its distinctive call, “Ha-da-da, ha-da-da, ha-da-dee.”

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

2-3 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

1‑1.5 ft

WEIGHT

2‑3 lbs

Green-winged Macaw

ara chloroptera

Macaws are the largest of all parrots, and the green-winged macaw is the second largest of all macaws.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Southern Central America and Northern South America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Fruits, berries, seeds, nuts, minerals and salt from clay licks

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

35‑40 years

OFFSPRING

1-3 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

26 – 37 in (65 - 92.5 cm) including tail

WEIGHT

43.8 - 59.5 oz (1,250 - 1,700 g)

Fulvous Whistling Duck

dendrocygna bicolor

The fulvous whistling duck is a duck of the world, represented on four continents!

Quick Facts

RANGE

Global

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Aquatic seeds and fruits, bulbs, leaf shoots, buds and the structural parts of aquatic plants such as grasses and rushes; occasionally, small aquatic insects

ACTIVE

Diurnal - Diurnal and nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

8-12 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

18‑21 in (45–53 cm)

WEIGHT

675‑690 g on average

Eastern Screech Owl

megascops asio

When threatened, an eastern screech owl tightens its feathers, sits very still, and gives a convincing impression of a tree branch stub.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Southern Canada, Eastern US, Northern Mexico

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Insects, frogs, toads, snakes, lizards, small birds, rodents

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

8‑10 years

OFFSPRING

2-6 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

8‑9 in (20.32‑22.86 cm)

WEIGHT

7‑7.3 oz (200‑208 g)

Raven

corvus spp.

Ravens are the largest songbirds in the world.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Throughout Northern Hemisphere

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Animal carcasses, rodents, grains, seeds

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

20 years or more

OFFSPRING

4-6 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

22‑27 in (56‑59 cm)

WEIGHT

24‑58 oz (689‑1,625 g)

Caribbean Flamingo

pheonicopterus ruber ruber

Also known as the American flamingo, the tall, slender, scarlet Caribbean flamingo is the most brightly colored and among the largest of the world’s six flamingo species.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Islands and mainland coasts of the Caribbean Sea

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Small shellfish, fish, worms, insects, algae, aquatic seeds and plants

ACTIVE

Diurnal - Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 40 years

OFFSPRING

1-2 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

Body: 47‑57 in (120‑145 cm)
Wingspan: 55 in (140 cm)

WEIGHT

4.8‑6.1 lbs (2.2‑2.8 kg)

Blue-winged Teal

spatula discors

In flight, the blue-winged teal reveals its most striking coloration – a powder-blue underwing patch.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Much of North and Central Americas, and Northern South America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

6-14 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

14.2 – 16.1 in (36‑41 cm)

WEIGHT

8.1 – 19.2 oz (230‑545 g)

Blue-bellied Roller

coracias cyanogaster

Blue-bellied rollers and other “true” rollers are so named because of their spectacular, tumbling courtship flights.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Western and Central Africa, from Senegal to Southern Sudan

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Insects and other invertebrates, small snakes and other reptiles, oil-palm fruits

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

2-3 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

11– 12 in (280‑300 mm)

WEIGHT

3.8‑5.3 oz (110‑150 g)

Black-crowned Night Heron

nycticorax nycticorax

Black-crowned night herons are the most widespread herons in the world.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Global, except Australia and Antarctica

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

20 yrs

OFFSPRING

3-4 eggs/clutch on average

LENGTH

2 ft

WEIGHT

1‑2 lbs

Bald Eagle

haliaeetus leucocephalus

The bald eagle is bold, fierce, and iconic, but it is not really bald. It has a conspicuous white head that is fully feathered!

Quick Facts

RANGE

United States, Canada, Northern Mexico

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, mammals, birds, crustaceans, reptiles, amphibians, carrion

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 28 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-3 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

28‑38 in (71‑96 cm)
Wingspan: 168‑244 cm

WEIGHT

2.5‑6.3 kg

Black Crowned Crane

balearica pavonina pavonina

Black crowned cranes roost in trees, which is unusual for cranes.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Broadly distributed in equatorial West Africa, North of the Congo Basin from Senegal East to Lake Chad, and South to Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Northern Cameroon

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Omnivore - Tips of grasses, seeds, insects and other invertebrates, small vertebrates

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

30 years or more

OFFSPRING

3-4 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

37‑40 in (95‑101 cm)

WEIGHT

6.6 -8.4 lbs (2.9 kg-3.8 kg)

African Spoonbill

platalea alba

The African spoonbill starts life with a short bill but within a few short weeks – by the time the young bird leaves the nest and starts to fly – its bill has grown long and distinctively spoon shaped.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Most of sub-Saharan Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Small fish, shellfish, insects, and aquatic invertebrates such as crayfish and water beetles

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

3-5 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

90 cm
Wingspan: 365‑403 mm

WEIGHT

45‑73 oz (1.3‑2.1 kg)

African Grey Parrot

psittacus erithacus

African grey parrots have an unparalleled ability to mimic human speech and other sounds.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and West Africa

STATUS

Endangered

DIET

Herbivore - Fruits, berries, seeds and nuts

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

50 yrs on average

OFFSPRING

1-4 eggs per clutch, on average

LENGTH

About 1 ft (33 cm)

WEIGHT

About 1 lb

Panamanian Golden Frog

atelopus zeteki

Beautiful, mysterious, and rare, Panamanian golden frogs have been revered as good-luck tokens in their native country of Panama since pre-Columbian times.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Cordilleran mountains of Western-Central Panama

STATUS

Critically Endangered - Quite possibly extinct in the wild

DIET

Carnivore - Insects and other small invertebrates

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 8 years

OFFSPRING

200-600 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

1‑2 in (2.5 - 5.1 cm)

WEIGHT

Under 1 lb

Eastern or Red-spotted Newt

notophthalmus viridescens

The brilliantly colored juveniles of this salamander species are called "red efts."

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern North America

STATUS

Least Concern - Per IUCN listing

DIET

Carnivore - Aquatic insects and insect larvae; small invertebrates; amphibian eggs

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

10‑15 yrs

OFFSPRING

200-300 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

2.5‑5.5 in (6.5‑14 cm)

WEIGHT

0.2‑0.4 oz (5‑11 g)

Eastern Tiger Salamander

ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum

Tiger salamanders are among the largest terrestrial, or land-dwelling, salamanders on earth.

Quick Facts

RANGE

U.S., Canada, and Mexico

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

12‑15 yrs

OFFSPRING

100-1,000 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

7‑14 in

WEIGHT

About 4.5 oz

Sitatunga

tragelaphus spekei

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Reeds, sedges, grasses, leaves, fallen fruit

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

10‑15 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

Male: 60‑67 in (152‑170 cm)
Female: 53‑61 in (135‑155 cm)

WEIGHT

Male: 154‑275 lbs (70‑125 kg)
Female: 110‑126 lbs (50‑57 kg)

Seba’s Short-Tailed Bat

carollia perspicillata

Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight. They belong to the order Chiroptera, which means hand-wing.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and South America

STATUS

Least Concern - Common

DIET

Herbivore - Fruit, pollen, some insects

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

2.6‑10 yrs (over 50% die in first 2 yrs)

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

1.8‑2.5 in

WEIGHT

0.35‑0.7 oz (10‑20 g)

Red Ruffed Lemur

varecia variegata rubra

Lemurs, including red ruffed ones, share a unique behavioral trait (and an unusual one for primates). In their world, females are dominant.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Northeastern Madagascar

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Herbivore - Fruit mostly, sometimes varied with leaves, nectar, and seeds

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 19 yrs

OFFSPRING

2-6 offspring per litter

LENGTH

20‑22 in (51‑56 cm)
Females are larger than males.

WEIGHT

7‑10 lbs (3.2- 4.5 kg)

Pygmy Goat

capra aegagrus hircus

Worldwide, more people drink goat milk than any other kind of milk.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Worldwide

STATUS

Domesticated

DIET

Herbivore - Hay, grain, grasses, shrubs

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

15 yrs on average

OFFSPRING

1-3 per birth (average 2)

LENGTH

45‑46 in (115‑170 cm)

WEIGHT

24‑249 lbs (9‑113 kg)

Plains Zebra

equus quagga

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern and Southeastern Africa

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Herbivore - Grasses

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

15‑20 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

Up to 59 in (1.5 m) at shoulders

WEIGHT

500‑800 lbs (227‑363 kg)

Okapi

okapia johnstoni

Quick Facts

RANGE

Congolese Rainforest in Central Africa

STATUS

Endangered

DIET

Herbivore - Leaves, fruits, and seeds

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 30 years

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

5‑5.6 ft (150‑170 cm)

WEIGHT

462‑550 lbs (210‑250 kg)

North American River Otter

lontra canadensis

River otters are the only truly amphibious members of the weasel family.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Throughout North America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, frogs, crayfish, crabs, rodents, rabbits, insects

ACTIVE

Diurnal - Diurnal and nocturnal

LIFESPAN

8‑9 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-6 per litter

LENGTH

18‑32 in (460‑830 mm)

WEIGHT

6‑31 lbs (3‑14 kg)

Nigerian Dwarf Goat

capra aegagrus hircus

Dwarf goats are about the same size as pygmy goats but are distinct and separate breeds.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Worldwide

STATUS

Domesticated - Recovering, as listed by the American Livestock Conservancy

DIET

Herbivore - Hay, grain, browse

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

10‑15 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-4 kids per birth

LENGTH

17‑23 in (43‑58 cm)

WEIGHT

65‑85 lbs (29‑39 kg)

Miniature Texas Longhorn

bos taurus

The full-grown horns of a miniature Texas longhorn, tip to tip, can measure greater than the animal’s height.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Worldwide

STATUS

Domesticated

DIET

Herbivore - Hay and grass

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

10 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single offspring per birth

LENGTH

Maximum of 45 inches at withers

WEIGHT

350‑800 lbs

Miniature Donkey

equus asinus asinus

Once called the “miniature Mediterranean donkey,” this breed is uniquely American.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Worldwide

STATUS

Domesticated - Recovering

DIET

Herbivore - Hay, grain, grass, shrubs, desert plants

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

25‑30 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single offspring per birth

LENGTH

78 in (200 cm)

WEIGHT

550 lbs (250 kg)

Lesser Kudu

tragelaphus imberbis

Lesser kudu are one of eight species of African spiral-horned antelope.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Northern East Africa

STATUS

Near Threatened - Lower Risk / Conservation Dependent

DIET

Herbivore - Twigs, leaves, fruits, grasses

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

7‑8 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

43‑55 in (110‑140 cm)

WEIGHT

Male: 202 - 238 lbs (92‑108 kg)
Female: 123 - 154 lbs (56‑70 kg)

Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec

echinops telfairi

Lesser hedgehog tenrecs are one of 30 species of tenrec found on the island of Madagascar. Tenrecs are the most diverse mammalian family on the island.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Southern and Southwest Madagascar

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

5-7 per litter, average

LENGTH

5‑6.5 in

WEIGHT

Up to 1 lb

Leopard

panthera pardus

A leopard’s next meal probably isn’t going to know it until it’s too late. This big cat is known for stealth.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Africa and Asia

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Carnivore - Large and small mammals, birds, reptiles, arthropods

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

7‑9 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-3 cubs per litter

LENGTH

3.5 - 6.5 ft (1.0‑1.9 m)

WEIGHT

66‑155 lbs (30‑70 kg)

Cotswold Sheep

ovis aries

Cotswold sheep are a long-haired breed of sheep native to England but with roots in Ancient Rome.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Worldwide

STATUS

Domesticated

DIET

Herbivore - Hay, grain, browse

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

10‑15 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-3 lambs per birth (twins common)

LENGTH

Approximately 35 in (89 cm)

WEIGHT

Ewes: 175‑225 lbs (79‑102 kg)
Rams: 275‑300 lbs (125‑136 kg)

Coquerel’s Sifaka

propithecus verreauxi coquereli

When a sifaka feels threatened, it warns others by shrieking “shee-fauk!”

Quick Facts

RANGE

Northwestern Madagascar

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Herbivore - Leaves, flowers, bark, fruit

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 11 years

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

9‑22 in (70‑100 cm)

WEIGHT

4‑9 lbs

Common Warthog

phacochoerus africanus

When warthogs run, their tails stick straight up in the air!

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Grass, roots, berries, bark of young trees, occasionally carrion

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

12‑15 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-8 per litter

LENGTH

35‑59 in (900‑1500 mm)

WEIGHT

110‑331 lbs (50‑150 kg)

Colobus Monkey

colobus guereza

Black and White Colobus monkeys rarely touch their feet to the ground. They are the most arboreal, or tree-dwelling, of African monkeys.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Equatorial Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Mostly leaves, some fruit

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 20 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

17.7‑28.3 in (45‑72 cm)

WEIGHT

11‑31 lbs (4‑14 kg)

Chinchilla

chinchilla lanigera

Chinchillas maintain their soft, thick, luxuriant fur by bathing in volcanic ash!

Quick Facts

RANGE

Western South America

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Herbivore - Seeds, grasses, other native plants

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

10 years on average

OFFSPRING

2-6 offspring on average

LENGTH

12‑21 inches

WEIGHT

Male: About 17oz (.48 kg)
Female: About 28oz (79 kg)

Chimpanzee

pan troglodytes

Chimpanzees and humans are very closely related, sharing over 98% of the same genetic material. Similarities between the two species are striking, but so are differences.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Western and Central Africa

STATUS

Endangered

DIET

Omnivore - Primarily fruits, vegetable and plants, but occasionally meat

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 40 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young occasionally twins

LENGTH

2‑4 ft (70‑100 cm)

WEIGHT

100‑185 lbs (45‑84 kg)

Cheetah

acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest mammal on earth. Everything about it is built for speed. During a twenty-second chase, its feet barely touch the ground as it reaches a top speed of 70 mph.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Isolated populations in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly Eastern and Southern

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Carnivore - Small to medium sized ungulates, birds, hares, small mammals

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

10‑16 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-8 per litter

LENGTH

44‑59 in (112‑150 cm)

WEIGHT

77‑158 lbs (35‑72 kg)

Bobcat

lynx rufus

About twice the size of a domestic housecat, the bobcat is a fearsome predator capable of taking down prey ten times its size.

Quick Facts

RANGE

North America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Rabbits, squirrels, and other small-to-medium prey

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

About 18 years

OFFSPRING

2-4 kittens/litter average

LENGTH

26‑41 in

WEIGHT

20‑30lbs on average

Cape Porcupine

hystrix africaeaustralis

The spines and quills of a porcupine are modified hairs that are soft at birth but then harden.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and Southern Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - fruit, bulbs, roots, bark, crops, sometimes carrion

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

12‑15 years

OFFSPRING

1-4 per litter

LENGTH

1.5‑3 ft.

WEIGHT

20‑65 lbs

Blue Duiker

philantomba monticola

The blue duiker is a tiny antelope about the size of a house cat.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and Southern Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Fruit, leaves, flowers, fungi, seeds, some insects and small animals

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

Up to 10 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single offspring

LENGTH

1.8‑3 ft (55‑90 cm)

WEIGHT

8‑20 lbs (3.5‑9 kg)

Black-tailed Prairie Dog

cynomys ludovicianus

Quick Facts

RANGE

Narrow bands of short-grass prairie from Central Texas north to the U.S.-Canada border

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Wheatgrass, grama, buffalo grass, scarlet globemallow, rabbitbrush, prickly pear cactus, thistle

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑8 years

OFFSPRING

3-4 per litter

LENGTH

14‑17 in (350‑425 mm)

WEIGHT

1‑3 lbs

Alpaca

vicugna pacos

Alpacas are a South American relative of camels.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Worldwide

STATUS

Domesticated

DIET

Herbivore - Grasses, cushion plants, weeds, woody shrub

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single offspring per birth usually

LENGTH

4.5‑5 ft

WEIGHT

120‑150 lbs (55‑65 kg)

African Lion

panthera leo

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa, mostly Eastern and Southern

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Carnivore

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

15‑16 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-6 young per litter

LENGTH

Male: 5.5‑8 ft (1.5‑2.5 m)
Female: 4.5‑6 ft (1.4‑2m )

WEIGHT

Male: 330‑550 lb (150‑250 kg)
Female: 264‑400 lb (120‑181 kg)

Addra Gazelle

nanger dama

The Addra gazelle, also known as the Dama gazelle, is the largest and tallest of all gazelles. “Gazelle” is a name shared by a number of small, swift antelopes.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Sahara desert, from Sudan to Mauritania

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Herbivore - Herbs, shrubs, coarse desert grasses

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

10‑12 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

55‑66 in (140‑168 cm)

WEIGHT

88‑187 lbs (40‑85 kg)

Southern White Rhinoceros

ceratotherium simum simum

Quick Facts

RANGE

South Africa

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Herbivore - grasses

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

In human care: 40 yrs
Wild: 35 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

118‑150 in (300‑380 cm)

WEIGHT

Male: up to 6,000 lb (2,721 kg)
Female: up to 4,500 lb (2,041 kg)

African Penguin

spheniscus demersus

The African penguin, or black-footed penguin, is also nicknamed the “jackass penguin” because its mating call sounds like a braying donkey.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Islands and coast of Southwest Africa

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, cephalopods, crustaceans

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 20 years

OFFSPRING

2 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

Height: 24‑28 in (52‑72 cm)

WEIGHT

6‑9 lbs (3‑4 kilograms)

Brown Bear

ursus arctos

A grizzly bear's claws are as long or longer than your fingers.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Parts of Russia, Central Asia, China, Canada, the United States (mostly Alaska), Scandinavia, and the Carpathian region (especially Romania), Anatolia, and Caucasus.

STATUS

Least Concern - Within the continental U.S., grizzly bears, a North American subspecies of brown bear, are listed as threatened by sub-population under the federal Endangered Species Act.

DIET

Omnivore - Nuts, berries, roots, insects, honey, fish, and mammals ranging in size from pocket gophers to moose

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Male: 21.9 yrs
Female: 26.8 yrs

OFFSPRING

1 to 3 cubs per birth on average

LENGTH

5‑8 ft

WEIGHT

Male: 300‑1,200 lbs
Female: 175‑550 lbs

Sandhill Crane

antigone canadensis

Sandhill cranes are known for their elegant and energetic courtship dances.

Quick Facts

RANGE

North America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - seeds, grains, insects, small vertebrates and invertebrates

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

20+ years

OFFSPRING

1-3 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

Height: 2.5‑4 ft

WEIGHT

7.5‑11 lb

Laughing Kookaburra

dacelo novaeguineae

The kookaburra is a kingfisher that does not fish.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern Australia

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - insects, worms, snakes and other reptiles, amphibians, rodents

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

In human care: Up to 20 years

OFFSPRING

1-5 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

Up to 18 in (46 cm)

WEIGHT

13‑16 oz (368‑455 g)

Eastern Hellbender

cryptobranchus alleganiensis

The hellbender is the largest salamander in North America, and the third largest in the world.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Isolated parts of Appalachia, from Southern and Western NY southward to Northern GA, AL, MS, and westward to Central Missouri and possibly Southeastern Kansas

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Carnivore - Mostly crayfish; also insects, earthworms, snails, tadpoles, fish eggs, hellbender eggs

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 30 yrs

OFFSPRING

200-400 eggs per egg mass

LENGTH

11‑20 in

WEIGHT

3‑4 lbs (1.35‑1.81 kg)

Northern Copperhead

agkistrodon contortrix mokasen

Northern copperheads are one of only two species of venomous snake in the state of Maryland. The other is the timber rattlesnake.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern United States, from Massachusetts south to Georgia and Alabama and west to Illinois

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - mice, small birds, lizards, frogs, caterpillars, insects, especially cicadas

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

In human care: 18 years

OFFSPRING

3-14 live young

LENGTH

22‑53 in (60‑134.5 cm)

WEIGHT

4‑12 oz (113‑340g)

Reticulated Giraffe

giraffa camelopardalis reticulata

The giraffe is the tallest animal on earth. A male giraffe towers up to nineteen feet above the ground.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern, Central and Southern Africa

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Herbivore - Leaves

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

In human care: Up to 25 yrs
Wild: 10‑16 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth (twins are extremely rare)

LENGTH

Male: 18 ft (5.5m) tall
Female: 14‑15 ft (4‑4.5 m) tall

WEIGHT

Male: 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg)
Female: 1,540 lbs (700 kg)

African Savanna Elephant

loxodonta africana

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and East Africa, south of the Sahara

STATUS

Endangered

DIET

Herbivore - Grasses, leaves, branches, roots, fruits, tree bark

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

About 38 years

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth (twins possible)

LENGTH

Male: Up to 12 ft (3‑75 m)
Female: Up to 9 ft (3 m)

WEIGHT

Male: Up to 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg)
Female: 9,000 lbs (4,082 kg)

Jones Falls Zephyr Train Ride

Board the Zoo’s passenger train and enjoy a leisurely 10-minute ride! The train is open daily from 10am-4pm year round, weather permitting. Rides are included with Zoo admission or membership. The train is wheelchair accessible but cannot accommodate strollers or motorized scooters.

Rides

Experience the fun of a real old-fashioned carousel ride! Children of all ages will enjoy this famous classic. Carousel rides are included with Zoo admission or membership. The carousel operates, weather permitting, daily during the regular season, and is accessible.

Roost

Stop by the Roost food truck in Zoo Central for delicious chicken tenders and sandwiches. (Open seasonally)

Roost Mobile Ordering

Whistle Stop Grille

Choose from a wild array of traditional fare including hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and artisan pizzas. Healthier selections include our signature salads and wraps. Located in Zoo Central’s food court, Whistle Stop Grille is open year-round.

Whistle Stop Mobile Ordering

Naturalist Lodge

Learn about Maryland native species with a Zoo educator at the Naturalist Lodge!

Sidetrack

Sidetrack is the spot to stop if you are craving soft serve or hand-scooped ice cream. Sidetrack is located in Zoo Central’s food court near the Train Station. (Open seasonally)

Feed a Giraffe

See what it’s like to stand eye to eye with a giraffe! For $5 ($4 for Zoo Members) you can feed the giraffes a leafy branch of browse. Giraffe Feeding Station is open daily 10:30-12:30 & 1:30-3:00 April through October, and Friday to Sunday, November through March – weather permitting.

Oasis Café

Sit out on our spacious deck and treat yourself to a soft pretzel or a hot dog fresh off the grill! Oasis Café is located next to Elephant Overlook. Open weekends in March, and daily from April to December from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Closed January and February.

Railway Express

If you love BBQ, then you must try our made to order pulled pork, chicken or pit beef, a Baltimore favorite! Railway Express is located in Zoo Central’s food court. Open on weekends April through June, and daily June through December. Closed January and February.

Bait Shack

Try out our grilled soft pretzels, freshly made popcorn, and hand-spun cotton candy at Bait Shack, located next to Penguin Coast. Open daily March through December – closed January and February.

Dippin’ Dots

Go crazy over our newest flavor of dots, Safari Sunset, which is exclusively made for the Maryland Zoo. Dippin’ Dots stands are located across the Zoo and are open weekends March through April, and daily April through December. Closed January and February.

Wild Things Gift Shop

Take home a souvenir from the Zoo’s Wild Things Gift Shop, open all Zoo hours until the last guest exits the park. You may also inquire at the gift shop for stroller and wheelchair rentals.

Creature Encounters

Interact with wildlife at The Maryland Zoo and see some of the Zoo’s most curious creatures up close! Creature Encounters is open daily from 10:00am – 12:00pm and 12:30pm – 2:30pm. During the early spring season, animals can be spotted in the Penguin Education Center due to weather. Please note that due to animal care priorities, interaction times may vary.

Face Painting

Don’t just see wildlife, be wildlife with amazingly lifelike face painting at the Zoo! Face painting is located at the train plaza or giraffe feeding station, and is $8 for half face and $12 for full face. Open weekends only in April, May, September and October and daily Memorial Day through Labor Day – weather permitting.

Accessibility

Parking

Free accessible parking is available to the left of our front gate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Directions and More Info

Service Animals

The Maryland Zoo welcomes guests with disabilities who use service animals as determined by the Americans with Disability Act. No other animals are permitted on any Zoo grounds including the parking lots. Please review our Service Animal Guide below for more detailed information.

VIEW SERVICE ANIMAL GUIDE

Restrooms

Restrooms are accessible, equipped with changing stations, and available in several locations throughout the Zoo. Family restrooms are located near the Whistle Stop Grille and inside Penguin Education Center.

View restrooms on our interactive map

Mobility Assistance

Transportation Services

shuttle

The Zoo has two 11-passenger ADA compliant shuttles and one 14-passenger shuttle providing Zoo visitors a quick, clean ride along Buffalo Yard Road into Zoo Central. Guests looking to ride the electric shuttles can board at Eagle Gate near Celebration Hill for inbound rides and next to Naturalist Lodge for return trips.

Wheelchair & Stroller Rental*

Manual wheelchairs, electric convenience vehicles (ECV), and strollers are available for rent just inside the main entrance to the Zoo, near the Wild Things Gift Shop. See prices below:

Single child stroller – $8
Double child stroller – $10
Manual wheelchair – $10
ECV (Limited quantities) – $35

*All rentals are first come, first serve

Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs)

The Zoo accommodates the use of some OPDMDs, which are vehicles that are not wheelchairs, but rather are electric devices designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility limitations. Please be aware that the Maryland Zoo is located in Druid Hill Park and our topography is of a park setting. We ask that you use caution as you move around the Zoo on your device to ensure your safety and the safety of others and to stay on visitor paths.

In the interest of maintaining a safe and pedestrian-friendly environment while at the same time ensuring that everyone has a positive experience at the Zoo, it is prohibited to operate a mobility device at a speed significantly greater than the flow of the surrounding pedestrian traffic. Devices must operate in turtle mode, if available on the device, and must not weave in and out of pedestrian traffic. It is also prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages while operating the device.

Animal Wellbeing

There are some areas in the Zoo where different motions and speeds from pedestrians could cause a flight response or a heightened prey drive to some animals that could be harmful to their wellbeing. In these sections of the Zoo, OPDMDs are prohibited due to animal concerns. In addition, to the extent that your device was to upset the animals in their habitats, you should remove your device from that habitat area immediately. We ask that you do not enter the following areas with the device:

Goat Corral which is located in the Farmyard
The Giraffe Feeding Station located in the African Journey
The Giraffe House located in the African Journey
Aviaries located in the Maryland Wilderness and African Journey

Acceptable OPDMDs

Permitted mobility devices include the following:

Electric OPDMDs and other single-seat electric scooters with three or more wheels that cannot exceed more than 5 miles per hour. OPDMDs may be used by one person at a time.
Segways® with a steering handle or bar are permitted but must operate only in “turtle” mode. Segways® devices are not permitted inside the Waterfowl pavilion event space area.
OPDMDs greater than 36 inches in width are not recommended as some doorways are constructed at the standard width of 36 inches.

Prohibited OPDMDs

Prohibited OPDMDs include the following:

Any device that has or should have a registered license plate
Any device that has only one wheel
Any device that has two tandem wheels (e.g. two-wheeled electric or motorized scooters)
Any device that has been structurally or mechanically altered
Any gas powered vehicle
All Hoverboards or any Segways® without a steering handle or bar
Any golf carts or similar type vehicle

Notwithstanding the above list, for safety reasons we reserve the right to inspect any mobility device to determine if it is safe to operate at the Zoo. We consider various factors, included but not limited to the following: the type, size, weight, dimensions, stability, and speed of the device. Bicycles, trikes, and razor scooters are not permitted. For additional information or questions, please contact mail@marylandzoo.org or call 410-396-7102.

Rides & Attractions

Our rides and attractions are all wheelchair accessible.

Explore rides and attractions

Sensory Sensitivity

The Maryland Zoo is pleased to be a KultureCity sensory inclusive certified venue since 2019. KultureCity is a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides sensory inclusion training and tools to venues and large-scale events.

Sensory Bags are available upon entry at the Main Gate. They include noise-reducing headphones, fidget toys, and non-verbal cue cards.

Visit the KultureCity App to view the Zoo’s social story. The app can be downloaded here:

iPhone

Android

First Aid

First Aid is provided by Zoo Security. If you require assistance, please ask a Zoo employee to notify Security or contact 410-396-7102.

Today at the Zoo

Opossum Keeper Chat

Opossum Keeper Chat

Education Stations

Education Stations

African Journey Keeper Chat

Zoo Experiences

Penguin Feeding

Penguin Feeding

African Aviary

African Journey

Upcoming Events

Elephant Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

African Journey Keeper Chat

Penguin Feeding

Chimpanzee Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

African Watering Hole Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

Penguin Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

Animal Ambassadors

Antelope Exhibit

Bald Eagle

haliaeetus leucocephalus

Quick Facts

RANGE

STATUS

DIET

ACTIVE

LIFESPAN

OFFSPRING

LENGTH

WEIGHT

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Great White Pelican

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Zoo Visits in Colder Weather

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Rescued & Rehabbed Zoo Residents

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animal

White Stork

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Bobcat

lynx rufus

Quick Facts

RANGE

STATUS

DIET

ACTIVE

LIFESPAN

OFFSPRING

LENGTH

WEIGHT

Upcomings Events

Maryland Wilderness Keeper Chat

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Mar. 1 - Dec. 31

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Maryland Zoo Mourns the Loss of its Oldest African ...

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Recurring Event

New Year’s Eve at Noon

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Animals in the Wintertime

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Recurring Event

Purple Pride Day

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