Zoo Animals

Fun Facts About Zoo Animals

• It's true that elephants mourn their dead. They will linger near and gently touch their dead kin, sometimes covering their bodies with leaves and branches.
• Flamingos are born with gray or white feathers. They develop their iconic pink color only after eating brine shrimp and algae that contain natural pink pigments.
• Gorillas share about 98% of our DNA, so it's not surprising they can catch the common cold just like us.
• Koalas have fingerprints that are incredibly similar to human fingerprints. Forensic scientists acknowledge their prints could theoretically confuse crime scene investigators if they are not properly trained.
• Some monkeys, like spider monkeys, have prehensile tails that act like an extra hand. They can grab branches, pick fruit, carry items, and even hang upside down with it.
• Male penguins "propose" to their mates by finding the smoothest, most perfect pebble to present to the female as a sign of affection. If accepted, she places the pebble in her nest, signifying they'll mate together. It's like their version of an engagement ring, and they often keep the same partner for life.
• The fur of a polar bear is actually transparent and hollow. It only appears white because it scatters and reflects light (great for camouflage), and their skin underneath is black to absorb heat.
• A zebras' black-and-white stripes help confuse predators and biting flies. The disruptive pattern creates optical illusions that make it hard for a lion to single out an individual in a herd.