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two aardvarks standing in habitat

Aardvark

Orycteropus afer

The aardvark is specialized to eat ants and termites.

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Aardwolf standing in habitat

Aardwolf

Proteles cristatus

A solitary and nocturnal member of the hyena family, the aardwolf specializes in feeding on termites.

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John the lion laying on a rock.

African Lion

Panthera leo

Unlike other cats, lions live in social groups called prides that consist of a handful of related females and their young and a coalition of two to three males.

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Several African painted dogs laying down

African Painted Dog

Lycaon pictus

For African painted dogs, also known as wild dogs, cooperation is the name of the game and survival is the aim.

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Many African penguins standing together in the habitat

African penguin

Spheniscus demersus

Penguins can’t fly in the air. Underwater, it’s a different story.

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pygmy falcon sitting on glove

African Pygmy Falcon

Polihierax semitorquatus

Though it is the smallest raptor in Africa, the African pygmy falcon is a powerful predator.

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alligator gar swimming

Alligator Gar

Lepisosteus spatula

Although few alligator gars approach the record size of 10 feet and 300 pounds, they are still among the largest freshwater fish in North America.

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front view of alligator snapping turtle

Alligator Snapping Turtle

Macroclemys temmnicki

The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in the world

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brown alpaca looking at camera

Alpaca

Like llamas, alpacas are related to camels.

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alligator floating in water

American alligator

Alligator mississippiensis

Most reptiles pay no attention to their offspring, but alligators are truly tender mothers.

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american burying beetle view from above

American burying beetle

Nicrophorus americanus

The American burying beetle makes a living out of eating the dead.

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american crocodile in habitat

American crocodile

Crocodylus acutus

The American crocodile population plummeted during the mid-1900s due to unregulated hunting for its hide.

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andean condor profile

Andean Condor

Vultur gryphus

Among the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor relies on its huge wings—the largest wing area of any bird—and strong winds to stay aloft.

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Front View of Angolan Colobus Monkey sitting

Angolan Colobus Monkey

Colobus angolensis

Colobus monkeys are adapted for a life in the trees.

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Anthony's poison dart frog on moss

Anthony’s Poison Dart Frog

Epipedobates anthonyi

Protected by other predators' instinctive unwillingness to prey on them, Anthony's poison dart frog boldly hunts small insects during the day without fear.

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Apalochicola kingsnake in habitat

Apalachicola Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula meansi

The Apalachicola kingsnake is a subspecies of the common kingsnake.

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armadillo lizard on a rock

Armadillo Lizard

Ouroborus cataphractus

The armadillo lizard’s back is covered in hard scales.

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Aruba Island rattlesnake coiled up

Aruba Island Rattlesnake

Crotalus unicolor

The Aruba Island rattlesnake is one of the rarest rattlesnakes in the world.

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elephant throwing dirt on its back

Asian elephant

Elephas maximus

From trunk to toe, Asia’s largest land mammal displays some amazing adaptations to life as a forest-dwelling herbivore.

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Atlantic puffin swimming

Atlantic Puffin

Fratercula arctica

The puffin is built for diving and swimming underwater with small, sturdy wings and webbed feet

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aye aye with big eyes

Aye Aye

Daubentonia madagascariensis

Like a woodpecker, the aye-aye is a percussion forager.

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azureus cichlid fish swimming

Azureus cichlid

Copadichromis azureus

The azureus cichlid is a plankton-feeder from Lake Malawi in Africa.

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baja whipspider on a rock

Baja Whipspider

Acanthophrynus coronatus

Among the largest whipspiders in the world, little is known of the Baja Whipspider’s natural history.

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baled eagle sitting on a branch

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

All of the bald eagles at the Cincinnati Zoo were rescued.

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bali myna on branch

Bali Myna

Leucopsar rothschildi

One of the most beautiful birds in the world, with its striking snow white feathers, lacy head crest, and blue eye patch, the Bali myna is also one of the rarest.

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Side view of a Barn Owl

Barn owl

Tyto alba

The barn owl is a farmer’s best friend. By hunting mice and other small mammals, which it can catch in total darkness, the owl helps control the population of these pint-sized grain thieves.

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a barred owl perched on a branch

Barred Owl

Strix varia

Perched in a tree, the barred owl scans the forest floor for small creatures.

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bat cave cockroach on log

Bat Cave Cockroach

Eublaberus distanti

Bat caves are home to more than bats.

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2 bat eared fox

Bat-eared Fox

Otocyon megalotis

Emerging at dusk from an underground den, the bat-eared fox prowls for prey.

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bearcat on a branch

Bearcat (Binturong)

Arctitis binturong

Also known as the binturong, the bearcat is agile like a cat in the canopy and less adept on ground, walking flat-footed like a bear.

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mom and baby colobus monkey laying down

Black and White Colobus Monkey

Colobus guereza

The colobus monkey spends most of its time feeding in the canopy and rarely comes down to the ground.

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2 howler monkeys close together

Black Howler Monkey

Alouatta caraya

Living in extended family groups, howler monkeys spend most of the day feasting on leaves in the treetops.

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black rat snake on a human hand

Black Rat Snake

Pantherophis alleghaniensis

The black rat snake is the largest snake in Ohio, reaching lengths up to eight feet.

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black rhino standing

Black Rhinoceros

Diceros bicornis

Traveling alone, a black rhino brandishes the two horns on its head at an intruder.

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black breasted leaf turtle sitting in a water bowl

Black-Breasted Leaf Turtle

Geoemyda spengleri

Growing no longer than four inches, the black-breasted leaf turtle is one of the world’s smallest turtles.

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black footed cat looking up

Black-Footed Cat

Felis nigripes

One of the smallest wild cats, the black-footed cat rests during the day among the bushes or in a burrow abandoned by an aardvark or porcupine.

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blue and gold macaw flying

Blue and Gold Macaw

Ara ararauna

Macaws are brilliantly-colored, neotropical parrots.

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blue death beetle in habitat

Blue Death Feigning Beetle

Asbolus verrucosus

When threatened, the blue death feigning beetle rolls over on its back and plays dead.

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blue tree monitor on log

Blue Tree Monitor

Varanus macraei

Scientists describe newly discovered species of monitors still today.

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2 blue crowned laughing thrush birds

Blue-Crowned Laughing Thrush

Garrulax galbanus courtoisi

Pairs or small family groups of laughing thrushes forage along the ground for fruits, berries, and insects.

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Blue Crowned Motmot on the ground

Blue-Crowned Motmot

Momotus momota

Motmots are easily distinguished from other birds by their tail feathers.

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bird sitting on a branch

Blue-Grey Tanager

Thraupis episcopus

Blue-gray tanagers were named for their two-toned coloration: gray or light blue on their head and chest, deepening to a brighter blue coloration along their wings and tail.

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harley macaw

Blue-Throated Macaw

Ara glaucogularis

The blue-throated macaw was once thought to be extinct.

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boat billed heron sitting on nest

Boat-Billed Heron

Cochlearius cochlearius

Roosting in the trees during the day, the boat-billed heron comes down at dusk to hunt.

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bonobo laying in the trees

Bonobo

Pan paniscus

Also called the pygmy chimp, the bonobo is slightly smaller than the common chimpanzee.

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porcupine sitting on a perch

Brazilian Porcupine

Coendou prehensilis

Spending most of its time in the canopy, the Brazilian porcupine is an expert climber.

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front view of a birdeater tarantula

Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater

Lasiodora parahybana

With a legspan reaching 10 inches or more, the Brazilian salmon pink birdeater is one of the largest tarantulas.

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brazilian white kneed taratula with legs up about to strike

Brazilian White-knee tarantula

Acanthoscurria geniculata

This large tarantula is found in the Amazon Basin. It actively hunts out prey, pouncing on it to inflict a venomous bite.

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brown recluse spider on a white background

Brown recluse spider

Loxosceles reclusa

This potentially dangerous spider is in fact quite shy (a real recluse) and normally bites humans only when accidentally trapped against the skin.

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side view of buff cheeked gibbon

Buff-cheeked gibbon

Hylobales gabriellae

Gibbons are known for a specialized form of swinging locomotion called brachiation.

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buff crested bustard in the grass

Buff-crested bustard

Eudpodotis ruficrista

The buff-crested bustard is named for a crest of feathers along the back of the male’s neck that are erected when displaying.

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Burmese Brown Mountain Tortoise

Burmese Brown mountain tortoise

Manouria emys emys

Due to its large size—it’s the fourth largest tortoise in the world—and slow nature, the Burmese brown mountain tortoise is a relatively easy target for hunters.

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burmese python coiled up

Burmese Python

Python molurus

One of the largest snakes in the world, the Burmese python can grow up to 25 feet long and get as thick as a telephone pole.

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cape barren goose with mouth open

Cape Barren Goose

Cereopsis novaehollandiae

The Cape Barron goose is primarily terrestrial, spending very little time in the water.

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baby porcupine violet

Cape Porcupine

Hystrix africaeaustralis

Contrary to popular belief, a porcupine cannot shoot its spines and quills.

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cave whip spider on white

Cave whip spider

Damon variegates

This bizarre arachnid is only distantly related to true spiders.

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photo of cheetah

cheetah

Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah plays an important role as a predator on the African savannah.

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chinese alligator profile

chinese alligator

Alligator sinensis

A full-grown Chinese alligator is only about half as big as its cousin, the American alligator.

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chinese crocodile lizard on rock

Chinese Crocodile Lizard

Shinisaurus crocodilurus

Mainly active during the day, it often enters into a metabolic pause, remaining completely still and unresponsive for hours at a time.

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chuckwalla looking sleepy

Chuckwalla

Sauromalus ater

The chuckwalla is a diurnal lizard that emerges from its rocky shelter to bask in the sun and forage for leaves and fruit during the day.

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clouded leopard crouching

Clouded leopard

Neofelis nebulosa

A powerful and robust build, short legs, large feet, and a long tail allow the clouded leopard to expertly navigate the forest canopy.

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barbour's map turtle swimming with fish around

Common Cooter

Pseudemys concinna floridana

Cooters are sun-loving freshwater turtles that spend much of day basking on logs at the edges of ponds, lakes, and rivers in the Southeastern United States.

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Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

A large sea duck, the common eider dives up to 60 feet deep to pluck clams, crabs and other animals off the sea floor.

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mom and baby sifaka

Coquerel’s Sifaka

Propithecus coquereli

The sifaka is a large lemur built for a specialized type of locomotion called vertical clinging and leaping.

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corn snake colorful snake

Corn Snake

Pantherophis guttatus

Although the corn snake is primarily terrestrial, it can climb trees, rocks, and even buildings, with ease.

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cougar behind rock

Cougar

Puma concolor

Historically, the cougar ranged throughout the Americas.

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front view of a crested coua perched on a branch

Crested Coua

Coua cristata

The crested coua is a type of cuckoo bird.

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3 guineafowl in grass

Crested Guineafowl

Guttera pucherani

Crested guineafowl stick close together in flocks for safety.

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Derbyana flower beetle on wood

Derbyana Flower Beetle

Dicronorhina derbyana

While in it's larval stage, the grub spends several months underground consuming broken-down leaf litter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. 

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rainworms on wood

Desert Rainworm

Orthoporus sp.

The desert rainworm, a type of millipede, spends most of its life underground.

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top view of a domino roach

Domino Roach

Therea petiveriana

The white-spotted pattern of the domino roach is thought to be a form of defensive mimicry.

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dragon headed katydid

Dragon-headed katydid

Lesina intermedia

The dragon-headed katydid is a type of bush cricket, so named for its huge mandibles that are used to eat a variety of fruits and other insects.

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ground boa on board

Dumeril’s Ground Boa

Acrantopis dumerili

The Dumeril’s boa’s black and brown coloring enables it to hide among the leaf litter on the forest floor.

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dyeign poison dart frog

Dyeing poison dart frog

Dendrobatus tinctorius

An unwary snake or other predator that tries to eat a poison dart frog will become very sick, paralyzed or even die from the ingestion of an alkaloid-based poison secreted through the frog’s skin.

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bongo side view

Eastern bongo

Tragelaphus eurycerus

One of the largest forest antelopes, the shy and reclusive bongo wears a reddish coat with white stripes for camouflage.

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rattlesnake with tongue out

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Crotalus adamanteus

The largest rattlesnake in the world and largest venomous snake in North America, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake seeks shelter in mammal and gopher tortoise burrows and uprooted trees.

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grasshopper side view

Eastern Lubber Grasshopper

Romalea microptera

The Eastern lubber grasshopper is well-known in Florida and nearby states for its size, color, and large gatherings.

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screech owl

Eastern Screech owl

Megascops asio

In spite of their small size, screech owls are exceptional night hunters using their keen sense of hearing to pinpoint prey in the dark.

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Birds eye view of emerald beetle

Emerald Beetle

Smaragdestes orzini

Scarab beetles like the emerald beetle play an important role in many natural communities.

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green snake coiled on a branch

Emerald Tree Boa

Corallus caninus

At rest during the day, the emerald tree boa drapes in coils across a tree branch.

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Side view of Emperor Scorpion

Emperor Scorpion

Pandinus imperator

A young emperor scorpion kills its prey with venom injected through the sharp sting at the tip of its ‘tail.’

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face shot of the eagle owl

Eurasian eagle owl

Bubo bubo

With wings that can span up to six feet, the Eurasian eagle owl is one of the largest owls in the world.

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fennec fox sitting down looking at camera

Fennec Fox

Vulpes zerda

The smallest fox, the fennec fox has the largest ears relative to body size of any canid, reaching lengths of up to six inches.

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fire bellied newt

Fire-bellied newt

Cynops pyrrhogaster

Less than six inches long, this aquatic amphibian feeds on insects and other invertebrates in slow-moving or still waters.

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fishing cat laying down

Fishing Cat

Prionailurus viverrinus

As its name implies, the favored prey of the fishing cat is fish.

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manatee eating lettuce

Florida Manatee

Trichechus manatus latirostris

Also called the sea cow, the manatee is the only herbivorous mammal specially designed to live its entire life in the water.

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side view of a florida pine snake

Florida Pine Snake

Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus

The Florida pine snake is one of the largest eastern snakes in North America

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freckled duck in water

Freckled Duck

Stictonetta naevosa

Australia’s rarest waterfowl, the Freckled Duck breeds in swamps in inland Australia.

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galapagos tortoise on land

Galapagos Tortoise

Geochelone nigra microphyes

With few natural predators and competitors for food, the Galápagos tortoise grew over time into the largest turtle in the world.

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2 bushbabies sitting next to each other

Garnett’s Galago (Greater Bushbaby)

Otolemur garnetti

Bushbabies spend the day resting in a tree hole or among the vines, hiding from snakes.

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african millipede

Giant African Millipede

Archispirostreptus

This elongate arthropod moves slowly, thus, cannot make a quick escape.

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3 fruit bats in a row

Giant Fruit Bat (Indian Flying Fox)

Pteropus giganteus

The giant fruit bat roosts in large colonies, up to 1,000 individuals, during the day.

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View of a giant jumping stick

Giant Jumping Stick

Stiphra

Is this insect a walking stick? Take a closer look at the hind legs—they’re modified for jumping. It actually is a stick-like grasshopper!

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male and female giant spiny leaf insects

Giant Spiny Leaf Insect

Heteropteryx dilatata

In this sexually dimorphic species, the female is green or yellow and leaf-shaped, while the male is brown and looks like a dead curled leaf.

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side view of a giant walking stick

Giant Walking Stick

Phobaeticus serratipes

The giant walking stick is one of the longest walking sticks.

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2 giant water bugs. One has eggs on its back

Giant Water bug

Abedus herberti

This insect breathes at the surface or from an air bubble held under its wings when submerged, somewhat like a tiny SCUBA diver.

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gila monster laying on a rock

Gila Monster

Heloderma suspectrum

One of only a few venomous lizards in the world, the Gila monster uses its venom more as a defense than for subduing the small prey it eats.

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orb web spider on its web

Golden Silk Spider

Trichonephila clavipes

Up to three inches long, the female Florida orb web spider is five or six times larger than the male.

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golden breasted starling in a tree

Golden-breasted starling

Cosmopsarus regius

Golden-breasted starlings exhibit cooperative breeding, where group members assist with nest-building and feeding the young.

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greater flamingo laying down with a chick

Greater Flamingo

Phoenicopterus roseus

A greater flamingo wades into shallow water on its long legs.

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greater siren side profile

Greater Siren

Siren lacertina

The greater siren is a primative salamander that reaches lengths of more than three feet.

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Green and black poison dart frog

Green and Black Poison Dart Frog

Dendrobatus auratus

The green and black dart frog is one of more than 100 species of poison dart frogs.

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green basilisk lizard in habitat

Green Basilisk

Basiliscus plumifrons

A member of the iguana family, the green basilisk lizard spends most of its time in the trees and is never far from water.

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green tree monitor in tree

Green tree monitor

Varanus prasinus

Specialized for an arboreal lifestyle, the green tree monitor’s slender body and long claws enable it to lie along slim tree branches without slipping.

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Grey Crowned Crane

Balearica regulorum

The golden crown of feathers atop the Grey crowned crane’s head is not the only thing that distinguishes it from other cranes.

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Side view of grey fox

Grey Fox

Urocyon cinereoargenteus

Also known as the tree fox, the grey fox is the only member of the dog family that can climb trees.

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2 guam rails foraging

Guam Rail

Gallirallus owstoni

The brown tree snake hit the jackpot when it found its way onto the island of Guam – flightless, ground-nesting birds with no defenses against a snake.

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Side view of a Hamerkop

Hamerkop

Scopus umbretta

The hamerkop is named for how the shape of its heavy bill and large head crest resembles a hammer.

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hellbender underwater

Hellbender

Cryptobranchus alleganiensis

The hellbender is the largest fully aquatic salamander in the United States.

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Helmeted Curassow

Pauxi pauxi

The Helmeted Curassow was named for the large casque on its head, which resembles a helmet.

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Henkel's Leaf-tailed gecko blends in with log it is layin gon

Henkel’s Leaf-Tailed Gecko

Uroplatus henkeli

Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is found in Madagascar.

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two hippos sitting together

Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus amphibius

Hippos can open their mouths about three times wider than people can.

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Madagascar hissing cockroaches, the world’s largest cockroach (Photo: Kathy Newton)

Hissing Cockroach

Gromphadorhina portentosa

The Madagascar hissing cockroach, also known as the hissing cockroach or simply hisser, is one of the largest species of cockroach

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horned puffin on rocks

Horned Puffin

Fratercula corniculata

Puffins are built for diving and swimming underwater with small, sturdy wings and webbed feet.

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hyacinth macaw sitting on trainers hand

Hyacinth Macaw

Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus

The hyacinth macaw’s strong, hooked beak is designed for cracking open nuts, a favorite of which is the oil palm nut.

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inca tern on a rock

Inca Tern

Larosterna inca

Inca Tern is a near threatened species of bird found on the coast and coastal islands of Chile and Peru.

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Indian Star Turtle on food bowl in habitat

Indian Star Tortoise

Geochelone elegans

A striking shell pattern of yellow-striped stars helps the Indian star tortoise camouflage within dry grassy patches.

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Male and Female Indochinese Spitting Cobra

Indochinese Spitting Cobra

Naja siamensis

Like a water pistol, a spitting cobra defends itself by shooting venom at an enemy’s eyes through a small hole in its bottom fangs.

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a bunch of kangaroos eating

Kangaroo

Macropodidae

Kangaroos live in social groups called mobs.

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Side view of a Kea

Kea

Nestor notabilis

The Zoo cares for the largest group of kea – a highly intelligent mountain parrot from New Zealand – in North America and is committed to the conservation of this species.

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side view of a king cobra

King Cobra

Ophiophagus hannah

The king cobra is the largest venomous snake in the world.

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Front view of a King Penguin

King Penguin

Aptenodytes patagonius

The second largest penguin, the king penguin spends most of its time at sea.

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Komodo Dragon

Varanus komodoensis

The Komodo dragon is the top predator on the Indonesian islands it inhabits.

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front view of a lady ross turaco

Lady Ross’ Turaco

Musophaga rossae

Turacos rarely come down from the forest canopy.

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2 lappet faced vultures in the grass

Lappet-faced Vulture

Torgos tracheliotos

With a wingspan up to nine feet wide, the lappet-faced vulture is the largest vulture in Africa.

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Large-spotted Genet

Genetta tigrina

Excellent binocular vision enables the genet to accurately judge distances, an important skill for leaping and pouncing.

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Laughing Kookaburra

Dacelo navaeguineae

The kookaburra is nicknamed the Bushman’s clock for its alarming calls at dawn.

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Leaf-cutting Ant

Atta cephalotes

A forager’s jaws vibrate a thousand times a second to shear off pieces of a leaf.

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lesser kudu in the grass

Lesser Kudu

Tragelaphus imberbis

Adult males, called bulls, generally live a solitary life, whereas females live in small groups.

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lots of little blue penguins on the shore

Little Blue Penguin

Eudyptula minor

Also called fairy penguins, the little blue penguin’s feathers have a dark blue tinge.

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Llama

Lama glama

A llama’s upper lip is split in half. The two sides press together to hold grass still while the llama cuts it with its teeth.

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loggerhead musk turtle underwater

Loggerhead Musk Turtle

Sternotherus minor

Growing up to five inches long, this omnivorous turtle is found in muddy-bottomed lakes, ponds, and streams in the southeastern United States.

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side view of a long nose gar

Longnose Gar

Lepisosteus osseus

To keep itself from becoming prey, the gar is protected by hard, diamond-shaped scales.

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Madagascar Giant Day Gecko

Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis

The gecko’s toe pads are specially designed for gripping so that it can climb vertical surfaces.

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Magellanic Penguin

Spheniscus magellanicus

Magellanic penguins wear the typical black and white tuxedo pattern, which is an adaptation called counter-shading.

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Magnificent Flower Beetle

Chelorrhina polyphemus

Males are larger than females and bear forked horns used in shoving matches with other males to protect their claim to food or a mate.

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Magpie Goose

Anseranas semipalmata

It is also the only water bird that often forms a mating trio, one male with two females.

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major mitchell's cockatoo on rock

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo

Cacatua leadbeateri

When the conditions are right and plenty of food is available, they breed.

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photo of tiger

Malayan Tiger

Panthera tigris jacksoni

Other than females with their young, tigers are solitary and come together only to mate.

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crayfish underwater

Marbled Crayfish

Procambarus fallax

Breathing through feater-like gills, it feeds on and hides among aquatic plants to protect itself from fish, birds, and other predators.

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giraffe neck

Masai Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi

The giraffe’s six foot long neck contains just seven bones, the same number as other mammals, including you.

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masked bobwhite quail on a stick

Masked Bobwhite Quail

Colinus virginianus ridgwayi

The Zoo is helping the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reestablish masked bobwhite quail populations in Arizona.

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closeup of a masked lapwing

Masked Lapwing

Vanellus miles

The lapwing aggressively defends its nest during breeding season, dive bombing intruders or acting as if it has a broken wing to lure intruders away.

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Side view of a Mata Mata Turtle

Matamata

Chelus fimbriatus

Once a fish is within reach, the turtle thrusts its head forward, opens its mouth as wide as possible and sucks in the fish like a vacuum.

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meerkat on dirt

Meerkat

Suricata suricatta

While the rest of the mob scurries about rustling up grub, they take turns standing tall on a rock, termite mound or tree, looking out for danger.

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wolf laying on ground

Mexican Wolf

Canis lupus baileyei

Unlike the big, bad wolf in stories like Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs, wolves are actually shy and avoid people.

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Mini-Juliana Pig

Sus domesticus

Keep an eye out for our three mini-Juliana pigs-Magnolia, Thatcher and Cinder-as they walk around the Zoo with their trainers.

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Mosquito Fish hovering over floor of tank

Mosquitofish

Gambusia affinis

The little mosquitofish has a big job – keeping the mosquito population down by feeding on its aquatic larval and pupal stages.

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Mueller’s Gibbon

Hylobates muelleri

Before sunrise, male Mueller's gibbons sing a solo song lasting up to 40 minutes to advertise their presence.

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Naked Mole-rat

Heterocephalus glaber

Digging tunnels, gnawing roots, and defending against intruders are all functions of the naked mole-rat’s enormous incisors.

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nicobar pigeon side view

Nicobar pigeon

Caloenas nicobarica

The colorful Nicobar pigeon has such a strong, hooked bill that it can crack open nuts that would require a hammer for a human.

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3 goats in the yard

Nigerian Dwarf Goat

Capra aegagrus hircus

Despite its miniature size, a female goat can produce two quarts of sweet milk a day.

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North American River Otter

Lutra canadensis

An otter can hold its breath underwater for eight minutes.

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northern copperhead

Northern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contorix mokeson

A ground-dwelling snake, it is difficult to spot amongst a blanket of fallen leaves so step carefully!

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Northern Spider Tortoise

Pyxis arachnoides brygooi

The future of this tiny tortoise is jeopardized by habitat destruction and overcollection for the pet trade.

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2 nubian goats in the goat yard

Nubian Goat

Capra aegagrus hircus

Also called Anglo-Nubian, these goats are larger than most domestic goats, but they are the most affectionate and calm.

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front view of an okapi

Okapi

Okapia johnstoni

The foot-long tongue also allows the okapi to lick and clean its own eyelids and ears.

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orchid mantis on white background

Orchid Mantid

Hymenopus coronatus

The orchid mantid is a praying mantis named for its resemblance to an orchid flower

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Ornate Horned Frog

Ceratophrys ornata

The ornate horned frog has pointy folds of skin above its eyes rather than actual horns.

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two ostrich hanging out

Ostrich

Struthio camelus

It can deliver a powerful kick, if a predator gets too close.

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Pallas' cat (Photo: Lisa Hubbard)

Pallas’s Cat

Octocolobus manul

Its pale grey coat affords the Pallas's cat cover, blending in with the surrounding rocks.

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Pancake Tortoise

Malacochersus tornieri

At the sign of danger, the pancake tortoise runs for shelter among the rocks rather than withdrawing into its shell like other tortoises.

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pascagoula map turtle

Pascagoula Map Turtle

Graptemys gibbonsi

Map turtles are named for the detailed map-like designs on their shells.

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Peppered Roach

Archimandrita tesselata

Central AmericaCockroaches are a very misunderstood group of insects; out of over 4,000 species fewer than 20 are considered human pests.

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peruvian firestick

Peruvian Firestick

Oreophoetes peruana

When threatened, the firestick secretes a stinky and irritating body fluid.

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pied pigeon with chick

Pied Imperial Pigeon

Ducula bicolor

Pied imperial pigeons travel in flocks at dusk and dawn and are migratory birds.

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pigeon sitting on rock

Pigeon Guillemot

Cepphus columba

Using their wings as paddles and their feet as rudders, they dive more than 150 feet deep to the sea bottom.

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back view of two pelicans swimming

Pink-backed Pelican

Pelecanus rufescens

The large skin pouch that hangs from the pelican’s bill sweeps up more than a gallon of water, along with a fish or two, at a time.

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front view of a zebra

Plains Zebra

Equus quagga

As distinctive as a fingerprint, every zebra has a unique pattern of stripes.

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poison dart frogs

Poison Dart Frog

Dendrobates tinctorius

Scientists are studying the frog’s toxins in search of potential medical uses.

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front view of Potto climbing

Potto

Perodictus potto

The potto is so quiet and stealthy that it is sometimes referred to as the “softly-softly”.

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Project Passenger Pigeon

Now extinct, the Passenger Pigeon was once the most abundant bird in North America, and perhaps the world, more than five billion passenger pigeons were flying free in the early 1800s.

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slow loris

Pygmy Slow Loris

Nycticebus pygmaeus

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Side view of Quince monitor

Quince Monitor

Varanus melinus

Monitors do not drop and regrow their tails as do some other lizards.

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side view of a Radiated Tortoise walking

Radiated Tortoise

Geochelone radiate

Sporting a striking star-shaped pattern of yellow streaks on its high-domed shell, the radiated tortoise is considered one of the world’s most beautiful tortoises.

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2 barbets in a tree

Red and Yellow Barbet

Trachyphonus erythrocephalus

All members of a small family group of red and yellow barbets help feed and raise the young.

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Red Panda

Ailurus fulgens

Red pandas spend up to 13 hours a day foraging for bamboo, eating only the youngest, most tender leaves.

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red river hog running

Red River Hog

Potamochoerus porcus

Using their strong snouts and sharp tusks to bulldoze through the leaf litter and soil, they dig up a dinner of roots, bulbs, other plants and small animals.

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red capped cardinal on branch

Red-capped Cardinal

Paroaria coronata

This bird's large feet allow it to walk on floating vegetation as it feeds in wet areas

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red crowned crane mom and chick

Red-crowned Crane

Grus japonensis

Cranes mate for life, and the pair stay together year round.

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red-eyed assassin bug

Red-Eyed Assassin Bug

Platymeris laevicollis

Assassin bugs are known as ambush predators.

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front view of a red kneed tarantula

Red-kneed Tarantula

Euathlus smithi

This tarantula feeds on insects, small lizards and rodents.

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red legged seriema with mouth open

Red-legged seriema

Cariama cristata

Seriemas are known for their loud calls, which can be heard over a mile away.

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rhinoceros hornbill

Rhinoceros Hornbill

Buceros rhinoceros

The rhinoceros hornbill is named for the rhino horn-shaped casque on its beak, which may be used in fighting, to amplify its calls, for courtship displays, or just to knock down fruit for eating.

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Rhinoceros Katydid

Copiphora rhinoceros

While most katydids are herbivores, the rhinoceros katydid feeds on animals as well as plants with the help of a large, mighty jaw.

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ring tailed lemurs outside

Ring-tailed Lemur

Lemur catta

The lemur’s tail can grow up to two feet long, which is longer than the rest of the body.

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ringtail walking across log

Ringtail

Bassariscus astutus

An expert climber, the ringtail can climb down trees headfirst by rotating its hind feet 180 degrees.

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Ruddy Shelduck

Tadorna ferruginea

A ruddy shelduck pair nests in a tree hollow, among stone piles, or in an abandoned burrow.

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ruppels griffon vulture side profile

Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture

Gyps rueppellii

Rüppell's griffon vulture is considered to be the highest-flying bird, with confirmed evidence of a flight at an altitude of 11,300 m (37,000 ft) above sea level.

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side view of a saddle bill stork

Saddle-billed Stork

Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

They quickly strike to grasp or impale fish with its sharp bill

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Saffron Finch

Sicalis flaveola

Unlike many other finches, they are not migratory.

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sand cat looking at camera

Sand Cat

Felis margarita

Covered with hair, its footpads are insulated from the hot sand.

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scarlet ibis side profile

Scarlet Ibis

Eudocimus ruber

To afford greater protection against predators, the scarlet ibis gathers in large breeding colonies and roosts high up in the trees close to water.

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Screaming Hairy Armadillo

Chaetophractus vellerosus

Long hairs that stick out between the sections of its armor distinguish the screaming hairy armadillo from other armadillos.

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serval in grass

Serval

Leptailurus serval

Servals have been known to jump as high as 3.6 m (12 ft) to catch birds in mid air.

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sheltopusik

Sheltopusik

Pseudopus apodus

Often mistaken for a snake, the sheltopusik is actually a large, legless lizard.

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Side view of Siamang

Siamang

Hylobates syndactylus

The largest of all gibbons, the siamang is also the loudest as its musical calls can be heard through dense rainforest foliage up to two miles away.

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smew

Smew

Mergellus albellus

Tooth-like serrations on its bill are made for grasping a slippery, struggling fish.

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Snow Leopard Laying in the snow

Snow Leopard

Uncia uncia

Up to three feet long, the snow leopard's tail helps it to maintain balance while navigating steep and rocky slopes.

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santos ocelot sticking tongue out

Southern Brazilian Ocelot

Leopardus pardalis mitis

Decorated with dark splotches and stripes, its golden coat camouflages with the foliage and hides the hunter from its prey.

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Southern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix contortix

Many snake species, including the Southern copperhead, den up in the winter to avoid the cold temperatures.

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Rockhopper penguin

Southern Rockhopper Penguin

Eudyptes chrysocome

Working with scientists in Chile, the Zoo is tracking rockhopper penguins to find out where they travel once they leave their nesting sites.

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close up of a tamandua

Southern Tamandua

Tamandua tetradactlya

A single tamandua can eat up to 9,000 ants in a single day!

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2 steller sea eagles with mouths open

Steller’s Sea Eagle

Haliaeetus pelagicus

The Steller's sea eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world.

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striped love beetle

Striped Love Beetle

Eudicella gralli

Male striped love beetles have forked horns they use in shoving matches for food or combat for females.

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male orangutan sitting in grass

Sumatran Orangutan

Pongo pygmaeus abelii

The only truly arboreal ape, the orangutan is also the largest tree-dwelling animal.

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sunbittern close up

Sunbittern

Eurypyga helias

In flight, the sunbittern has been said to resemble a giant butterfly.

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Sunburst Diving Beetle

Thermonectus marmoratus

This beetle is streamlined, has powerful oar-like hind legs for propulsion, and steers with its short forelegs

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Tawny frogmouth (Photo: Kathy Newton)

Tawny Frogmouth

Podargus strigoides

Though it resembles an owl, the tawny frogmouth belongs to an order of insect-eating, nocturnal birds that includes nightjars and nighthawks.

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Taxi-cab Beetle

Pachnoda peregrina

This variegated yellow-trimmed beetle often feeds in groups, and perhaps then does look like a fleet of taxicabs jockeying for position

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texas bullet ant

Texas Bullet Ant

Neoponera villosa

Foraging bullet ants lay down chemical trails to lead nestmates to food.

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thick billed parrot profile

Thick-Billed Parrot

Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha

The only living parrot that once ranged in the United States, the thick-billed parrot is dependent on highland pine-oak forests for food and nesting

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front view of a thorny devil

Thorny Devil

Eurycantha calcarata

This stick insect is heavily armored, sports sharp body spines, and during the day clusters in groups for protection from predators.

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Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

Like all rattlesnakes, the timber rattlesnake kills its prey by striking and injecting it with venom through a pair of fangs.

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Timor Zebra Finch

Taeniopygia guttata guttata

Zebra finches learn their complex, signature song from their parents in the first 80 days after hatching.

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titicaca water frog app

Titicaca Water Frog

Telmatobius culeus

Rather than breathing air like humans do, the Titicaca water frog absorbs oxygen from the water through its baggy skin.

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Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

A male and female, known as the cob and pen respectively, mate for life and share in raising the young.

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front view of a two toed amphiuma

Two-toed Amphiuma

Amphiuma means

With its strong jaws and two rows of razor-sharp teeth, the amphiuma catches and eats other salamanders, frogs, crayfish and other small, aquatic creatures.

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sloth

Two-toed Sloth

Choloepus didactylus

With such a slow metabolism, it can take up to a month for a sloth to digest a meal.

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vampire bats feeding on blood

Vampire Bat

Desmodus rotundus

Vampire bats rarely attack humans, preferring to feed on livestock and wild mammals such as tapirs and deer.

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ori milky eagle owl

Verreaux’s Eagle Owl

Bubo lacteus

Verreaux’s eagle owl, also known as a milky eagle owl is the largest owl in Africa.

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2 victoria crowned pigeons on the ground

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Goura victoria

Nearly the size of a turkey, the Victoria crowned pigeon is the largest of all living pigeons.

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warty pig side profile

Visayan Warty Pig

Sus cebifrons

During the breeding season, the tuft of hair on the boar’s head grows into an impressive head-to-tail mane.

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Water Scorpion

Laccotrephes sp.

Using a long tube, or siphon, as a snorkel to access air, the water scorpion sits on the bottom of a pond and waits for prey to come by.

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Water Strider

Aquarius remigis

Its long mid and hind legs spread body weight over a large area and are coated with tiny air-trapping hairs providing pontoon-like floatation.

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Western Gaboon Viper

Bitis rhinoceros

Camouflaged, the Gaboon viper buries itself among the leaves on the forest floor and waits for prey to come close before striking.

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2 young gorillas in a cave

Western Lowland Gorilla

Gorilla gorilla gorilla

Gorillas walk on the knuckles of their hands and the soles of their feet.

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white ibis by pond

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

White Ibises stand out in the crowd with their reddish-pink legs and bills. Unlike larger herons who stalk their prey.

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White-breasted cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus

As bird feathers go, those of the cormorant are unusual in that they allow moisture to penetrate.

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White-eared Bulbul

Pycnonotus leucotis

Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, white-cheeked bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds named for their prominent white cheek patches.

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white eyed assassin bug

White-eyed Assassin Bug

Platymeris biguttata

The white-eyed assassin bug is an ambush predator of small insects.

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white faced saki3

White-Faced Saki

Pithecia pithecia

The males are all black except for the white fur around their faces while the females are overall brown.

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side view of buff cheeked gibbon

White-Handed Gibbon

Hylobates lar

Gibbons have leather-like soles on their feet and an opposable big toe that help it grasp and walk upright on branches.

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white headed buffalo weaver

White-Headed Buffalo Weaver

Dinemellia dinemelli

White-headed buffalo weavers were named for their elaborate nests, which often have multiple compartments and tunnels, that they “weave” together using thorny branches.

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White naped pheasent looking for food on the ground

White-naped Pheasant Pigeon

Otidiphaps nobilis aruensis

Its long moaning coo, also uncharacteristic of a pigeon, carries a long distance through the forest.

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Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

Strong claws on the tips of its webbed feet help it grip tree bark.

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yellow banded poison dart frog

Yellow Banded Poison Dart Frog

Dendrobatus leucomelas

Researchers are studying poison dart frog toxins as a possible source of human medicine.

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Yellow Rat Snake

Pantherophis alleghaniensis

The yellow rat snake is non-venomous.

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yellow bellied beetle on leaf

Yellow-bellied Beetle

Pachnoda flaviventris

This brightly patterned beetle really does have a yellow underside. It is a strong flyer, widespread and commonly observed in nature, much like our native June beetle in the United States.

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2 yellow billed ducks swimming

Yellow-billed duck

Anas undulata

African yellow-billed ducks are typically nocturnal foragers, feeding at dusk and after dark.

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yellow rumped cacique sitting in a tree

Yellow-rumped cacique

Cacicus cela

The symphony of sounds emanated from a colony is truly remarkable, complete with fluting notes, cackles, clucks and wheezes.

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zebra bug on white background

Zebra Bug

Eurycotis dicipiens

Its colorful pattern warns potential predators, such as birds and small mammals, that it can quickly release a noxious, eye and nose-burning chemical deterrent.

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