African Animals
Watch giraffes, zebras, and ostriches roam on a 2-acre reproduction of an Africa savanna, and observe lions and baboons in their separate natural habitat exhibits.
African Lion
Quick fact: Lion manes are thought to assist the male in attracting females at mating time as well as frightening off rival males.
Photo courtesy of ©Richard W. Rokes.
Giraffe
Quick fact: Reaching up to 20 feet tall, the giraffe is the tallest living animal. Each giraffe has a unique pattern of spots.
Hamadryas Baboon
Quick fact: Adult males will emit a warning call that sounds like “wahoo” if predators are in the area. This call is also used to signal aggression.
Ostrich
Quick fact: At 8 feet tall and over 300 pounds, the ostrich is the world’s largest living bird. It also has one of the largest sets of eyes in the animal kingdom!
Plains Zebra
Quick fact: Plains zebras live in small family groups of four to nine animals. Zebras are common and widespread throughout Africa.
Slender-tailed Meerkat
Quick fact: “One for all and all for one” is the motto of the slender-tailed meerkat. Groups of these highly social animals always have a designated “lookout” standing watch for danger.
Western Lowland Gorilla
Quick fact: The tropical rainforests of western Africa are home to western lowland gorillas.
White Rhino
Quick fact: White rhinoceros is taken from the Afrikaans word “wyd,” meaning “wide,” describing its mouth. English speaking settlers misinterpreted this word for “white.”