MAMMALS
African Elephant
COMMON NAME: African Elephant
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Loxodonta Africana
As the largest land mammal in the world, African Savanna Elephants make a big impact on their environment. They are considered a ‘keystone species’ as their everyday behaviors make it possible for other species to survive. As they trample through the bush, they clear paths for other animals and encourage new growth of vegetation. By migrating long distances, they disperse seeds via their dung. In the dry season they will dig for water, bringing life to the desert.
Herds are made up of female elephants and their young, led by the eldest, most experienced female. Male elephants will leave the heard between 12 and 15 years of age, often joining bachelor groups, where they will learn from older males.
There are two species of African Elephant, the larger, Savanna Elephant and the smaller Forest Elephant, which prefers denser jungle to open plains.
Elephants are currently an endangered species, with their biggest threats being poaching and habitat loss.
Fun Fact: African Elephants trunks have two finger-like appendages at the end which are nimble enough to pick a single blade of grass.
African Lion
COMMON NAME: African Lion
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Panthera leo krugeri
The African lion roams sub-Saharan plains, and bushland in search of prey animals such as wildebeest, zebra, and antelope. A group, or ‘pride’, of lions usually consists of several females, a single male and their young. Females will perform most of the hunting duties, while the male will defend the pride from other male challengers. As they grow older most female cubs will remain with the pride. Males will leave the family at 2 to 4 years of age, sometimes forming bachelor groups.
This species is currently classified as vulnerable, threatened by habitat loss and poaching.
The Topeka Zoo supports the African Wildlife Foundation, which helps locals build ‘bomas’, or fencing to protect livestock. This helps reduce the likelihood of conflict between lions and domestic animal farmers.
Fun facts: At birth, a lion cub’s fur is covered in spots. This acts as camouflage to keep them hidden from potential threats.
THREATS: Habitat Loss and Poaching
FUN FACT: Lions sleep about 20 hours per day
African Painted Dog
COMMON NAME: African Painted Dog
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lycaon pictus
These canines roam Sub Saharan Africa in highly bonded packs which include one dominant breeding pair. Each dog has a unique marking pattern which allows them to identify pack mates by sight. They also have white tipped tails which help them to keep track of one another in tall grasses. The pack works together to hunt animals such as antelopes, gazelles, zebra, and warthog.
This species has one of the largest litters of any canine, with an average of ten pups per litter. When young are born, the entire pack will contribute to their protection and care. After a successful hunt, the pups are given priority for feeding, even over the dominant pair.
The African Painted Dog is one of the most endangered African animals. Their habitat has become fragmented, due to deforestation, resulting in isolated populations. This decreases their genetic diversity, producing a less adaptable population.
Another threat to their survival is poaching. These animals are often not tolerated by livestock farmers, who may view them as a threat. The Topeka Zoo supports antipoaching efforts through the Painted Dog Protection Initiative.
Fun fact: While most canine species have five toes on each foot, the African Painted Dog has only four.
THREATS: Habitat Loss and Human Conflict
FUN FACT: African Painted Dogs can reach speeds of 35 mph
Asian Elephant
COMMON NAME: Asian Elephant
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Elephas maximus
While Asian Elephants are smaller than those found in Africa, there are other ways to tell them apart. A quick way to tell the difference is by their ears. The ears of an African Elephant are far larger and extend upward, above the head, when raised. The ears of an Asian Elephant are smaller and more flattened at the top. Unlike their African counterparts, female Asian Elephants do not grow tusks.
More than half of all Asian Elephants can be found on the subcontinent of India, with small populations occurring in Vietnam, Cambodia, and China.
This species plays a vital role within its ecosystem, clearing brush & providing pathways for smaller species, while also encouraging fresh forest growth and spreading seeds over long distances via their dung.
Fun Fact: Another way to tell the difference between Asian & African Elephants is similar to the way we can tell the difference between Camel Species. Dromedary Camels have a single hump on their back, while Bactrian Camels have two. African Elephants have a smooth, rounded head, while Asian Elephants have a twin-domed head.
Black and White Ruffed Lemur
COMMON NAME: Three Banded Armadillo
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Tolypeutes tricinotus
Three-Banded Armadillos are the only armadillo species that are capable of curling themselves into the shape of a ball. Their armor consists of bone plates, covered in scutes made of keratin.
After rolling into a protective ball, they may leave a small, open gap. If a potential predator gets close, the armadillo will snap shut, startling the attacker and often inflicting a painful pinch.
The Southern Three-Banded Armadillo can be found among the grasslands, marshes and open woodlands of Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil, searching for ants and termites with their long front claws and sticky tongue.
Fun fact: The closest relatives of the Armadillo are Anteaters and Sloths.
Black-Footed Ferret
COMMON NAME: Black-Footed Ferret
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Mustela nigripes
Also known as The American Polecat, the Black Footed Ferret is a member of the weasel family and is the only ferret species native to North America. They are nocturnal hunters and den in abandoned Prairie Dog burrows.
With fewer than 500 individuals found in the wild, this species is currently considered endangered and was thought to be extinct until 1981, when a population was discovered in Wyoming. Their decline can be directly linked with that of the Prairie Dog. Prairie Dogs make up 90% of the Black Footed Ferret’s diet and Prairie Dog habitat has decreased by more than 95% of their previous range.
Fun fact: Young ferrets are called kits, while adult females are called jills and adult males are called hobs.
Bornean Orangutan
COMMON NAME: Bornean Orangutan
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pongo pygmaeus
There are three species of Orangutan, including the Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli. The largest of these is the Bornean.
More than half of their usual diet is made up of fruits such as mangoes and figs, but will also eat certain leaves, insects, small vertebrates, and eggs.
Males and females differ in size, as well as appearance. Males may weigh over 200 pounds, while females typically reach 85 pounds. Males also have large cheek pads and a throat sac which enables to project a loud, booming call through the forest. This is known as the “Long Call” and is used to announce their presence.
Bornean Orangutans are considered critically endangered. Deforestation by the palm oil industry has decimated their original range and they now exist in largely fragmented habitat.
You can help this, and other species threatened by the production of palm oil by purchasing products that are certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
Fun Fact: The name Orangutan is derived from, “Orang hutan,” which translates from Malay to “person of the forest.”
Cape Porcupine
COMMON NAME: Cape Porcupine
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hystrix africaeaustralis
Found in South Africa, the African Cape Porcupine is the third largest rodent in the world, behind the Capybara & Beaver. They are nocturnal and will spend their nights foraging the ground for their favorite foods, such as roots, tubers, fallen fruits and even tree bark. During the day, they make their home in underground burrows. They are monogamous, often found in mated pairs. Young Porcupines are called Porcupettes and a group is called a Prickle.
When threatened they will raise their quills, vocalize, stamp their feet, and release a foul-smelling musk to deter predators such as Lions & Leopards. Porcupines cannot launch their quills toward a predator as is often thought. Rather, as a last resort, they will charge backward into a predator dislodging the quills.
Fun Fact: Porcupine quills are modified hairs that can reach up to 12 inches in length and are covered in tiny barbs.
Chevrotain
COMMON NAME: Chevrotain
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Tragulidae
Found in the forests of Southeast Asia, the Greater Malayan Chevrotain is one of the smallest hoofed animals in the world. They are sometimes referred to as ‘living fossils’ due to the lack of change in this species over the last 30 million years. They are highly territorial, solitary creatures. They possess no antlers or horns. However, males of the species have elongated canine teeth which protrude below the lip line and will utilize them to settle disputes with other males.
Fun fact: Like cattle, Chevrotain are ruminants, having a multi chambered stomach to aid in the digestion of their largely vegetation-based diet.
Cougar (Mountain Lion, Puma)
COMMON NAME: Cougar (Mountain Lion, Puma)
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Puma Concolor
This species is also known as the Puma, Panther, and Catamount. They are a far-ranging species and can be found from Southern Chile, into parts of Canada. In the wild, their diet consists largely of deer. They will also eat smaller species such as hares, beavers and even porcupines.
They are solitary cats, with males and females coming together only to mate. A female will typically produce from one to four cubs, born with spotted coats which act as camouflage for the vulnerable young. Cubs may spend the first year or two of their life with their mother.
Mountain Lions have long been threatened by habitat encroachment and conflict with humans, but their numbers have seen some increase in recent years.
Fun Fact: Mountain Lions are capable of leaping a distance of 40 feet and 15 feet in the air.
Four-Toed Hedgehog
COMMON NAME: Four-Toed Hedgehog aka African Pygmy Hedgehog
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Atelerix albiventris
These hedgehogs are found amongst the grassland of Central Africa. They are nocturnal and capable of climbing and even swimming in search of insects, snails, spiders, and plant matter. They have developed a tolerance for certain toxins and are known to consume certain scorpions and venomous snakes.
When threatened, they will typically contract their back muscles, erecting their spines and contorting themselves into a ball for protection.
Fun Fact: Unlike porcupines, Hedgehogs do not have detachable spines.
Giant Indian Fruit Bat
COMMON NAME: Giant Indian Fruit Bat
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pteropus giganteus
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Herbivore
GROUP NAME: Camp, Colony
LIFESPAN: 20 - 30 years
SIZE: Length - 6 - 8.7 in; Wingspan - 3 - 4 ft
WEIGHT: 1.8 - 3 lbs; males are larger than females.
STATUS: Least Concern
THREATS: Habitat loss and viruses associated with humans and domestic animals
FUN FACT: The giant fruit bat relies on its keen sense of smell for locating food
Golden Lion Tamarin
COMMON NAME: Golden Lion Tamarin
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Leontopithecus Rosalia
This species is named for their vibrant, lion-like mane of fur. They are a highly social animal and will form bonded pairs which congregate in groups. These groupings offer protection as when an individual detects a threat, they will call and alert the others.
They are omnivores and will eat a varied diet of insects, fruits, small vertebrates, and bird eggs.
In the wild, the Golden Lion Tamarin is found only within the Atlantic Coastal Rainforest of Brazil. In the 1970’s their numbers were discovered to have dwindled to between 400 and 600 individuals. By the 1980’s they were nearly extinct. Intensive conservation efforts have resulted in a current population over 3,000, though they are still considered endangered.
Fun Fact: These Tamarins will breed twice a year under good conditions and females almost always give birth to twins.
Hippopotamus
COMMON NAME: Hippopotamus
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hippopotamus amphibius
Once occurring throughout most of Sub-Saharran Africa, River Hippopotamus are now mainly found within the East African, Nile River Valley.
They are herbivores and will consume up to 110 pounds of vegetation every 24 hours.
They are mainly active at night when temperatures cool. The River Hippopotamus spends most of the day submerged under water, helping to protect their vulnerable skin from the sun. Hippos do not sweat. Instead, they produce a reddish, oily substance often called “blood sweat” which acts as a moisturizer and sunscreen. This also contributes to the pinkish hue of their skin.
This species will congregate in large groups called a “Bloat” and will defend their territory fiercely. They are capable of reaching speeds of 30 miles per hour on land.
Fun Fact: There are two species of Hippo, the larger Common River Hippo & the smaller Pygmy Hippo. The name Hippopotamus has Greek origins and translates to “Water Horse.” However, this relates more to how they move in the water, and they are more closely related to pigs, whales, and dolphins than horses.
Hoffmann's two-toed sloth
COMMON NAME: Hoffmann's two-toed sloth
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Choloepus hoffmanni
These famously slow-moving mammals are found amongst the tropical forest canopies of Central and South America. They have the slowest metabolism of any mammal and feed mostly on leaves, flowers, and fruits.
They are a relatively solitary animal, although females are sometimes found living in small groups. After nearly a year of gestation, a female will give birth to a single pup, which will cling to its mother for the first six months of life.
These sloths are a light brown color with a whitish face. The green algae that form upon their fur provide an effective camouflage.
Fun facts: These sloths may only descend from the tree branches once or twice a week to relocate, mate or eliminate.
Kirk’s Dik Dik
COMMON NAME: Striped Skunk
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Mephitis mephitis
Striped Skunks are highly adaptable and can be found across the contiguous United States, Southern Canada, and Northern Mexico. They are considered the most common skunk species in North America.
This species is omnivorous, and while insects make up a large portion of their diet, they will also feed on small animals such as frogs, mice, and crayfish when insects are scarce, as well as some vegetation and fruits.
Male skunks are called Bucks, while females are known as Does and their offspring are called Kits. Breeding season is from February to April and young are born anywhere from May to June. Does may have up to ten Kits in a litter which will stay with her for the first two or three months of their lives.
During the winter, they will den in underground burrows, living largely off body fat stored during warmer months.
When threatened, they will first attempt to deter a predator by arching their backs, stamping the ground, and raising their tail. If the threat remains, they may spray an oily, yellowish, foul-smelling substance secreted by two anal glands.
Fun Fact: The Striped Skunk is capable of aiming their spray up to several feet and will target the eyes of a perceived threat.
Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog
COMMON NAME: Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Echinops telfairi
The Lesser Madagascar Tenrec is considered an Insectivore. Their diet consists largely of insects and other invertebrates. While they do not possess great eyesight, their sense of smell is extremely keen and will spend much of their time sniffing out their next meal.
They enjoy drier habitats such as scrublands and dry forests but are also known to inhabit some coastal regions.
Females typically produce a litter of five to seven young.
While they may resemble the more well-known Hedgehog, they are most closely related to moles and shrews.
Fun Fact: The spines of the Tenrec are single, modified hairs. These spines do not detach and are utilized more as a deterrent.
THREATS: Habitat Loss
FUN FACT: Scientists think that the lesser hedgehog tenrec is really the cousin of elephants, aardvarks, and manatees and is not closely related to hedgehogs we see as pets
Llama
COMMON NAME: Llama
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Larria glama
The Llama is a South American mammal closely related to the Camel and Alpaca. They are native to the Andean Mountain region and are well suited for climbing.
Llamas have long been domesticated as pack animals and wool producers.
They are well known for their ability to spit when irritated or threatened. However, the process requires them to regurgitate undigested food, which is unpleasant for them. They will only resort to spitting after other warnings signs, such as a raised nose and flattened ears fail to communicate their unhappiness.
Female Llamas reach maturity at one year, Males are not fully mature until around three years of age. A female will typically bear one offspring at a time. These newborn llamas are called Cria.
Fun Fact: Llamas are capable of spitting up to a distance of ten feet.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat
COMMON NAME: Nigerian Dwarf Goat
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Capra aegagrus hircus
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Herbivore
GROUP NAME: Herd
LIFESPAN: 12 - 14 yrs
SIZE: 17 - 23.5 in
WEIGHT: 75 lbs
STATUS: Least Concern
THREATS: None
FUN FACT: Goats can be bred to be dairy producers
North American Black Bear
COMMON NAME: North American Black Bear
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ursus americanus
The American Black Bear is the smallest bear species in North America. They are omnivores, with a diet including berries, insects, fish, and mammals such as deer.
While black bears do hibernate, they do not sleep through the winter months. Their heart rate and breathing are slowed, to reduce their metabolism so they may survive on body fat built up during the summer and fall.
Females will typically give birth to two to three cubs while in hibernation. The cubs will remain with their mother for one to three years before becoming fully independent.
Fun Fact: Not all Black Bears are black. Some color variations include brown, reddish and blue gray.
North American Pronghorn
COMMON NAME: North American Pronghorn
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Antilocapra Americana
Historically, Pronghorn ranged widely from Southern Canada to Northern Mexico. Today they are found mainly in fragmented populations across the Great Plains of the United States.
Pronghorns form large herds during the fall and winter months, then disperse in the spring. Females will give birth to one or two fawns. They are mostly odorless at birth, which helps prevent detection by predators such as wolves or golden eagles.
They are the only animal in the world with ‘pronged’ or multi-pointed horns, which are used mainly for sparring amongst males. Their greatest defense is their speed. They are able to run up to 60 miles per hour, making them the second fastest land mammal behind the cheetah. They are also well equipped to detect predators with large, bulbous eyes that give the Pronghorn a 300-degree field of vision.
Fun fact: While the Pronghorn may resemble an antelope, their closest relatives are the giraffe and okapi.
North American River Otter
COMMON NAME: North American River Otter
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lontra Canadensis lataxina
This playful, semi aquatic mammal makes its home along slow moving freshwater riverways, in hollows along the riverbank or the abandoned dens of other animals. They are carnivores, feeding upon fish, crab, turtles, invertebrates and even birds and their eggs.
The otter is highly adapted to life in the water. They have webbed feet and are able to close their nostrils and ears when diving. They also have specialized glands that produce an oily substance which they spread over their coat, preventing water from reaching their skin.
Otters are an Indicator Species. Clean water systems are essential to the health of the otter. They are extremely sensitive to toxins and will absorb any pollutants found in the food they eat. When otters disappear from a river, it can mean the entire ecosystem is in danger.
Fun Fact: River Otters can dive up to 60 feet and hold their breath for up to eight minutes.
Patas Monkey
COMMON NAME: Patas Monkey
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Erythrocebus patas
Known as the fastest primate in the world, the Patas monkey can move at speeds of over 30 miles per hour. Found in the savanna and grasslands of Africa, they reside in large family groups of females and juveniles, usually with a single adult male. These groups are led by a single dominant female. Bachelor males are also known to form groups.
They are a terrestrial species, spending most of their time on the ground rather than in treetops. They are omnivores, feeding on fruits, insects, roots, leaves, flowers, and eggs.
Fun fact: These monkeys communicate mainly through visual cues and will not often vocalize unless threatened.
Reticulated Giraffe
COMMON NAME: Reticulated Giraffe
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata
Reticulated Giraffe are currently considered endangered at have seen a 50 percent decline in population over the past few decades due to habitat loss and climate change. Their current numbers are limited to Northern Kenya, with sporadic populations occurring in other countries such as Somalia and Kenya.
They prefer habitats such as open woodlands and savanna. They spend much of their time browsing for tree leaves, flowers, fruits, and seed pods. They are especially fond of Acacia trees. Their long, prehensile tongues are especially well adapted for reaching between the thorns of the Acacia tree to reach their leaves without damage to their face.
With some specimens growing up to 19 feet, they are the tallest land animal in the world. While Giraffes have the same number of neck vertebrates as humans, their necks may reach six feet long on average. A 25-pound heart works to assure that blood is circulated well enough through the Giraffe’s body.
Giraffes have longer front legs than back legs, requiring them to spread their front legs and bow down to reach a water source.
Reticulate Giraffes spots act as natural camouflage. Excellent eyesight and keen hearing help them to detect possible approaching threats. If a predator does approach, the Giraffe is equipped with a very strong kick and the ability to run 35 miles per hours for short periods of time.
Fun Fact: Born at the Topeka Zoo in 1970, Sunflower has the distinction of being the first Giraffe born in the state of Kansas.
Sumatran Tiger
COMMON NAME: Sumatran Tiger
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Panthera tigris sumatrae
Sumatran Tigers are the smallest species of Tiger on Earth. They are found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, with most of their population existing on nature preserves.
They are considered critically endangered due to habitat loss driven by the palm oil industry, as well as poaching. Several parts of the tiger are utilized in the traditional medicine trade, and their pelts are highly sought after on the black market.
Sumatran Tigers are apex predators within their habitat, with a diet including animals such as wild pigs, deer, monkeys, and fish.
They have webbing between their toes and are considered strong swimmers. They are known to hunt prey, which are less adept at swimming, near the water’s edge.
Adult Tigers are solitary animals and will typically only come together to mate. Females give birth to a litter of two to three cubs which will remain with her for about two years.
Fun Fact: Tigers have a range of vocalizations they use to communicate, ranging from an aggressive roar, which can be heard up to two miles away, to the soft and friendly chuff.
Sun Bear
COMMON NAME: Sun Bear
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Helarctos malayanus
The Malayan Sun Bear is the smallest species of bear on Earth, typically topping out at 150 pounds. They are named for their yellowish chest marking, which is said to resemble a setting sun. These markings are unique to the individual in shape and size and can be used for identification.
They roam the forests of Southeast Asia, including parts of China, India, and Indonesia. They spend most of their time in search of their favorite foods including termites, ants, and figs. They are also known to eat some species of plants, reptiles, birds and occasionally, even deer.
The Sun Bear’s tongue is eight to ten inches long and is used to retrieve insects from termite mounds honey from beehives. Their four-inch claws are also useful for scavenging food and help to make them very efficient climbers.
This species makes their nest high in the trees, using sticks and branches. Females will keep their young in dug-out burrows until they learn to climb at around four to five months of age.
They are currently listed as vulnerable. They are effected by habitat loss, largely caused by the palm oil industry, and poaching for their gall bladders, used in the traditional medicine trade.
Fun Fact: Female Sun Bears have been known to walk upright and carry their cubs in their arms.
Striped Skunk
COMMON NAME: Virginia Opossum
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Didelphis virginiana
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Omnivore
GROUP NAME: -
LIFESPAN: Wild - 1.5 - 2 yrs; Human Care - 3-4 yrs
SIZE: Length - 14 - 37 in
WEIGHT: Males - 1.5 - 14 lbs; Females - 0.5 - 8 lbs
STATUS: Least Concern
THREATS: Predators (Owls, domestic dogs, coyotes, red foxes, raccoons, bobcats, large snakes and humans)
FUN FACT: Opossums are one of the oldest species of mammal around, having waddled past dinosaurs.