African lions are the largest cats in Africa and are the only truly social big cats, living together in family groups called prides. A pride often consists of related females, their cubs, and one or more adult males. Lions are powerfully built predators with strong jaws, sharp teeth, and muscular bodies designed for hunting and […]
Despite sharing a common name, red pandas are not closely related to giant pandas. The red panda falls under a unique taxonomic group called Ailuridae, or the “panda family.” Giant pandas are classified under a separate, distant taxonomic family of bears called Ursidae. Red pandas feed mainly on bamboo using their opposable thumb. They also […]
Prior to 2006, this pig was referred to as Guinea Hog, Guinea Forest Hog, or “yard pig.” In 2006 when the American Guinea Hog Association (AGHA) was formed, they changed the breed’s name to American Guinea Hog. It was known as the “poor man’s pig” and was raised on small farms in the Southeast. Typical […]
The Oberhasli, also known as the Oberhasli Brienzer, is a Swiss dairy goat developed in the mountainous cantons of Bern, Freiburg, Glarus, and Graubunden in Switzerland. Oberhasli goats were first imported to the United States in the early 1900s. The breed was initially called the Swiss Alpine. Its registrations were included in the Alpine studbook, […]
The most widely distributed of all the great apes species, chimpanzees are found in the forests and savannas of central Africa. They have opposable thumbs and toes and can manipulate objects with both their hands and feet. Chimps are also well known for their use of tools – using stones to crack nuts, fishing for […]
Giraffes are the tallest land mammal, with a neck as long as 6 feet. They can run up to 35 mph. Even though their necks are 6 feet long, giraffes still only have seven vertebrae – the same number of bones as a human neck! Drinking water is difficult for giraffes because their necks are […]
Western lowland gorillas are the largest of all four great ape species. Primarily quadrupedal, gorillas are “knuckle walkers” moving on the soles of their feet and the knuckles of their hands. Gorillas also have opposable thumbs and big toes and can manipulate objects with both their hands and feet. The females and the young can […]
North American black bears are one of 8 species of bear and one of 3 native to the country. Although their current range has decreased considerably, black bears are still the most widespread bear in the US. Despite the name, not all black bears are black. Their coat color can range from black to chocolate […]
This species of sloth is typically found in the upper canopy of tropical rainforests of northern South America. They spend most of the day sleeping, becoming active at night to consume leaves, fruits, flowers, and maybe the occasional bird egg. As their name suggests, they are not fast, and prefer to use slow movements to […]