Interactive Map | The Maryland Zoo

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Arctic Fox

alopex lagopus

How does an 8-pound ball of fluff survive the frigid harshness of an Arctic winter? It’s all in the fluff! Arctic foxes have the warmest fur in the world.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Circumpolar Arctic and subarctic regions

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Human food, carrion, invertebrates, birds, fish, eggs

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: 14 yrs
Wild: 14 yrs

OFFSPRING

6-12 per litter

LENGTH

18‑27 in (45‑68 cm)

WEIGHT

5‑9 lb (2.5‑4 kg)

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Bald Eagle

haliaeetus leucocephalus

The bald eagle is bold, fierce, and iconic, but it is not really bald. It has a conspicuous white head that is fully feathered!

Quick Facts

RANGE

United States, Canada, Northern Mexico

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, mammals, birds, crustaceans, reptiles, amphibians, carrion

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: Up to 36 yrs
Wild: Up to 28 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-3 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

28‑38 in (71‑96 cm)
Wingspan: 168‑244 cm

WEIGHT

2.5‑6.3 kg

Upcomings Events

Bald Eagle Keeper Chat

Thursday @ 11:30am - 11:45am

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Bobcat

lynx rufus

About twice the size of a domestic housecat, the bobcat is a fearsome predator capable of taking down prey ten times its size.

Quick Facts

RANGE

North America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Rabbits, squirrels, and other small-to-medium prey

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Male: 16.8 years
Female: 18.8 years

OFFSPRING

2-4 kittens/litter average

LENGTH

26‑41 in

WEIGHT

20‑30lbs on average

Upcomings Events

Bobcat Keeper Chat

Sun., Tue. @ 11:00am - 11:15am

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Cave Exhibit

Eastern Newt or Red-spotted Newt

Upcoming Events

Hellbender Keeper Chat

Mon., Fri. @ 11:00am - 11:15am

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Cheetah

acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest mammal on earth. Everything about it is built for speed. During a twenty-second chase, its feet barely touch the ground as it reaches a top speed of 70 mph.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Isolated populations in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly Eastern and Southern

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Carnivore - Small to medium sized ungulates, birds, hares, small mammals

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: Up to 19 yrs
Wild: 10‑16 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-8 per litter

LENGTH

44‑59 in (112‑150 cm)

WEIGHT

77‑158 lbs (35‑72 kg)

Upcomings Events

Cheetah/Porcupine Keeper Chat

Wed., Sat. @ 2:00pm - 2:15pm

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Chimpanzee Forest

Upcoming Events

Chimpanzee Keeper Chat

Sun., Tue., Wed., Thu., Sat. @ 2:30pm - 2:45pm

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Crocodile Exhibit

African Slender-snouted Crocodile

Blue Duiker

philantomba monticola

The blue duiker is a tiny antelope about the size of a house cat.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and Southern Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Fruit, leaves, flowers, fungi, seeds, some insects and small animals

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

Up to 10 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single offspring

LENGTH

1.8‑3 ft (55‑90 cm)

WEIGHT

8‑20 lbs (3.5‑9 kg)

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African Elephant

loxodonta africana

African elephants are the largest land animals in the world. They have the largest brains in the animal kingdom, they live about as long as humans, and the largest among them can top 15,000 pounds – more than four times the weight of the average car!

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and East Africa, south of the Sahara Desert

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Herbivore - Grasses, leaves, branches, roots, fruits, treebark

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: Up to 70 yrs
Wild: Up to 70 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth (twins possible)

LENGTH

Male: Up to 12 ft (3‑75 m)
Female: Up to 9 ft (3 m)

WEIGHT

Male: Up to 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg)
Female: 9,000 lbs (4,082 kg)

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Farmyard Exhibit

Indian Peafowl

Kunekune Pig

Helmeted Guinea Fowl

Miniature Texas Longhorn

Miniature Mediterranean Donkey

Cotswold Sheep

Alpaca

Upcoming Events

Farmyard Keeper Chat

Sat., Sun. @ 3:00pm - 3:15pm

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Caribbean Flamingo

pheonicopterus ruber ruber

Also known as the American flamingo, the tall, slender, scarlet Caribbean flamingo is the most brightly colored and among the largest of the world’s six flamingo species.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Islands and mainland coasts of the Caribbean Sea

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Small shellfish, fish, worms, insects, algae, aquatic seeds and plants

ACTIVE

Diurnal - Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

OFFSPRING

1-2 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

Body: 47‑57 in (120‑145 cm)
Wingspan: 55 in (140 cm)

WEIGHT

4.8‑6.1 lbs (2.2‑2.8 kg)

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Giant Tree Slide

Eastern Milksnake

Wood Turtle

Spotted Turtle

Northern Water Snake

Mole Kingsnake

Eastern Hognose Snake

Eastern Garter Snake

Corn Snake

Bog Turtle

Black Rat Snake

Eastern Tiger Salamander

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Reticulated Giraffe

giraffa camelopardalis reticulata

The giraffe is the tallest animal on earth. A male giraffe towers up to nineteen feet above the ground.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern, Central and Southern Africa

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Herbivore - Leaves

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: Up to 25 yrs
Wild: 10‑16 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth (twins are extremely rare)

LENGTH

Male: 18 ft (5.5m) tall
Female: 14‑15 ft (4‑4.5 m) tall

WEIGHT

Male: 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg)
Female: 1,540 lbs (700 kg)

Upcomings Events

Giraffe/Okapi Keeper Chat

Sun., Mon., Fri. @ 2:00pm - 2:15pm

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Goat Corral

Pygmy Goat

Nigerian Dwarf Goat

Anglo-Nubian Goat

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Lemur Exhibit

Ring-Tailed Lemur

Red Ruffed Lemur

Coquerel’s Sifaka

Upcoming Events

Lemur Keeper Chat

Mon., Fri. @ 2:30pm - 2:45pm

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Leopard

panthera pardus

A leopard’s next meal probably isn’t going to know it until it’s too late. This big cat is known for stealth.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Africa and Asia

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Carnivore - Large and small mammals, birds, reptiles, arthropods

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: 21‑23 yrs
Wild: 7‑9 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-3 cubs per litter

LENGTH

3.5 - 6.5 ft (1.0‑1.9 m)

WEIGHT

66‑155 lbs (30‑70 kg)

Upcomings Events

Leopard Keeper Chat

Fri., Sat. @ 1:30pm - 1:45pm

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African Lion

panthera leo

The King (and Queen) of Beasts are justly named. Lions are dominant predators lording over the food chain wherever they roam. What they have over every other big cat, and over every other African predator, is strength in numbers. They know that when it comes to catching dinner, it pays to cooperate.

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa, mostly Eastern and Southern

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Carnivore

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: Up to 30 yrs
Wild: 15‑16 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-6 young per litter

LENGTH

Male: 5.5‑8 ft (1.5‑2.5 m)
Female: 4.5‑6 ft (1.4‑2m )

WEIGHT

Male: 330‑550 lb (150‑250 kg)
Female: 264‑400 lb (120‑181 kg)

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Marsh Aviary

North American Ruddy Duck

Wood Duck

Turkey Vulture

Northern Pintail

Little Blue Heron

Hooded Merganser

Green Heron

Cattle Egret

Blue-winged Teal

Black Vulture

Black-crowned Night Heron

Sandhill Crane

Upcoming Events

Marsh Aviary Keeper Chat

Wednesday @ 11:00am - 11:15am

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Maryland Wilderness

Indian Peafowl

Kunekune Pig

North American Ruddy Duck

Eastern Milksnake

Wood Turtle

Timber Rattlesnake

Spotted Turtle

Northern Water Snake

Northern Pine Snake

Mole Kingsnake

Wood Duck

Turkey Vulture

Upcoming Events

Otter Keeper Chat

Thu., Sat. @ 11:00am - 11:15am

Hellbender Keeper Chat

Mon., Fri. @ 11:00am - 11:15am

Farmyard Keeper Chat

Sat., Sun. @ 3:00pm - 3:15pm

Marsh Aviary Keeper Chat

Wednesday @ 11:00am - 11:15am

Bobcat Keeper Chat

Sun., Tue. @ 11:00am - 11:15am

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Eastern Box Turtle

terrapene carolina

The box turtle gets its name from its unique ability to clamp its upper and lower shells shut like a box.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern-Central United States from Southern Maine to Florida and into Central U.S. in Michigan, Illinois, Eastern Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Omnivore - Snails, insects, berries, carrion, fungi, slugs, worms, roots, flowers, fish, frogs, snakes, salamanders, birds, and eggs; young are primarily carnivorous, adults are primarily herbivorous

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Up to or exceeding 100 yrs

OFFSPRING

3-8 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

4‑9 in (10‑22 cm)

WEIGHT

1‑2 lbs (311‑523 g)

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Okapi

okapia johnstoni

At first glance, you would think that okapi are related to zebra. The reddish-brown and cream stripes on the okapi’s hindquarters seem like a sure giveaway. In reality, the okapi’s closest relative is the giraffe!

Quick Facts

RANGE

Congolese Rainforest in Central Africa

STATUS

Endangered

DIET

Herbivore - Leaves, fruits, and seeds

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: 33 yrs
Wild: Unknown

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

5‑5.6 ft (150‑170 cm)

WEIGHT

462‑550 lbs (210‑250 kg)

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Ostrich

struthio camelus

Contrary to popular belief, an ostrich never buries its head in the sand. It doesn’t need to. It is the largest living species of bird on the planet and the fastest animal on two legs. It can’t fly, but it can sprint up to 40 mph and land a very powerful kick!

Quick Facts

RANGE

Africa, North and South of equatorial forest belt

STATUS

Least Concern - Common

DIET

Herbivore - Green grass, browse on shrubs, succulents, seeds, few insects

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: Up to 40 yrs
Wild: 20‑30 yrs

OFFSPRING

Clutch averages 13
Multiple females lay in the same nest for incubation

LENGTH

Male: 6.5‑8 ft (2‑2.5 m)
Female: 5‑6.5 ft (1.5‑2 m)

WEIGHT

Male: 242‑330 lbs (110‑150 kg)
Female: 198‑242 lbs (90‑110 kg)

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Panamanian Golden Frog

atelopus zeteki

Beautiful, mysterious, and rare, Panamanian golden frogs have been revered as good-luck tokens in their native country of Panama since pre-Columbian times.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Cordilleran mountains of Western-Central Panama

STATUS

Critically Endangered - Quite possibly extinct in the wild

DIET

Carnivore - Insects and other small invertebrates

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captivity: Up to 9 yrs
Wild: Unknown

OFFSPRING

200-600 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

1‑2 in (2.5 - 5.1 cm)

WEIGHT

Under 1 lb

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Penguin Coast

White-Breasted Cormorant

Pink-backed Pelican

African Penguin

Upcoming Events

Penguin Feeding

10:30am - 10:45am 3:30pm - 3:45pm

Pelican Feeding

2:00pm - 2:15pm

Penguin Keeper Chat

1:00pm - 1:15pm

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Polar Bear Exhibit

Polar Bear

Brown Bear

Upcoming Events

Polar Bear Watch Keeper Chat

Sun., Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri., Sat. @ 11:30am - 11:45am

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Polar Bear Watch

Common Raven

Bald Eagle

Polar Bear

Brown Bear

Arctic Fox

Upcoming Events

Bald Eagle Keeper Chat

Thursday @ 11:30am - 11:45am

Polar Bear Watch Keeper Chat

Sun., Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri., Sat. @ 11:30am - 11:45am

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Black-tailed Prairie Dog

cynomys ludovicianus

Prairie dogs take their common name from where they live and what they sound like when alarmed. They go by many other nicknames as well, including wishtonwish, mound yapper, yaprat, yek-yek, tousa, pispiza, ping-sping-sa, and sod poodle.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Narrow bands of short-grass prairie from Central Texas north to the U.S.-Canada border

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Wheatgrass, grama, buffalo grass, scarlet globemallow, rabbitbrush, prickly pear cactus, thistle

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: 5‑8 years

OFFSPRING

3-4 per litter

LENGTH

14‑17 in (350‑425 mm)

WEIGHT

1‑3 lbs

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Common Raven

corvus corax

The common raven is the largest species of songbird and the largest all-black bird in the world.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Throughout Northern Hemisphere

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Animal carcasses, rodents, grains, seeds

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: 24 yrs
Wild: Unknown

OFFSPRING

4-6 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

22‑27 in (56‑59 cm)

WEIGHT

24‑58 oz (689‑1,625 g)

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Black-tailed Prairie Dog

cynomys ludovicianus

Prairie dogs take their common name from where they live and what they sound like when alarmed. They go by many other nicknames as well, including wishtonwish, mound yapper, yaprat, yek-yek, tousa, pispiza, ping-sping-sa, and sod poodle.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Narrow bands of short-grass prairie from Central Texas north to the U.S.-Canada border

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Wheatgrass, grama, buffalo grass, scarlet globemallow, rabbitbrush, prickly pear cactus, thistle

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: 5‑8 years

OFFSPRING

3-4 per litter

LENGTH

14‑17 in (350‑425 mm)

WEIGHT

1‑3 lbs

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Sitatunga Exhibit

Northern Ground Hornbill

Sitatunga

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North American River Otter

lontra canadensis

River otters are the only truly amphibious members of the weasel family.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Throughout North America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, frogs, crayfish, crabs, rodents, rabbits, insects

ACTIVE

Diurnal - Diurnal and nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: 21 yrs
Wild: 8‑9 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-6 per litter

LENGTH

18‑32 in (460‑830 mm)

WEIGHT

6‑31 lbs (3‑14 kg)

Upcomings Events

Otter Keeper Chat

Thu., Sat. @ 11:00am - 11:15am

X

Tortoise Exhibit

Spur-Thigh Tortoise

Leopard Tortoise

Upcoming Events

Tortoise Keeper Chat

Thursday @ 3:00pm - 3:15pm

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Common Warthog

phacochoerus africanus

When warthogs run, their tails stick straight up in the air!

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Grass, roots, berries, bark of young trees, occasionally carrion

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: Up to 18 yrs
Wild: 12‑15 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-8 per litter

LENGTH

35‑59 in (900‑1500 mm)

WEIGHT

110‑331 lbs (50‑150 kg)

Upcomings Events

Warthog Keeper Chat

Tue., Thu. @ 2:00pm - 2:15pm

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Southern White Rhinoceros

ceratotherium simum simum

The white rhino is the third largest land mammal in the world, dwarfed only by the Asian elephant and the African elephant. White rhinos weigh between 4,000 and 6,000 pounds and stand 5 to 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Their heads alone can weigh up to 2,000 pounds.

Quick Facts

RANGE

South Africa

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Herbivore - grasses

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: 40 yrs
Wild: 35 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

118‑150 in (300‑380 cm)

WEIGHT

Male: up to 6,000 lb (2,721 kg)
Female: up to 4,500 lb (2,041 kg)

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Plains Zebra

equus quagga

To think of a zebra as a striped horse is not quite right, but not quite wrong either. Zebras are members of the horse family Equidae. Zebras are also unmistakably striped! Each zebra has a distinct pattern of stripes, as unique as a person’s fingerprints.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern and Southeastern Africa

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Herbivore - Grasses

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: 35‑40 yrs
Wild: 15‑20 yrs

OFFSPRING

Single young per birth

LENGTH

Up to 59 in (1.5 m) at shoulders

WEIGHT

500‑800 lbs (227‑363 kg)

X

Emperor Scorpion

pandinus imperator

Measuring more than half a foot, the Emperor Scorpion is one of the largest scorpions in the world, but its sting is no worse than that of a bee.

Quick Facts

RANGE

West Africa, Tropical forests

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Termites, other invertebrates, small mammals and reptiles

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

5‑8 years on average

OFFSPRING

10-12 live young on average

LENGTH

8 in

WEIGHT

Up to 1 oz

X

Mexican Redknee Tarantula

brachypelma smithi

Tarantulas may appear scary at first glance, but never fear! The venom from these large arachnids won’t harm people.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central Pacific coast of Mexico - Arid habitats such as desert, scrubland, and dry forests

STATUS

Near Threatened

DIET

Carnivore - Insects, frogs, small lizards, and mice

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Males: 5‑10 yrs; Females: 25‑30 yrs

OFFSPRING

200-400 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

5 inches

WEIGHT

0.5 oz

X

Marine Toad

rhinella marina

Marine toads are usually referred to as “cane toads.”

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and South America - wide variety of tropical and sub-tropical habitats

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Insects and other invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, small mammals, carrion, garbage

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

5‑15 yrs

OFFSPRING

8,000-30,000 eggs/clutch on average

LENGTH

4‑6 in on average

WEIGHT

Up to 3 lbs

X

Red-footed Tortoise

chelonoidis carbonaria

To attract females, male red-footed tortoises make a clucking sound that sounds remarkably like a hen.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and South America; several Caribbean islands

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Omnivore - Primarily fruit; grasses, fungi, carrion, invertebrates

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

50+ yrs

OFFSPRING

2-15 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

12‑16 in

WEIGHT

Up to 11 lbs

X

Iranian Eyelid Gecko

eublepharis angramainyu

Geckos possess more complex vocal structures than other lizards, allowing them to chirp and click as well as hiss, bark, and growl.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Iran, Iraq, northern Syria, southeastern Turkey

STATUS

Data Deficient

DIET

Carnivore - Insects, spiders, other arthropods, possibly eggs and small reptiles

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

Unknown

LENGTH

8‑9.5 in

WEIGHT

55‑70 g

X

Egyptian Tortoise

testudo kleinmanni

Egyptian tortoises are no bigger than baked potatoes.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Libya, desert and semi-desert

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Herbivore - Leaves and flowers of desert plants

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Wild: unknown; captivity: 20+ yrs

OFFSPRING

1-5 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

Up to 5 in (12.7 cm)

WEIGHT

5.5‑12.5 oz (156‑354 g)

X

Military Macaw

ara militaris

This large, beautiful parrot has no military affiliation but its look – olive green with a bright red bar above the beak – is suggestive of military uniform.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Fragmented range from Mexico to Argentina

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Herbivore - Seeds, nuts, fruits, berries

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Wild: Unknown. Captivity: 50‑60 years

OFFSPRING

2-3 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

27‑30 in.

WEIGHT

2‑2.5 lbs.

X

Indian Peafowl

pavo cristatus

The magnificent peacock, known far and wide, is actually a male Indian peafowl. The female is a peahen.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Native to India and neighboring countries

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Seeds, fruit, insects, occasional reptile or small rodent

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

20 years

OFFSPRING

4-6 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

6‑7.5 feet

WEIGHT

6‑13 pounds

X

Chinese Alligator

alligator sinensis

The Chinese name for this alligator is yowlung, which means “dragon.”

Quick Facts

RANGE

Lower Yangtze River basin, China

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, snails, clams, occasional duck or rodent

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

50‑70 yrs

OFFSPRING

10-40 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

Up to 5 ft.

WEIGHT

Up to 90 lbs

X

Tawny Frogmouth

podargus strigoides

Tawny frogmouths are odd birds whose looks are owl-like and whose mouths are frog-like (hence the name).

Quick Facts

RANGE

Australia and Tasmania

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Primarily insects; also invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, frogs, and birds

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

15‑20 years on average

OFFSPRING

1-3 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

13‑20 inches; Wingspan: 25‑38 inches

WEIGHT

Up to 1.5 pounds

X

Kunekune Pig

sus scrofa scrofa kunekune

Kunekune means “fat and round” in Maori, a language spoken by indigenous New Zealanders.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Worldwide

STATUS

Domesticated - Rare but rebounding

DIET

Herbivore - Grass, hay, grain

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

8‑16 years

OFFSPRING

6-12 piglets per litter

LENGTH

Up to 4 ft.

WEIGHT

130‑220 lbs.

X

American Badger

taxidea taxus

American badgers are super-fast diggers that can burrow underground and out of sight in a matter of seconds.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central and western North America, from southern Canada to Mexico

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Rodents, birds, bird eggs, reptiles, amphibians, insects

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

4‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-5 cubs per litter

LENGTH

16‑28 in.

WEIGHT

8‑26 lbs

X

Spur-winged Lapwing

vanellus spinosus

Spur-winged lapwings are known as “foot tremblers” – they stomp their feet to flush prey from hiding.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central, sub-Saharan Africa; eastern Mediterranean

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Primarily insects, insect larvae, and small invertebrates

ACTIVE

Diurnal - Variably diurnal or nocturnal

LIFESPAN

17 yrs on average

OFFSPRING

2-4 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

10‑11 in
Wingspan: 27‑32 in

WEIGHT

4.5‑6 oz

X

Prehensile-tailed Skink

corucia zebrata

What’s a skink, you ask? Generally speaking, a skink is a large, short-limbed, practically no-necked lizard. The prehensile-tailed skink is the largest of all skinks.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Solomon Islands, tropical rain forest

STATUS

No Listing

DIET

Herbivore - Leaves and fruit

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

Up to 15 years

OFFSPRING

1-2 offspring

LENGTH

2.5 ft

WEIGHT

Approximately 2 lbs

X

Blood Python

python brongersmai

Like most snakes, blood pythons are ambush predators.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Southeast Asia

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Rodents and birds

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

15‑20 yrs on average

OFFSPRING

10-15 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

Less than 1 ft

WEIGHT

10‑15 lbs

X

North American Ruddy Duck

oxyura jamaicensis

Ruddy ducks are small-winged ducks that have to get a running start across water in order to take flight.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Summer: Mid-Western U.S. and Canada, and much of Central America; Winter: along Atlantic, Pacific

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Aquatic insects and invertebrates; pondweed, algae, wild celery, seeds of other aquatic plants

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

8 eggs/clutch on average

LENGTH

13–17 in

WEIGHT

10–30 oz

X

Prehensile Tailed Porcupine

coendou prehensilis

The face of a prehensile tailed porcupine is irresistible – two dark round eyes and a curiously large, bulbous, whiskered nose set in a soft ball of speckled spines. Resist the urge to cuddle, though.

Quick Facts

RANGE

North/Northwest South America

STATUS

Least Concern - Stable

DIET

Herbivore - Bark, leaves, fruit, buds, root vegetables

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

About 15 yrs

OFFSPRING

Usually single offspring

LENGTH

30 to 40 in, including tail

WEIGHT

4‑11 lbs

X

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

gromphadorhina portentosa

Save your loathing because Madagascar hissing cockroaches are not pests. Like the vast majority of all cockroach species, they will not take up residence in your house.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Madagascar

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

2‑5 yrs

OFFSPRING

20-60 per brood

LENGTH

2‑3 in

WEIGHT

0.8 oz

X

Marbled Teal

marmaronetta angustirostris

The marbled teal, also known as the marbled duck, is an elegant, medium-sized duck with a speckled brown body and dusky eye patch.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Scattered across Northwest Africa, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East, and Central Asia

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Omnivore - Mall seeds, aquatic invertebrates

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

Unknown

OFFSPRING

4-12 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

15‑19 in (38‑48 cm)

WEIGHT

8.5‑21.5 oz (240‑600 g)

X

Eastern Milksnake

lampropeltis triangulum

The milksnake got its name from the widespread and persistent – yet utterly ridiculous – belief that it milks cows. (Who knows how that rumor got started?) This snake may frequent barns in search of rodents, but will never be caught milking a cow.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Northeastern U.S., west to Minnesota and south to Northern Alabama

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Mainly mice, snakes, and lizards

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

Up to 20 yrs

OFFSPRING

6-20 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

24‑36 in on average (61‑90 cm)

WEIGHT

.5‑1.0 lb

X

Wood Turtle

glyptemys insculpta

Wood turtles are skilled earthworm hunters. They stamp the ground alternately with their front feet to bring earthworms to the surface, and then grab them quickly.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Southeastern Canada, Northeastern U.S., Great Lakes region

STATUS

Endangered

DIET

Omnivore - Insect larvae, fish, invertebrates, crayfish, plant matter

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

40+ yrs

OFFSPRING

6-8 eggs per clutch on average

LENGTH

Carapace (top shell): 6‑9 in

WEIGHT

1‑3 lbs

X

Timber Rattlesnake

crotalus horridus

Timber rattlesnakes are one of 27 species of snake native to Maryland, but they have become exceedingly rare here and in many other parts of their historic range.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern U.S., historically

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Carnivore

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

10‑20 yrs

OFFSPRING

6-12 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

3‑4 ft

WEIGHT

1‑3 lbs

X

Spur-Thigh Tortoise

geochelene sulcata

The African spur thigh tortoise, also known as the African spurred tortoise, is the third largest species of tortoise in the world, after the Galapagos tortoise and the Aldabra giant tortoise. It is the largest of all mainland tortoises.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central Africa, from Southern Sahara, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Sudan, Chad to Ethiopia

STATUS

Vulnerable

DIET

Herbivore - Grasses, weeds, cactus

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

Captive: 60‑80 yrs
Wild: 50 yrs

OFFSPRING

15-30 per clutch

LENGTH

24‑30 in (61‑76 cm)

WEIGHT

Up to 240 lbs (105 kg)

X

Spotted Turtle

clemmys guttata

Spotted turtles are one of 19 species of turtle native to Maryland.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Great Lakes region and Atlantic seaboard, from Southern Canada to Florida

STATUS

Endangered - Per IUCN listing

DIET

Omnivore - Invertebrates, fish, frogs, algae, aquatic plants

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

30+ yrs

OFFSPRING

3-4 eggs per clutch on average

LENGTH

Carapace (top shell): 3‑5 in (7.5‑12.5 cm)

WEIGHT

Under 1 lb

X

Northern Water Snake

nerodia sipedon sipedon

Northern water snakes are known to herd schools of small fish or tadpoles to a shoreline in order to prey on many at once.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Mid-Eastern and Northeastern U.S.; Southeastern Canada

STATUS

Least Concern - Stable

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, frogs, tadpoles, toads, salamanders

ACTIVE

Diurnal - Diurnal and nocturnal

LIFESPAN

10 years on average

OFFSPRING

8-30 live young per birth, on average

LENGTH

24‑42 in

WEIGHT

Approximately 1 pound

X

Northern Pine Snake

pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus

The Northern pine snake is a large, non-venomous snake that is harmless to people.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Northern and East-Central United States from New Jersey to Alabama

STATUS

Least Concern - but threatened in New Jersey

DIET

Carnivore - Mainly small rodents, birds, bird eggs

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

Several dozen eggs per clutch

LENGTH

48‑66 in (122‑168 cm)

WEIGHT

4‑9 lbs

X

Mole Kingsnake

lampropeltis calligaster rhombomaculata

Due to their coloration, many mole kingsnakes are mistakenly identified as venomous copperheads.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern and Gulf Coast states of the U.S.

STATUS

Least Concern - Stable

DIET

Carnivore - Mainly mice, snakes, and lizards

ACTIVE

Nocturnal

LIFESPAN

About 20 yrs

OFFSPRING

10-12 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

30‑40 in (76‑102 cm)

WEIGHT

.5‑1.0 lb

X

Wood Duck

aix sponsa

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder perhaps, but few could behold the wood duck and not consider it the most beautiful of all North American ducks.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Southern Canada and most of the United States, Mexico, and Cuba

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: 10+ yrs
Wild: 4 yrs

OFFSPRING

10-15 eggs/clutch on average

LENGTH

18.5‑21 in

WEIGHT

1‑2 lbs

X

Waldrapp Ibis

geronticus eremita

The Waldrapp ibis, also known as the northern bald ibis, is one of the most critically endangered birds in the world.

Quick Facts

RANGE

A small area in Morocco

STATUS

Critically Endangered

DIET

Omnivore - Reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, birds, and insects; some fruits and seeds

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

20‑30 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-2 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

70‑80 cm

WEIGHT

8‑10 lbs

X

White-Breasted Cormorant

phalacrocorax carbo lucidus

To cool off, a white-breasted cormorant will flutter its gular pouch, located just below the beak.

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Fish with the occasional crustacean or amphibian

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: Unknown
Wild: Unknown

OFFSPRING

2-6 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

35 in (90 cm)
Wingspan: 35 in (90 cm)

WEIGHT

7.2 lbs (3.3 kg)

X

Von der Decken Hornbill

tockus deckeni

This small member of the hornbill family is named after the German explorer Baron Karl Klaus von der Decken, who first described it in his journals.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Eastern Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Snails, mice, nestling birds, lizards, tree frogs, seeds, fruit, berries, insects

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: Up to 20 yrs
Wild: Unknown

OFFSPRING

Usually 2 eggs per clutch, sometimes 3 or 4

LENGTH

1‑2 ft

WEIGHT

4‑6 oz (120‑212 g)

X

Turkey Vulture

cathartes aura

When threatened, turkey vultures protect themselves by hissing and vomiting powerful stomach acids.

Quick Facts

RANGE

North, Central, and South America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: Up to 30+ yrs
Wild: Up to 16 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-3 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

2‑3.5 ft
Wingspan: About 6 ft

WEIGHT

4‑4.5 lbs

X

Trumpeter Swan

cygnus buccinator

The trumpeter swan is the largest swan in the world and the largest waterfowl in North America.

Quick Facts

RANGE

United States, Canada, Mexico

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation, grasses, grain, occasional invertebrates

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

15‑25 yrs on average

OFFSPRING

4-6 eggs/clutch on average

LENGTH

Approximately 4 ft
Wingspan: 6‑8 ft

WEIGHT

20‑30 lbs

X

Saddle-billed Stork

ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

Saddle-billed storks are quintessential storks: tall, graceful wading birds with long legs, long bills, and a striding gait. They are, in fact, the tallest stork in Africa.

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Fish, crustaceans, small reptiles

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: 19 yrs
Wild: 12 yrs

OFFSPRING

1-5 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

55‑59 in (139‑150 cm)

WEIGHT

11‑16 lbs (5‑7.5 kg)

X

Red Crested Pochard

netta rufina

Red-crested pochards are the only ducks known to engage in a feeding ritual whereby the male dives and brings food offerings to his mate while she swims on the surface.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Scattered across North Africa, Europe, and Asia

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Omnivore - Aquatic vegetation supplemented by aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, small fish

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

8-10 eggs per clutch on average

LENGTH

22 in (57 cm)

WEIGHT

1‑1.1 kg

X

Pink-backed Pelican

pelecanus rufescens

To cool off, pink-backed pelicans – like other pelicans – open their beaks and vibrate their throat pouches. It’s their version of panting.

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Primarily fish

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

1 to 3 eggs per clutch

LENGTH

3‑4 ft

WEIGHT

10‑17 lbs

X

Ostrich

struthio camelus

Contrary to popular belief, an ostrich never buries its head in the sand. It doesn’t need to. It is the largest living species of bird on the planet and the fastest animal on two legs. It can’t fly, but it can sprint up to 40 mph and land a very powerful kick!

Quick Facts

RANGE

Africa, North and South of equatorial forest belt

STATUS

Least Concern - Common

DIET

Herbivore - Green grass, browse on shrubs, succulents, seeds, few insects

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: Up to 40 yrs
Wild: 20‑30 yrs

OFFSPRING

Clutch averages 13
Multiple females lay in the same nest for incubation

LENGTH

Male: 6.5‑8 ft (2‑2.5 m)
Female: 5‑6.5 ft (1.5‑2 m)

WEIGHT

Male: 242‑330 lbs (110‑150 kg)
Female: 198‑242 lbs (90‑110 kg)

X

Northern Pintail

anas acuta

Northern pintail start to nest earlier than almost any other duck species in North America. They are among the first ducks to migrate south in the fall and north in the spring.

Quick Facts

RANGE

North and South America

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Herbivore - Grain, seeds, weeds, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and snails

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

5‑10 yrs

OFFSPRING

3-12 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

20–30 in (51–76 cm)

WEIGHT

17.5–51 oz (500–1450 g)

X

Northern Ground Hornbill

bucorvus abyssinicus

Northern ground hornbills are large black birds, about the size of wild turkeys, with bold facial markings and long eyelashes.

Quick Facts

RANGE

Central Africa, North of the equator and South of the Sahara Desert

STATUS

Least Concern

DIET

Carnivore - Reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, birds, and insects; carrion; some fruits and seeds

ACTIVE

Diurnal

LIFESPAN

Captive: 50+ yrs
Wild: Unknown

OFFSPRING

1-2 eggs/clutch

LENGTH

Up to 3 ft

WEIGHT

8‑10 lbs

X

Leopard Tortoise

geochelone pardalis

The leopard tortoise is Africa’s most widely distributed tortoise.

Quick Facts

RANGE

sub-Saharan Africa, from Sudan south to the Cape Province of South Africa

STATUS

Least Concern - Stable

DIET

Herbivore - Grasses and succulents

ACTIVE

Crepuscular

LIFESPAN

Wild: 80‑100 yrs

OFFSPRING

5-30 eggs/clutch
5-7 clutches/nesting season

LENGTH

16‑18

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nanger dama

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RANGE

STATUS

DIET

ACTIVE

LIFESPAN

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alopex lagopus

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haliaeetus leucocephalus

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