25 Different Animals Found in Zoo with Pictures and Facts
Hey kids! Ever wonder what cool animals you might see at the zoo?
Well, get ready for an awesome animal adventure! We’re about to examine a list of zoo animals, some of which you would have seen and some that you haven’t.
The zoo is full of amazing creatures, from big cats like lions and tigers to gentle giants like elephants and giraffes.
We’ll learn fun stuff about where these animals live, what they eat, and the cool things they can do.
So put on your explorer hat and enter the wild world of zoo animals without any further ado.
1. Lion
Lions are large, powerful carnivores known as the “king of the jungle.”
They are social animals that live in groups called pride, typically consisting of several related females, their offspring, and a few males.
Lions are known for their majestic mane and loud roar, which can be heard up to 5 miles away.
| Height | 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 330 to 550 pounds (150 to 250 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa, India |
| Scientific Name | Panthera leo |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Roar, growl |
Fun Facts:
- Lions are the only cats that live in groups called prides.
- A lion’s roar can be heard from up to 5 miles away.
- Lions rest for around 20 hours a day.
2. Elephant
Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, known for their intelligence, strong social bonds, and distinctive trunks, which they use for various tasks such as feeding, drinking, and communication. Elephants live in matriarchal family groups and are found in Africa and Asia.
| Height | 8.2 to 13 feet (2.5 to 4 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 5,000 to 14,000 pounds (2,268 to 6,350 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Africa, Asia |
| Scientific Name | Loxodonta africana (African), Elephas maximus (Asian) |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Trumpet, rumble |
Fun Facts:
- Elephants have the largest brains of any land animal.
- They can communicate using low-frequency sounds that travel long distances.
- Elephants use their trunks for drinking, feeding, and social interactions.
3. Giraffe
Giraffes are the tallest land animals, distinguished by their long necks, legs, and distinctive coat patterns.
They use their height to browse on leaves and buds high in trees, primarily in savannas and open woodlands of Africa.
| Height | 14 to 19 feet (4.3 to 5.8 meters) |
| Weight | 1,750 to 2,800 pounds (794 to 1,270 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Giraffa camelopardalis |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Bleat, hum |
Fun Facts:
- Giraffes have the same number of neck vertebrae as humans—seven.
- They can run up to 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) over short distances.
- A giraffe’s heart can weigh up to 25 pounds (11 kg).
4. Zebra
Zebras are social animals known for their black-and-white striped coats, which help them blend into the grasslands and confuse predators. They live in herds and are primarily found in Africa’s savannas and grasslands.
| Height | 4.5 to 5.5 feet (1.4 to 1.6 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 770 to 990 pounds (350 to 450 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Equus quagga |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Bark, whinny |
Fun Facts:
- Each zebra’s stripe pattern is unique.
- Zebras can run up to 40 miles per hour (64 km/h).
- They often sleep standing up to stay alert for predators.
5. Tiger
Tigers are the largest members of the cat family, recognized for their striking orange coats with black stripes.
They are solitary and territorial animals, inhabiting diverse environments from tropical forests to grasslands in Asia.
| Height | 3 to 3.6 feet (0.9 to 1.1 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 220 to 660 pounds (100 to 300 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Asia |
| Scientific Name | Panthera tigris |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Roar, growl |
Fun Facts:
- Tigers are excellent swimmers and enjoy water.
- They can leap distances of up to 10 meters (30 feet).
- Each tiger’s stripe pattern is unique, much like human fingerprints.
6. Gorilla
Gorillas are the largest primates, known for their strength, intelligence, and social behavior.
They live in family groups led by a dominant silverback male and inhabit the forests of central Africa.
| Height | 4.6 to 5.9 feet (1.4 to 1.8 meters) |
| Weight | 220 to 450 pounds (100 to 204 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Central Africa |
| Scientific Name | Gorilla gorilla (Western), Gorilla beringei (Eastern) |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Grunt, hoot |
Fun Facts:
- Gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans.
- They use tools in the wild, such as sticks to gauge water depth.
- Gorillas communicate through a variety of sounds, gestures, and facial expressions.
7. Panda
Pandas are large bears known for their distinctive black-and-white coat and their diet, which is almost exclusively bamboo. They are native to the mountainous regions of central China.
| Height | 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 220 to 330 pounds (100 to 150 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Central China |
| Scientific Name | Ailuropoda melanoleuca |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous (primarily bamboo) |
| What Sound They Make | Bleat, honk |
Fun Facts:
- Pandas have a “pseudo thumb” to help them grip bamboo.
- They spend up to 14 hours a day eating.
- Despite their herbivorous diet, pandas have the digestive system of a carnivore.
8. Koala
Koalas are arboreal marsupials native to Australia, known for their thick gray fur and large, round ears.
They primarily feed on eucalyptus leaves and spend most of their time sleeping in trees.
| Height | 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) |
| Weight | 9 to 33 pounds (4 to 15 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia |
| Scientific Name | Phascolarctos cinereus |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous (eucalyptus leaves) |
| What Sound They Make | Grunt, snore |
Fun Facts:
- Koalas sleep up to 18-22 hours a day.
- They have a specialized digestive system to detoxify eucalyptus leaves.
- Each koala has a unique fingerprint.
9. Hippopotamus
Hippopotamuses, or hippos, are large, mostly herbivorous mammals known for their semi-aquatic lifestyle.
They are native to sub-Saharan Africa and are often found in rivers, lakes, and swamps.
| Height | 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 2,870 to 3,530 pounds (1,300 to 1,600 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scientific Name | Hippopotamus amphibius |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Grunt, bellow |
Fun Facts:
- Hippos can hold their breath underwater for up to 5 minutes.
- They have powerful jaws capable of opening up to 150 degrees.
- Despite their bulk, hippos can run up to 19 miles per hour (30 km/h) on land.
10. Rhinoceros
Rhinoceroses, or rhinos, are large herbivores known for their thick skin and one or two horns on their snouts.
They are found in Africa and Asia and are often targeted by poachers for their horns.
| Height | 4.5 to 6 feet (1.4 to 1.8 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 1,800 to 5,100 pounds (800 to 2,300 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Africa, Asia |
| Scientific Name | Various species (e.g., Diceros bicornis, Rhinoceros unicornis) |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Grunt, snort |
Fun Facts:
- Rhinos have poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell and hearing.
- Their horns are made of keratin, the same material as human hair and nails.
- Rhinos can run up to 34 miles per hour (55 km/h) despite their size.
11. Kangaroo
Kangaroos are large marsupials native to Australia, known for their powerful hind legs and long tail, which they use for balance and support. They are herbivorous and primarily feed on grasses and leaves.
| Height | 3 to 8 feet (0.9 to 2.4 meters) |
| Weight | 40 to 200 pounds (18 to 90 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia |
| Scientific Name | Macropus |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Chortle, growl |
Fun Facts:
- Kangaroos can leap up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) in a single bound.
- They can travel at speeds up to 35 miles per hour (56 km/h).
- Female kangaroos have a pouch where their young, called joeys, develop after birth.
12. Flamingo
Flamingos are wading birds known for their vibrant pink feathers, long legs, and distinctive curved bills. They are found in parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, often inhabiting lakes, lagoons, and swamps.
| Height | 3.3 to 4.9 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) |
| Weight | 4.4 to 8.8 pounds (2 to 4 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Africa, Asia, Americas, Europe |
| Scientific Name | Phoenicopterus |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous (mainly algae, crustaceans) |
| What Sound They Make | Honk, grunt |
Fun Facts:
- Flamingos get their pink color from the carotenoid pigments in their diet.
- They often stand on one leg to conserve body heat.
- Flamingos are social birds that live in large colonies.
13. Polar Bear
Polar bears are large carnivorous bears native to the Arctic region, well-adapted to cold climates with their thick fur and layer of blubber. They primarily hunt seals on sea ice.
| Height | 3.3 to 5.3 feet (1 to 1.6 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 900 to 1,600 pounds (400 to 720 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Arctic Circle |
| Scientific Name | Ursus maritimus |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Growl, roar |
Fun Facts:
- Polar bears have black skin underneath their white fur to absorb heat from the sun.
- They are excellent swimmers and can swim for days at a time.
- Polar bears have a highly developed sense of smell, able to detect seals nearly a mile away.
14. Penguin
Penguins are flightless birds known for their distinctive black and white plumage and their upright, waddling gait.
They are primarily found in the Southern Hemisphere, with a significant population in Antarctica.
| Height | 1.5 to 3.3 feet (0.45 to 1 meter) |
| Weight | 2.2 to 88 pounds (1 to 40 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Southern Hemisphere (Antarctica, coastal South America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand) |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscidae |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (fish, squid, krill) |
| What Sound They Make | Squawk, trumpet |
Fun Facts:
- Penguins are excellent swimmers, using their flippers to “fly” underwater.
- They have a layer of blubber for insulation in cold environments.
- Emperor penguins are the tallest and heaviest of all penguin species.
15. Meerkat
Meerkats are small mammals in the mongoose family. They are known for their social behavior and upright stance. They inhabit the deserts and grasslands of southern Africa.
| Height | 9.8 to 14 inches (25 to 35 cm) |
| Weight | 1.1 to 5.5 pounds (0.5 to 2.5 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Southern Africa |
| Scientific Name | Suricata suricatta |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous (insects, small mammals, fruits) |
| What Sound They Make | Chirp, bark |
Fun Facts:
- Meerkats live in groups called mobs or gangs, typically consisting of 20-50 individuals.
- They have a cooperative system where members take turns watching for predators.
- Meerkats have dark patches around their eyes to reduce glare from the sun.
16. Chimpanzee
Chimpanzees are highly intelligent primates native to the forests and savannas of central and West Africa.
They are known for their complex social structures and ability to use tools.
| Height | 3 to 4.6 feet (0.9 to 1.4 meters) |
| Weight | 70 to 130 pounds (32 to 60 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Central and West Africa |
| Scientific Name | Pan troglodytes |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Pant-hoot, scream |
Fun Facts:
- Chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA with humans.
- They use a variety of tools, such as sticks for termite fishing and stones for cracking nuts.
- Chimpanzees have complex social relationships and can learn from each other.
17. Sloth
Sloths are slow-moving mammals known for their tree-dwelling lifestyle and slow metabolism. They are found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
| Height | 2 to 2.5 feet (0.6 to 0.75 meters) |
| Weight | 8 to 17 pounds (3.6 to 7.7 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Central and South America |
| Scientific Name | Folivora |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Low-pitched hum |
Fun Facts:
- Sloths move so slowly that algae can grow on their fur.
- They sleep for about 15 to 20 hours a day.
- Sloths have a four-part stomach that slowly digests tough leaves.
18. Red Panda
Red pandas are small, arboreal mammals with reddish-brown fur and a long, bushy tail. They are native to the Himalayas and southwestern China and are known for their playful and solitary nature.
| Height | 20 to 26 inches (51 to 66 cm) |
| Weight | 8 to 14 pounds (3.6 to 6.2 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Himalayas, southwestern China |
| Scientific Name | Ailurus fulgens |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous (primarily bamboo) |
| What Sound They Make | Twitter, squeal |
Fun Facts:
- Red pandas are more closely related to raccoons than to giant pandas.
- They have a false thumb, an extended wrist bone used for grasping bamboo.
- Red pandas use their bushy tails for balance and as a blanket in cold weather.
19. Leopard
Leopards are large, solitary cats known for their adaptability and distinctive rosette-patterned coats.
They are found in various African and Asian habitats, from rainforests to deserts.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2 to 2.3 feet (0.6 to 0.7 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 66 to 176 pounds (30 to 80 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Africa, Asia |
| Scientific Name | Panthera pardus |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Roar, growl |
Fun Facts:
- Leopards are excellent climbers and often store their prey in trees.
- They are capable of running up to 36 miles per hour (58 km/h).
- Leopards are known for their elusive and stealthy behavior.
20. Cheetah
Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, known for their slender bodies, deep chests, and distinctive black “tear marks” running from the eyes to the mouth. They primarily inhabit the grasslands and savannas of Africa.
| Height | 2.3 to 2.7 feet (0.7 to 0.8 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 77 to 143 pounds (35 to 65 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Africa |
| Scientific Name | Acinonyx jubatus |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Chirp, growl |
Fun Facts:
- Cheetahs can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in just a few seconds.
- They have non-retractable claws that provide extra grip during sprints.
- Cheetahs rely on their keen eyesight rather than their sense of smell to hunt.
21. Otter
Otters are playful aquatic mammals known for their sleek bodies, webbed feet, and thick fur.
They are found in various habitats across multiple continents, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
| Height | 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters) |
| Weight | 11 to 99 pounds (5 to 45 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Worldwide (excluding Australia and Antarctica) |
| Scientific Name | Lutrinae |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Whistle, chirp |
Fun Facts:
- Otters use tools, such as rocks, to crack open shellfish.
- They have a high metabolic rate and eat up to 25% of their body weight each day.
- Otters are known for their playful behavior, often seen sliding down mud or snowbanks.
22. Sea Lion
Sea lions are marine mammals known for their external ear flaps, long fore flippers, and ability to walk on land using their flippers. They are found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean.
| Height | 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) |
| Weight | 220 to 660 pounds (100 to 300 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Pacific Ocean |
| Scientific Name | Zalophus, Otaria, Eumetopias |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Bark, roar |
Fun Facts:
- Sea lions are highly social and often gather in large colonies.
- They can dive to depths of over 900 feet (274 meters).
- Sea lions are excellent swimmers, capable of reaching speeds up to 25 miles per hour (40 km/h).
23. Hyena
Hyenas are carnivorous mammals known for their distinctive laugh-like vocalizations and powerful jaws. They are found in Africa and parts of Asia, often scavenging as well as hunting their own prey.
| Height | 2.5 to 3.3 feet (0.75 to 1 meter) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 110 to 190 pounds (50 to 86 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Africa, Asia |
| Scientific Name | Crocuta crocuta, Hyaena |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Laugh, whoop |
Fun Facts:
- Hyenas have one of the strongest bite forces relative to their size.
- They live in social groups called clans, led by a dominant female.
- Hyenas can consume and digest bones, thanks to their powerful jaws and strong stomach acids.
24. Lemur
Lemurs are primates native to Madagascar. They are known for their large eyes, long tails, and social behavior.
They inhabit various environments, from rainforests to dry forests.
| Height | 9.8 to 18 inches (25 to 46 cm) |
| Weight | 1.1 to 9 pounds (0.5 to 4 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Madagascar |
| Scientific Name | Lemuridae |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Hoot, wail |
Fun Facts:
- Lemurs are the most endangered group of mammals due to habitat loss.
- They have a highly developed sense of smell, unlike most primates.
- Some lemurs engage in “sunbathing” to warm themselves in the morning.
25. Snow Leopard
Snow leopards are large felines known for their beautiful, spotted coats and ability to thrive in Central and South Asia’s cold, mountainous regions. They are elusive and solitary animals.
| Height | 2 to 2.4 feet (0.6 to 0.75 meters) at the shoulder |
| Weight | 60 to 120 pounds (27 to 55 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Central and South Asia |
| Scientific Name | Panthera uncia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Scream, mew |
Fun Facts:
- Snow leopards can leap up to 50 feet (15 meters) in a single bound.
- They have thick fur and long tails to help them balance and stay warm in cold climates.
- Snow leopards are solitary animals with a home range covering hundreds of square miles.
Final Words
Whoa, what a wild ride through the animal kingdom! We’ve taken a sneak peek at many zoo animals on Earth!
Remember the speedy cheetah that can outrun a car? Or the elephant with its trunk-tastic moves?
Each animal we met has its own superpowers and silly quirks.
Next time you’re at the zoo, it’ll be like seeing old companions – super furry, scaly, or feathery!
Keep your eyes open, and you might spot your new favorite animal.
The zoo is full of surprises – list out more that you have seen that couldn’t cut into our list.
