Hello and welcome to the Zoo!

This scavenger hunt is designed to help you look for some of the fun and unique adaptations of our animals as you journey through the Zoo today.

What exactly is an adaptation you may ask? Great question! An adaptation is a physical or behavioral characteristic or trait that an animal has that helps it survive in its environment. For example, bison are plant-eaters (herbivores) and one of their adaptations is that they have flat teeth that help them grind their food. But a tiger is a meat-eater (carnivore), and they have sharp teeth for tearing their food.

This scavenger hunt is divided into regions. You can just focus on one Zoo region throughout your visit today or you can visit as many regions as you would like. It’s up to you!

There are two parts to each question. The first is a general description of the animal. Once you have figured out the animal, you will be asked to make observations, do an activity or make some educated guesses (hypotheses) about the animal.

There is also a vocabulary list at the end of this scavenger hunt to help with some of the more challenging words. These words are bolded and italicized.

Put your thinking caps on! It’s time to go out and find some pretty amazing animals!

Apex predator: A predator at the top of a food chain that is not preyed upon by any other animal.

Brachiating: To move around in trees by arm-swinging from branch to branch.

Carnivore: An animal that obtains energy by eating animals.

Camouflage: Something (such as color or shape) that protects an animal from attack by making the animal difficult to see in the area around it.

Coterie: A group of people or animals, such as prairie dogs, that share a common interest and group.

Dimorphism: Having 2 different body types or structures within the same species, like the difference between male and female ducks.

Dominant: Genetic trait that has more of a chance of being inherited.

Ecosystem: A community of the living organisms in a given area interacting with each other and the non-living components of their environment.

Endangered: A species threatened with extinction.

Enrichment: Creating areas and activities for zoo animals that allow them to act as animals would in the wild, and to give them something to create interest for them.

Forage: Grasses and other plants that are eaten by animals (such as cows).

Habitat: The area that a species or community lives in, often with specific features.

Herbivore: An animal that obtains energy by feeding on primary producers, most usually green plants.

Marsupial: An order of mammals which have young that are born very immature and receive protection and nourishment from within a pouch on the outside of the mother’s body. They are found only in Australia and North and South America.

Matriarch: The leader of a group of animals where the animals follow a female leader.

Nocturnal: An organism that comes out and does most of its activities at night.

Omnivore: An animal that feeds on both plants and animals.

Pachyderm: Mammals with very thick skin and feet that resemble hooves, such as elephants, hippos, and rhinoceroses.

Plumage: Feathers that cover a bird’s body.

Pollinator: An animal, such as a bird or insect, which moves pollen from one plant to another.

Predator: An animal that lives by killing and eating other animals.

Prehensile: Capable of grabbing or grasping.

Prey: An animal that is hunted or killed by another animal for food.

Ruminant: An animal with a specialized digestive system which includes chewing the cud.

Shed: To separate or divide.

Terrain: Land of a particular kind.

Vanishing: To disappear, often never to return again.

Venomous: A toxic matter normally secreted by some animals such as snakes and bees, and transmitted to prey or an enemy chiefly by injection (biting or stinging). Also, an animal that uses venom.

Sources:animaldiversity.org

merriam-webster.comnationalzoo.si.edu

oxfordreference.comanimals.sandiegozoo.org

Vocabulary

Welcome, my friends, to Asia – the world’s largest continent for land and people. Over 4.3 billion people live on 17.2 million square miles of land – from the most frigid northern parts of Russia by the Arctic Ocean, down to the warm Indian Ocean that surrounds India, southern China, Thailand and the Korean peninsula.

Clue 1: “My fur is so soft and sleek, and if you look closely I’m covered in spots not stripes. Slinking through the forest, I hunt for small deer, wild pigs and an occasional moose to fill my appetite.”

What mammal am I?_____________________________

Extension: This cat is a carnivore. What adaptations do you notice that would help it find and catch prey?

Clue 2: “Look on the floor by where I live and you’ll see how long I can grow (over 26 feet!). As I grow, I will shed my skin and leave it behind for others to use.” What reptile am I?_______________________________

Extension: This reptile swallows its food whole, rather than chewing it. It can detach its jaw so it can swallow food as big as the widest part of its body! Try to open your mouth wide enough so that you could swallow something as big as your waist. Can you do it?

Clue 3: “Boy, I’ve got so many others to see, so much to do – I swing around all day! I like hanging out in our little troop that’s always stirring something up! I love eating leaves, biscuits and veggies all day!”

What mammal am I?_____________________________

Extension: This mammal’s prehensile tail is very important. Take a few minutes to observe and write your field notes below: how do these mammals use their tails?

Clue 4: “I may be sleeping upside-down now, but when the sun sets it’s time for me to get moving. When I stretch, my wings can span six and a half feet. It just so happens that I’m one of the only flying mammals – there are 1,100 types of us in the world!”

What mammal am I?_____________________________

Extension: Because it is a pollinator, this mammal is very important in keeping ecosystems healthy. Take a few minutes and list some pollinators that help Ohio’s habitats.

Clue 5: “I am a pachyderm which means I have very thick skin that can protect me. Right now my relatives are having a difficult time because people will sometimes hunt me for my horn.”

What mammal am I?_____________________________

Extension: Different cultures use different utensils to eat their food - chopsticks, forks, spoons and hands are some examples. This mammal has adapted its eating style to munching the branches and leaves off of trees. What do you notice about their mouth that allows them to eat these items?

Clue 6: “I am also a pachyderm. But instead of a horn, I have tusks. Because it is so hot where I am from, I like to cool off by throwing dirt onto my back, taking a refreshing dip in the pool or fanning myself with my big ears. Standing under a shade tree just won’t work – I’m way too big!”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: Take a few minutes and watch this mammal. With 100,000 muscles and no bones in its trunk, it spends most of the day using it in a variety of ways. Observe how it uses its trunk and write down what you notice.

Clue 7: “I am one of the smallest species of my kind in the world. Check out the ‘sun’ spot on my chest – that’s where I get my name!”

What mammal am I?_____________________________

Extension: I spend hours climbing trees, digging into termite mounds and tearing bark off of trees looking for food. What adaptation do I have that would help me accomplish these tasks?

Clue 8: “Hello down there! As you can see I like climbing out high above the ground, practicing my awesome climbing skills. And I’m not ‘kidding’ around – I could jump & climb all day!”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: Known as the national animal of Pakistan, this mammal is a great example of dimorphism. As you can see the male has large, spiral horns while the females have much smaller horns. Name another example of an animal where the males and females look different. What is different about them?

Clue 9: “I like to sleep during the day, but at night the chase is on! I’m the largest of my kind of mammal because I can grow to 800 pounds and stretch out to 10 feet. You may be surprised to know that I love to play in the water!”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: Living in the far eastern area of Russia, this cat has to survive in some pretty cold and snowy territories. Talk with your teammates about some of the physical adaptations this mammal has to make it easier to live in that climate. (Hint: check out those huge paws!)

Extension: Grasses are very tall in the savanna. What type of adaptations do you think this animal needs to help it see predators and find food?

Clue 3: “We’re all mixed up when we run – that’s how we fool our predators. No one knows where we start or end when we are out on the savanna munching away on the tough grass. When you look at us think of an Oreo cookie: black skin with white fur and black stripes on top.”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: You may know of others in this mammal’s species – some are found on the farm or in the wild. List two or three animals who may be related to this mammal.

Clue 4: “Just like the local pizza place, I’m a very popular spot for hanging out. Everyone wants to stop here for something to eat and drink, especially when it’s hot dry outside.”

What place am I? ________________________________

Extension: This place changes visitors constantly throughout the day. In your field notes below, name the current visitors – would they be considered predator or prey? Who would be their prey/predators?

The hot sun….the beating drums….the equator sign…you’ve just entered the Heart of Africa. The savanna stretches far beyond the eye can see, and is home to some of the most unique animals in the world. Siku njema! (Good day in Swahili)

Clue 1: “What is a 300 pound animal’s favorite activity – why eating, of course! I eat up to 60 pounds of meat at a time. My pride works as a team to catch our meals, the ladies do most of the work. I lay around and look handsome – that’s why they call me the king of the jungle.”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: Imagine having to look for your meals during the dark of night. How does this mammal use its senses to make the task easier?

Clue 2: “I may be the largest land bird but I use my legs instead of my wings. Watch me dash across the savanna at 40 mph using my wings as a rudder.”

What bird am I? _________________________________

Clue 5: “Zero to 60 in three seconds….don’t blink or you may miss me. I’m the fastest land mammal in the world, but don’t expect me to be that fast all the time. To conserve my energy, I lie around most of the day and take long naps to replenish my energy.”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: What special body features does this mammal have to give it such speed?

Clue 6: “Because I am so tall, I’m sometimes called the watchtower of the savanna. My days are spent high in the acacia trees reaching for those tasty leaves with my long tongue. I also get most of my water off the dew on the leaves.”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: This animal has a uniquely adapted tongue. It’s color is usually black or purple. In addition, their tongues can be over 18 inches in length. Why do you think it needs these adaptations?

Clue 7: “The party is always happening when I hang out with my family and friends. We like to have a fun time but it can occasionally get out of hand. Sometimes we raid a campsite looking for delicious treats or fun toys. Even Jack’s campsite is not safe from our mischief!”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: If you are not careful and leave food outside overnight, somebody may raid your yard, garden or garbage cans. What animals in your neighborhood may cause this kind of trouble? What steps can you take to prevent this from happening?

From the dry desert of the southwest to the Arctic region of northern Canada, this region hosts a wide variety of creatures both large and small. You may even recognize a few from your local park or river corridor.

Clue 1: “I am a team player who works closely with my pack. We play together, socialize and hunt for our meals as a group. As an apex predator I’m on the top of the food chain because I’m so smart and cunning.”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: Communication is very important in the life of this mammal. They need to mark their territory, let other pack memebers know where they are and prepare for hunting. Watch this animal for a few minutes to see if you notice how they communicate with each other.

Clue 2: “City planning is my specialty. You should see some of my work – elaborate underground towns stretching far across the prairie. I’ve designed many secret tunnels that lead to eating, sleeping and nursery chambers. My coterie is home to dozens of my friends and family members.”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: This animal is specially adapted for digging. What types of adaptations do you notice that would help this animal dig?

Clue 3: “I travel in great herds that migrate across Northern Europe and Asia. My antlers are very impressive until I shed them – the boys drop their antlers in the fall while the girls keep theirs on until spring. I am very popular during a certain time of year – pulling a famous sleigh!”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: Animals that travel over various types of terrain have special adaptations to their feet that make their journeys more comfortable. For example, camels have large, thick foot pads that spread out as they walk across the moving sand dunes. How has the mammal in front of you adapted to the terrain it travels across?

Clue 4: “When you see pictures of the Arctic, I’m the first mammal that comes to mind. I can swim 100 miles across the seas to hunt seals. I’m the largest land predator in the world and one of the most dangerous mammals around.”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: Sub-zero temperatures and blizzard conditions are common where this mammal lives. Staying outside all the time can be very challenging – how has this mammal adapted their body to keep it warm?

Clue 5: “I could eat and eat all day long! I’m an omnivore who chows down on 23,000 calories each day – that’s like eating 67 cheeseburgers! In the fall I can eat 90 pounds of food each day to pack on the weight for the winter months. Then when it’s dark and cold outside, I sleep nice and cozy in my warm den.”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: You will notice there are some fish swimming in the pond located in this mammal’s habitat. How do you think this animal could hunt and catch those fish?

Clue 6: “I’m called by many different names depending on where you find me (six names to be exact!) Climbing is my specialty – I sit high in the trees and pounce on my prey as it walks below. Oh by the way, I’m the largest cat that purrs!”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: This mammal ejoyes the enrichment items placed in its habitat. You may see several different items each day – from boxes filled with treats to special scents such as spices, herbs and perfumes. Unusual items like swan feathers, cow hooves and animal feces may also be used. Knowing that this mammal climbs, jumps and has excellent vision, smell & hearing, what enrichment items would you try?

Clue 7: “Don’t let my small size fool you – I’m fierce and strong when I want to be. As the largest member of the weasel family, I eat everything and anything that crosses my path, even animals many times larger than me. My scientific name says it all: Gulo gulo means ‘glutton’.”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: These animals live in cold, snowy climates. What types of adaptations do you notice that would help them survive in this climate?

Clue 8: “I take a lot of pride in our country – I’m its national symbol. I soar high above the water searching for a fishy meal. My wingspan can reach 7.5 feet and that helps me reach heights of 10,000 feet! From over three miles away I can spot my prey with my excellent eyesight – my vision is four times sharper that a human being!”

What bird am I? _________________________________

Extension: This bird is known for building one of the largest nests around. Sometimes they add onto an old hawk or owl nest,. Nests can weigh up to two tons (4,000 pounds) and measure five feet across. What does this animal use to build its nest?

Deep in the jungle you hear strange noises, see shadows swinging through the tree canopy or smell musky scents of someone marking their territory. The Congo is home to many primates as well as a few other creatures just recently discovered.

Clue 1: “I love chatting to all my friends in the forest, ranting on and on with squeaks, whistles, shrieks and screams. I can have up to 5,000 friends all talking at once. We hang out in a shared nesting area preening ourselves or crunching on nuts and seeds with our strong beaks!”

What bird am I? _________________________________

Extension: Togetherness is not only important for the social life of this bird, but also for their safety. If a predator comes near the nesting area, the flock goes silent then bursts from the trees with a loud shriek. That usually scares the predator away. Take a few minutes and talk with your teammates: what is another animal that uses groups for protection?

Clue 2: “My black and white coat will grab your attention as I swing wildly through the high trees. I live with my family in a group of 8-15; sometimes there is a baby in the group that is totally white when it is born!”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: These monkeys have four-chambered stomachs, like cows and other ruminants. This helps them break down their food for digestion. What types of food do you think they eat?

Clue 3: “Look up in the dense trees – you may find me watching you from above! I love to climb and spend my days resting on the tree limbs. It’s very hard to “spot” me up here, and that is my advantage when I am looking for a meal during the night.”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: Using your keen sense of observation, look around the area of this animal’s habitat. Do you see any clues as to how they hide their food from other predators that may try to steal it? Here’s a clue: look up to where this mammal likes to spend most of their time.

Clue 4: “I’m called a silverback and as an adult male I can weigh up to 500 pounds and stand six feet tall – pretty impressive, huh? My family usually includes 3-4 females and some youngsters. During the day my family will forage through the grasses looking for food, and at night we make huge nests for sleeping.”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: Take a few minutes with your teammates and watch the activities of this mammal. What are they doing? How do their actions look like something we may do? This mammal likes to communicate verbally and nonverbally. List some of the sounds or gestures you see them doing with each other in your field notes below.

Clue 5: “Most of my days are spent relaxing – I like to cool myself by rolling in the mud and watering holes, and sleeping on a bed of cool leaves on the forest floor. I’m built for rooting in the soil with my short snout and sturdy legs. Roots, berries, fruit – yum, yum!”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: How do you think this animal’s snout can help them survive in their habitat?

Clue 6: “My troop loves to forage for food all day, and sneak some play time in now and then. Our group is led by the matriarch who keeps calm and order. We may look like chimps but we are not – my kind is the closest to humans genetically (over 98% the same DNA).”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: This mammal is classified as one of the four great apes. Can you name all four of the great apes? (Hint: three live here at the Columbus Zoo) Take a few minutes and talk with your teammates about some of the differences in appearance and behavior between the apes.

Clue 7: “My colorful, mask-like face is rather attractive to the ladies in my group. When I get excited, my chest may turn blue and red dots may appear on my wrists and ankles. You may also know me by my character Rafiki in The Lion King.”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: You’ve encountered several primates on your journey through the forest. The mammal you’ve just seen is a monkey. What is the main difference between an ape and a monkey?

Clue 8: “I was discovered by scientists in 1901 deep in the heart of the Congo. My velvety, chocolate coat is soft to the touch and my hearing is very keen. It’s difficult to tell what mammal I am because I look like several – am I a zebra, giraffe or a horse?”

What mammal am I? _____________________________

Extension: This mammal is the only true relative of the giraffe, and there are some definite characteristics both have in common. In your field notes below, list some of those similarities between this mammal and the giraffe.

Here in the dark, depth of the seas, you find many examples of colorful and inquisitive fish, reptiles and mammals. Whether it is along our native coastline or across the world in another ocean, you’ll encounter a mysterious and sometimes undiscovered world at the water’s edge.

Clue 1: “Did I catch your attention with my beautiful feathers? That’s why my name means ‘flame’ in Latin. I’m just so social in my flock of hundreds, spending the day wading in the water, sleeping on one leg or sitting on nests.”

What bird am I? _________________________________

Extension: This bird’s beak is designed to efficiently separate out its food. Other water-feeding birds also have a beak they use as a filter. In the space below, draw a picture of this bird’s special beak. What other items found in your home may look like this beak? How are they used?

Clue 2: “You may see a small part of me above the water, but there’s a lot more below the surface! I can weigh over 300 pounds and I’m one of the best predators around. My feet are webbed so I can swim quickly toward my prey. My scaly, muscular tail also helps me swim fast and can be used as a weapon. And my big mouth has over 80 teeth that are constantly being replaced – I can go through 2,000-3,000 teeth during my life!”

What reptile am I? _______________________________

Extension: This animal has a type of adaptation called “counter-shading,” where it is lighter on the bottom of its body and darker on top. How do you think this adaptation would help it survive in its environment?

Clue 3: “I’m one of the fastest birds around, yet I can’t fly, at least not in the air. I fly underwater, sometimes topping speeds of 30 mph. I’m very agile when turning and twisting at sharp angles to avoid predators. Getting wet doesn’t bother me when the water is chilly – I have two types of feathers to keep me warm: one down layer for insulation and one top layer that is waterproof.”

What bird am I? _________________________________

Extension: Counter-shading protects this bird from predators when swimming in the water. This type of camouflage fools sea lions, seals and sharks. Take a few minutes and discuss examples of how other animals use camouflage for protection.

Clue 4: “Don’t be too alarmed if you see me circling in the water – I’m not as dangerous as my larger cousin, the Hammerhead. Constant swimming is very important – it allows me to breathe as water passes through my gills. My skeleton is made entirely of cartilage like you find in your nose or outer ear – no bones about it!”

What f ish am I? _________________________________

Extension: Oceans can be dark and dangerous places, so having some adaptations to fool predators or find food can help a fish to survive. Some fish blend into their surroundings with their color or shapes. Others have unique ways of hunting for their food. This fish has an interesting shape to its head. Draw a picture of the head below. How do you think this helps in hunting or avoiding predators?

Clue 5: “Don’t let my bulgy eyes, cute smile and mild-manner nature fool you – I can be extremely dangerous when I’m threatened. I can blow up like a balloon and stick my spines out to prevent others from eating me.“

What f ish am I? _________________________________

Extension: This fish has a major change in appearance when alarmed. Take a moment to draw a before and after picture of this fish. Think of another bird, fish or mammal that also has a major change in appearance when alarmed or in defense, and draw another before and after picture.

Clue 6: “Gentle giant of the lagoon – that’s a great way to describe my kind. Depending on the time of year you may find me slowly swimming just below the surface along the Florida coast or in the rivers. I can’t believe I get so big (up to 3,000 pounds) just eating sea grasses and other water plants!”

What mammal am I? _________________________________

Extension: This mammal’s closest living relative is the elephant. Despite living in the water, can you describe how this mammal looks and acts just like its land mammal cousin?

Clue 7: As the largest salamander in the U.S., I can weigh up to six pounds, measure 2.5 feet in length and live for 30 years. I’m proud to say that the Columbus Zoo is helping introduce more of my kind back into the wild through their awesome conservation and breeding programs!”

What amphibian am I? _______________________________

Extension: Crafty camouflage helps this amphibian blend into its surroundings on the bottom of a river bed and hide from predators. You probably had a challenge finding the one that lives in the reptile building habitat. Did you find it? Where?

Clue 8: “You may hear me before you see me, especially if I’m startled. My quick strike can deliver a powerful, venomous punch, so be careful where you step when you hike in the woods of the southeast United States. Stretched out I can measure six feet long and weigh over 10 pounds. You’ll know me when you see me – especially from the distinct pattern found on my back.”

What reptile am I? _______________________________

Extension: When cornered this reptile will rattle its famous tail as a warning to tell others to back off. Take a momet and draw this snake’s tail

Clue 1: “I am an oddly shaped bird and I do not fly. My plumage is shaggy with a hair-like appearance. Because I am nocturnal, I eat primarily at night.”

What bird am I? ____________________________________

Extension: This bird is the only bird that has nostrils at the end of its beak. Since it finds most of its food by digging in the ground, describe how this bird would be able to use their special beak and nostrils to find its food.

Clue 2: “I may look like a little bear with my short and stocky little body, but I am actually a marsupial. Many will call me a “bulldozer of the bush” because I love to dig!”

What mammal am I? _________________________________

Extension: These marsupials are excellent diggers. They have super strong feet and long claws that enable them to move up to 3 feet of dirt in one night. The female has a special pouch to help keep dirt out and protect her babies while she digs. What is so special about its pouch?

Clue 3: “Yawn! I am a sleepy marsupial who spends most of my life up in the trees. While I love eucalyptus leaves, I don’t drink a lot of water. Instead, I get almost all of the water I need from these leaves. My name comes from the aboriginal word meaning, ‘no water’.”

What mammal am I? _________________________________

Extension: After observing these arboreal marsupials, what special adaptations do they have on their bodies that would help them to be good tree climbers?

Clue 4: “Hop, hop, hop! I am the largest living member of the marsupial family. But I am best known for carrying my joey in my pouch. I travel in groups called ‘mobs.’ While I am a great hopper, when I am jumping, I cannot move my legs independently of each other and will even spin around on my tail to change direction.”

What mammal am I? _________________________________

Extension: These marsupials are great hoppers and are capable of traveling at 25 mph and cover 26 feet in one jump. In the space below, draw a sketch of one of their back paws. You might be able to find some imprints in the path around their exhibit.

Clue 5: “Listen! Can you hear our ‘song’? There are two species of primate that share this habitat. Both of us are really noisy and our calls can be heard up to 2-3 miles away. We are distinguished by our extremely long arms, which can be 1½ times as long as our legs.”

What mammal am I? _________________________________

Extension: After observing these animals swinging or ‘brachiating’ around their exhibit, what parts of their bodies are specially adapted to help them climb and swing?

Clue 6: “I am easy to spot with my shaggy, reddish-brown hair. My name means “man of the forest.” I also have large arm spans of up to 7½ feet to help me swing or ‘brachiate’ from tree to tree.”

What mammal am I? _________________________________

Extension: This animal lives in the forest trees. What do you notice in their habitat that allows them to live high up?

Clue 7: “I am the smallest member of the otter family. My name is quite descriptive – it describes my extremely short claws that sometimes make me look clawless. I love to swim and will propel myself through the water using my tail as a rudder.”

What mammal am I? _________________________________

Extension: This animal feeds mainly on crabs, shellfish and snails. All of which are extremely hard to open. Unlike other otter species, part of this animal’s body is specially adapted to help them open their food. After observing these animals what part do you think it is? (Hint – It is not their mouths.)

Clue 8: “I don’t breathe fire, but I do look a lot like a dragon! It is probably because I am the largest living member of the lizard family. I will eat just about anything! In fact I can eat up to 80% of my body weight in one meal. That would be about 120-160 pounds of food!”

What reptile am I? _________________________________

Extension: This animal’s bite is extremely deadly. If an animal survives the attack, they will still probably die within days from infection. What does this animal have in its mouth that is so deadly?