Zoo Plaques By Aleah Moylan

Pandas Pandas can be found in the temperate deciduous forest biome. Two natural predators of the panda are jackals and leopards. Pandas are classified as omnivores, since they eat bamboo and small animals. The small animals are usually dead when the pandas eat them, though. Pandas begin climbing trees when they are only six months old, and adult pandas make brilliant climbers. The panda has a parasitic relationship with Baylisascarus shroedri, a roundworm that is blamable for 50% of all panda deaths, and a mutualistic relationship with the bacteria in its stomach. Pandas spend over 12 hours a day eating!

Giraffes Giraffes live in the Savanna biome and wooded grasslands. Leopards, Spotted Hyenas, and Wild Dogs will prey on calves, and Lions with prey on adult giraffes. When giraffes take water from streams, they can be attacked by crocodiles. Giraffes are herbivores, using their long necks to eat the leaves from trees. Camouflage is a giraffes most effective defense. Giraffes have mutualistic relationship with Ox Peckers and other birds. Giraffes’ tongues are about two feet long!

Meerkats Meerkats live in the desert biome. A few of the natural predators that meerkats have are eagles, hyenas, and large snakes. Meerkats are omnivores. They eat bugs, small rodents, and fruit. When meerkats are being attacked, they may overwhelm their antagonist with a cautious display; stiffened fur, a straight tail and stiff legs, also an arched back, all make the meerkats look large and menacing. Meerkats do not have a symbiotic relationship with any other animal. Meerkats are immune to scorpion venom!

Peacocks Peacocks live in the Temperate Forest biome. Some natural predators of peacocks are the leopards, tigers, mongoose, and stray dogs. Peacocks are classified as omnivores because they eat small seeds, insects, and soft fruits. Peacocks have brilliant eyesight, making them able to see predators at a great distance. Peacocks might have parasitical relationships with worms, bacteria, and viruses. A collective group of peacocks is called a ‘party.’

Rhinos Rhinos live in the African Grasslands. Some natural predators rhinos have are big cats, crocodiles, wild dogs, and hyenas. Rhinos are classified as herbivores, as they mostly eat plants in the area they live. Rhinos have a horn to attack predators in defense.. Also, when their skin is dry, their skin will protect the rhino from damage. Rhinos and the Ox Pecker bird has a mutualistic relationship. The rhinos full species name, rhinoceros, comes from the Greek words rhino, meaning nose, and ceros, meaning horn.

Alligators Alligators mainly live in freshwater swamps and marshes. Jaguars and leopards are some natural predators of alligators. Alligators are classified as carnivores. Alligators have thick skin, which maybe harder for its natural predators to kill them. Alligators and the Egyptian Plover have a mutualistic relationship. A fact about alligators is that it cannot move its tongue, and must raise its head to swallow. Alligators cannot move their tongues, they must raise their head to swallow.

Bats Bats live in caves and terrestrial biomes. Snakes, raccoons, and opossums are some of the natural predators of bats. There are many types of bats, of which some are herbivores and some are carnivores. Bats have brilliant vision, making them able to see predators when they come. Bats, like the Mexican Long-Tongued Bat, eats the nectar from many cacti and agaves, pollinating them as they move from plant to plant. Bats are the only mammals that can fly.

Koalas Koalas live in high gum trees in the temperate zone in Australia. Tasmanian wolves, dingoes, and large owls are all natural predators of koalas. Koalas are herbivores, only eating eucalyptus leaves. The color of koalas fur makes the koala harder to see in the treetops, therefore the koalas are protected from their natural predators. Koalas don’t have any symbiotic relationships, because they don’t really interfere with other animals. A baby koala is called a ‘joey.’

Tigers Tigers can live in the tropical forest, grassland, or even the tundra biome. Buffalos, bears, and even elephants (only when protecting offspring) are the natural predators of tigers. Tigers are classified as carnivores, as they eat meat. Tigers defend themselves by posture and growling, if that doesn’t work they attack. Tigers have a symbiotic relationship with its prey. Tiger cubs are born blind!

Leopards Leopards live in the Savanna biome. Their natural predators are lions and tigers, as they can attack a leopard sometimes. Leopards are classified as carnivores, as they eat meat. A leopards fur serves as a brilliant camouflage for when the leopards are in danger. Leopards sometimes have a mutualistic relationship with birds. Leopards have a massive skull that facilitates powerful jaw muscles.

Eagles Bald eagles live in the Taiga biome. They don’t really have natural predators; but when they die, maggots, crows, and other carrion eaters, eat them. Bald eagles are classified as carnivores, as they eat fish, but will also eat anything easy to get a hold of. When Bald eagles are being attacked they use their sharp claws to defend themselves. Bald eagles have a commensalistic relationship with the Coniferous Tree. Bald eagles are the national bird of the United States.

Chimps Chimps live in the Tropical rainforest biome. Their natural predators are leopards and other large cats, as well as, large eagles (they hunt the baby chimps). Chimps are classified as omnivores. When being attacked they use their brilliant strength to fend the predator off. Chimps need trees for food and shelter, and in turn, the chimps eat fruit from the trees and pollinate the seeds throughout the rest of the forest, creating a mutualistic relationship. Chimps can live years!

Cheetahs Cheetahs live in the Grassland biome. Hyenas and lions chase cheetahs away from its food; other than that cheetahs have no other natural predators. Cheetahs are classified as carnivores. In defense, cheetahs can run up to 75 miles per hour. Cheetahs don’t have any symbiotic relationships. Cheetahs have brilliant eyesight; being able to see three miles away!

Kangaroos There are many different species of kangaroos, which means different biomes, but they all live in Australia. Dingoes, foxes, and feral cats are the kangaroo’s natural predators. Kangaroos are classified as herbivores. When being attacked, kangaroos ‘box’ with their front claws, but also balance on their tail and delivers a kick with their strong hind legs, which also have sharp claws. The kangaroo has a commensalistic relationship with the parrot, as the parrot willingly pecks ticks off of the kangaroos fur. A group of kangaroos is called a ‘mob.’

Frogs Frogs live in the Taiga biome. Snakes, owls, certain fish, alligators, crocodiles, and turtles are all natural predators of frogs. As frogs eat flies, they are classified as carnivores. Frogs are brilliant hiders, making it easy for them to hide from their prey. Frogs have a commensalistic relationship with trees, as they are in trees a lot. Frogs absorb water through their skin, so they don’t need to drink.

Sources Nearly all of my information was found on and