Zoo Animal Fact Card Outline
Common Name: Brown Bear
Status (circle one):
Stable/Least Concern
Species Name: Ursus arctos
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Primary Diet:
• Roots, Fungi, Nuts,
Grasses, Berries
• Insects/Bugs
• Salmon, Deer, Elk,
Moose, Bison
• Carrion
*OMNIVORE*
Region:
- NW North America
- Northern Eurasia
Physical Adaptations (3-5)
•
•
Endangered
Habitat/Biome:
Dry Asian Steppes
Arctic Shrublands
Temperate Rain Forests
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Behavioral Adaptations (2-5)
Supporting FACTS:
•
•
Can run at speeds up to 40 mph
•
Brown bears are extremely strong and
have good endurance; they can kill a cow
with one blow, outrun a horse, out swim
an Olympic swimmer, and drag a dead elk
uphill. However when given the
opportunity, they will eat dead animals vs.
using energy to hunt live ones.
Store up to 400 lbs of fat during
the summer for use during
aestivation.
•
Extremely protective of cubs
•
Gestation lasts about 184 days
(6 Months)
•
Generally Solitary
•
•
Crepuscular (active during twilight) and
Nocturnal (active at night)
Litter Size: Avg. 2 cubs (born
during winter), Breeding
Interval: Avg. 2-4 years
•
Color ranges from pale yellowish to dark brown;
usually white tips on the hairs, especially on the
back, resulting in a frosted or “grizzled” effect.
Differs from black bear in being larger as an adult
and by having a hump above the shoulders and a
concave (rather than straight or convex) facial
profile.
•
Hump on shoulders is a massive muscle used for
digging.
•
Claws on front feet of adults about 4 inches long
and curved; head and body of adults about 6-8 feet,
height at shoulders 3-4.5 feet.
Special Notes
- Lives 20-30 Years (Captivity 50+)
- Male Avg. 850 lbs; Female Avg. 450lbs
- About 200,000 known to exist. (Russia 100,000 +
U.S. 33,000)
-JBZ male bear = Grizzly, came from Yellowstone
region, was a pest bear and was placed in captivity
-JBZ female bear = Coastal Brow Bear, came from
Alaska, a pest bear feeding on scraps from a cannery.
Occupy a greater diversity of habitats than
any other species of bear and also exploit
a large variety of food items.
Three possible themes for this animal:
1. Bear s don’t truly hibernate, they are just deep sleepers.
2. Bears have several adaptations to help them find food, making
them skillful foragers & hunters.
3. Bears need our help! Everyone can work with zoos to help give
aid in bear conservation.
Animal: Brown Bear
(JBZ Subspecies: Grizzly Brown Bear &
Coastal Brown Bear)
Theme: Bear don’t truly hibernate, they are just deep sleepers.
Critter Chat Title: The Bare Facts about Bears’ Sleeping Patterns
Props/Audience Involvement Ideas (directions for use may
be on a separate sheet):
Introduction/Invitation:
Hi, my name is _____________________,
welcome to the Bear Exhibit! I wanted to
open up with a question, and that is….
-Bear Pelt or fur chunk (used for warmth while denning)
-JBZ bear diet cards (summer vs. winter)
-Omnivore/Bear biscuit
Activity: Critter Chat
Topic: Adaptations
Suggested location(s): Brown Bear
Exhibit
1) Open ended question:
2) Focus Question:
3) Integrating Questions:
Anyone can answer, every answer
is right…
Zero in on specifics, focus on details, direct attention to…
Integrates information rather than just recalling, applies observations…
Why do we sleep? What do you think happens
when we sleep?
-Replace important chemicals (immunity)
-Repair Wounds and Rest body and mind.
Why don’t we see squirrels, frogs, or snakes during the
winter? Begin a discussion on lack of food availability
How many hours do you
normally sleep?
What is the longest amount of time you have ever slept?
Could you sleep for 5-6 months?!
Theme Introduction: Although bears do exhibit a form of dormancy, they do not truly hibernate.
They fall into a deep sleep during winter months when food is scarce; however they can still wake up!
Body (Highlight points to support the theme):
•
Bears do become dormant for 4-5 months during the winter and do prepare for dormancy (not
hibernation) by storing over 400 lbs of fat before winter.
•
Bears store up the extra body fat by feasting on huge quantities of food for several months in the
late summer and fall seasons.
•
Bears don’t fully hibernate because they need keep up their body heat in order to feed newly born
cubs (discuss the use of fat and fur to maintain body heat). They also have the ability to wake up
fairly quickly– hibernating animals (i.e. ground squirrels) do not, it takes them several hours to
wake up.
•
Bears’ core temperature fluctuates only a few degrees their normal body temperature when in a
deep sleep. True hibernators keep their body temp only 2-3 degrees above freezing.
•
Bears do not urinate or defecate during dormancy. Prior to their sleep they will eat a lot of
grasses & mud that will be used to “plug-up” their bodies.
•
Our bears here at the zoo do not go dormant because they are supplied year round with food,
however they do eat a lot less during winter months. Use diet cards to illustrate this point.
Compare wild bear food sources vs. those supplied in zoo. Use bear interactive for wild food info.
Theme Conclusion:
Bears do not hibernate; they just sleep for an
extended period of time (often termed
“denning”). They do this to evade the
hardships of winter; however they still
provide care and protection for newborn cubs
born during this time of dormancy.
*BEARS WILL WAKE UP & DEFEND
THEMSELVES IF YOU DISTURB THEM
DURING THEIR WINTER DORMANCY!!
Conservation Connection:
Human development in bear territories are
increasing each year. It is important for
people to advocate for bear habitat & food
resource protection. As food resources
become depleted, bears become more
dependant on human influences (dump
stations, camp sites, etc.) and therefore
become pest bears.
Zoo Animal Fact Card Outline
Common Name: North American River Otter
Status (circle one):
Stable/Least Concern
Species Name: Lontra canidensis
Special Notes–Conservation, Zoo Care, Exhibit Design
etc.:
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Primary Diet:
•
•
•
•
Crustaceans
Fish
Turtles
Rodents
*CARNIVORE
Habitat/Biome: Streams,
lakes, rivers, wetlands
Endangered
Region: Most of North
America, avoiding the hot
dry areas like AZ, TX
etc… found throughout
Canada and parts of
Mexico too.
Extinct in the Wild
Physical Adaptations (3-5)
•
Can close ears and nose to stay underwater for up
to 8 minutes! Also they have a nictitating
membrane to cover their eyes to see underwater.
•
When they dive, they immediately slow their pulse
to conserve oxygen
•
Thick fur to help keep heat in and water out.
•
Long extremely sensitive whiskers that can sense
the change in water pressure (i.e. if a fish swims
by) that help them navigate in dark and murky
waters.
•
Critically Endangered
Behavioral Adaptations (2-5)
•
Hunt at night for their prey
•
They disappear from a region once
pollution has been detected by them and
then move on.
•
They seem to “play” a lot but it is used to
develop bonds between family members
and motor skills
•
Spends 2/3rds of its time on land
Three possible themes for this animal:
Belongs to the Mustelid family. This family
includes weasels, skunks, badges, and wolverines.
This means they have scent glands that they use to
spray an unpleasant scent to mark their territory or
to deter predators
Live 15-20 yrs in captivity, 8-12yrs in
wild.
Predators: bobcats, coyotes,
alligators, birds of prey
1. Adaptations
2.
3.
Supporting FACTS:
•
Were hunted for their pelts, but
since has stopped and
reintroductions back into
habitats have started in 21
states.
•
Mothers can delay implantation
of the egg for up to 9 months!
•
Capable of running up to 29
km/hr on land!
•
Webbed feet to help with
propulsion
•
Can dive up to 60 ft!
Theme: Adaptations for living in the water
Animal:
North American River Otter
Critter Chat Title: Just Keep swimming, swimming, swimming…..
Introduction/Invitation:
Welcome to the North American
River Otter exhibit. My name is
_______ and I am here to tell you
about river otters!
Props/Audience Involvement
Ideas (directions for use may
be on a separate sheet):
Suggested location(s):
Activity: Critter Chat
River Otter Exhibit
Topic: adaptations
Otter pelt,
1) Open ended question:
2) Focus Question:
3) Integrating Question:
Anyone can answer, every answer
is right…
Zero in on specifics, focus on details, direct attention
to…
Integrates information rather than just recalling or describing, applies
observations…
Do you like to go
swimming?
Do you like to go swimming in the
winter in MI?
Theme Introduction:
Theme Conclusion:
Otters have great adaptations to help them survive in the
water.
Body (Highlight 3-5 points to support the theme):
•
Eyes have nictitating membrane, ears and nose that close
underwater
•
Warm fur
•
Webbed feet and a strong tail that acts as a rudder
•
Slinky bodies to help them get into tight spaces
•
Long whiskers to help them “see” in dark and murky waters
Conservation Connection:
North American river otters have been hunted for many
years for their attractive and durable fur. In the 1983-84
hunting season, 33,135 otters were taken with an average
selling price of $18.71 per pelt. Otters are still an
important source of income for many people in Canada
and the western United States. River otters also eat "trash
fish" that compete with more economically desirable
game fish.
Zoo Animal Fact Card Outline
Common Name: Snow Leopard
Status (circle one):
Stable/Least Concern
Species Name: Panthera uncia
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Primary Diet:
•
•
•
Wild
Sheep/Goats
Deer
Boar
*CARNIVORE
Habitat/Biome:
Mountainous region
and coniferous
forests
Region:
Central Asia, mostly
in the mountains of
Himalayas, Hindu
Kush and Altai
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Special Notes–Conservation, Zoo Care, Exhibit Design
etc.:
-We have 3 Snow Leopards. Only 1 or 2 are
out on exhibit at a time.
-Snow Leopards have been considered
endangered since 1972.
-Lifespan in the wild is estimated to be
between 10 and 12 years (up to 21 in
captivity)
Behavioral Adaptations (2-5)
Supporting FACTS:
•
Active at dawn and dusk to catch their
prey but it does vary depending on area
they live in
•
They can kill something 3x
their weight
•
Their numbers are in decline
due to poaching (estimating
3000-8,000)
•
There are between 500-700 in
zoos around the world
Physical Adaptations (3-5)
•
One of the few large cats that cannot roar
•
•
Weigh between 60 and 120 lbs (males weigh more
than females)
Solitary animals except mating season
(generally December thru March)
•
Not much is known about them because
they are so secretive
•
•
They use their long tails for balance on the sides of
the mountains and also to cover their face during
the cold winter months
Large paws for walking on snow so they do not fall
through it (like snowshoes for humans)
•
Can leap up to 30ft!
•
Well developed chest for living in high altitudes
•
Spotted fur- used as camouflage so that they can
hide from their prey much easier
•
•
•
Three possible themes for this animal:
1. Silent Stalkers
2. Physical Adaptations
Theme: Adaptations
Animal: Snow Leopard
Critter Chat Title: Silent Stalkers
Introduction/Invitation:
Hello! My name is ________________ and welcome to
the Snow Leopard Exhibit!
Props/Audience Involvement
Ideas (directions for use may
be on a separate sheet):
Snow Leopard Skull
Suggested location(s):
Snow Leopard
Exhibit
Activity: Critter Chat
Topic: Adaptations
Snow Leopard Pelt
1) Open ended question:
2) Focus Question:
3) Integrating Question:
Anyone can answer, every answer
is right…
Zero in on specifics, focus on details, direct attention
to…
Integrates information rather than just recalling or describing, applies
observations…
What do you do to stay
warm in the winter?
Do you have a tail to keep you warm?
Theme Introduction:
Snow leopards have several adaptations for living in the cold
mountainous regions
What is something you notice about the Snow
Leopard?
Theme Conclusion:
Despite living in very harsh conditions, Snow
Leopards have many physical adaptations to
survive
Body (Highlight 3-5 points to support the theme):
•
Their tails are as long as their bodies for balance when they
are jumping/climbing
•
They have very large paws with fur on the bottom that act like
snow shoes that keep them warm!
•
The tail is used to wrap around their face and head during the
cold winter nights
•
They have a lot denser fur than other large cats to help keep
them warm
Conservation Connection:
Snow Leopards live in remote areas where they
have been hunted for their warms coats. Along with
habitat destruction and loss of prey, they are in
need of being protected.
Zoo Animal Fact Card Outline
Common Name: Cougar (most common name in N.
America) also with Deer Tiger, Mountain Lion, and
Red Tiger; Puma (also Spanish), Catamount
Species Name: Puma Concolor
Status (circle one):
Stable/Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Primary Diet:
•
•
•
•
Deer
Elk
Raccoon
Porcupine
*CARNIVORE
Habitat/Biome: All forest
types as well as lowland
and mountainous desert.
Region: Western
Hemisphere of Canada
and the US, down
through Central and S.
America to the southern
tip of Chile.
Physical Adaptations (3-5)
•
Deer make up 60-80% of Cougar’s diet.
•
The cougar's Latin name gives a clue to its
appearance; “concolor” means “cat of one
color” and adult cougars' fur is a uniform redbrown or gray-brown.
•
Cougars have long, slender bodies with very
long tails (1/3 the size of body) and broad,
round heads with erect, rounded ears.
•
Adult cats average from 6 feet (females) to 8 feet
(males) long, including their tail. Males, at
around 140 pounds, are larger than females at
about 105 pounds.
•
Cougars may leap as far as 20 ft. onto a deer's
back and can kill with one bite to the neck.
•
Can swim, climb trees, and leap horizontally
and vertically equally well.
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Special Notes–Conservation, Zoo Care, Exhibit Design
etc.:
Listed as Near Threatened as it is a widespread
species. However, it is considered to be declining
(Endangered), and as a large predator its
conservation presents numerous challenges. They
have been uprooted from large areas of their
historic range in North America.
The species is protected across much of its range,
with hunting being prohibited.
Behavioral Adaptations (2-5)
Supporting FACTS:
•
Usually do not chase down their prey,
but stalk and ambush.
•
•
May live up to 12-20 years in
the wild (around 25 in
captivity).
Cougars are mostly lone animals,
except for mothers raising cubs and the
time a pair spends together while
mating.
•
They may be preyed on by
other cougars, wolves, or
bears when they are young or
ill.
•
Mountain lions are primarily
nocturnal.
•
Can use low-pitched hisses,
growls, purrs, yowls, and
screams to communicate.
•
Cougars are very territorial.
•
They are most active during dawn and
dusk, due to their prey being active
during that time period.
Three possible themes for this animal:
1. What’s in a name?
2. Do you hear that?!
3. Color and size help catch their prize
Theme:
Animal: Cougar
What’s in a name?
Introduction/Invitation:
Hi, my name is _____________________,
welcome to the North American Region! I
wanted to open up with a question, and that
is….
Props/Audience Involvement
Ideas (directions for use may
be on a separate sheet):
1. Regional map
2. Props: claw, fur (to notice
color), string (measure
length of tail to body)
1) Open ended question:
2) Focus Question:
Anyone can answer, every answer
is right…
Zero in on specifics, focus on details, direct attention
to…
Do you have any
nicknames that your
parents called you
when you were a baby?
Why do we use nicknames?
(For fun, for memory, to define
personality, to show relationship,
etc.)
Suggested location(s):
North American
Region
Activity: Critter Chat
Topic: The cat of many names
3) Integrating Question:
Integrates information rather than just recalling or describing, applies
observations…
Can you think of other animals you know whose
name matches where they live or what they look
like?
(Focus on JBZ animals: Green and Yellow Poison
Dart Frogs, Spider Monkeys, Eastern Coastal and
Grizzly Bears, Pygmy Goats, Leopard Shark, etc.)
Theme Introduction:
Panthers, cougars, mountain lions, and pumas are all different
names for the same animal, though they are used to describe
different subspecies.
Body (Highlight 3-5 points to support the theme):
•
A different name is used depending on the region the cougar
lives:
*Eastern Cougar lives in the Eastern US
*Florida Cougar lives in Florida
*Puma (Spanish) lives in North and South America
*Catamount lives in the mountains
•
A different name could also be used based on the cougar’s
appearance: Painter, Red Tiger, Silver Lion
•
Or a different name could be used depicting the cougar’s
behavior (what it eats, how it sounds, etc): Mountain
Screamer, Deercat, Deer Tiger, Sneak Cat, Ghost Cat
Theme Conclusion:
Ghost Cat. Catamount. Puma. Painter. Screamer.
Panther. Mountain lion. Cougar. The many names
given the nation's largest cat convey the mystery
surrounding this solitary hunter. But the variety of
names also demonstrates the cougar's original
distribution across the North American continent and
from southern Canada to the tip of South America.
Conservation Connection:
Pumas are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, and
poaching of their wild prey base. They are persecuted across
their range by retaliatory hunting due to livestock
depredation, and due to fear that they pose a threat to human
life. Pumas are still legally hunted in many western US
states, although hunting was banned by popular referendum in
California in 1990.