The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large, semi-aquatic reptile native to the southeastern United States. Adults typically range from 3 to 4.5 metres in length, with some males reaching up to 5.8 metres. They have dark, nearly black scales with rough, bumpy skin and a muscular, broad body. Their heads are broad and rounded with large, powerful jaws filled with sharp, conical teeth. The eyes and nostrils are positioned on top of the head, allowing them to see and breathe while the rest of the body is submerged.
Alligators are carnivorous and have a varied diet consisting mainly of fish, birds, and mammals, adapting to available prey in their wetland habitats. They commonly eat fish and wading birds but will also prey on mammals especially during drier seasons. Amphibians, like frogs and toads, are often eaten by juvenile alligators, along with smaller reptiles such as turtles and snakes. They also consume invertebrates like crayfish and snails, particularly as juveniles. Opportunistic in nature, alligators will eat almost anything they can catch, including carrion when available, making them highly adaptable predators in their ecosystem.
Plains Zebras migrate annually across Namibia and Botswana in search of better grazing pastures, forming Africa’s longest land migration of over 400kms. Zebra can reach speeds of 65kph. They can also deliver strong kicks and bite when threatened
Mid-sized and thick bodied, Zebras are recognisable by boldly striped black and white with a black or dark muzzle. All Zebras have individual markings with no two alike. Their necks are maned with short hair and their tail ends in a longhaired tuft
Southern Sudan and southern Ethiopia, east of the Nile River to southern Angola and northern Namibia and northern South Africa
Herbivore; Feeding selectively on particular grass species
Breeding occurs throughout the year although peak births occur during the wet season. The herd stallion has sole breeding access to the females
Zebras are a highly social species, living in complex social systems. Harems comprise a single stallion to several unrelated mares and their recent offspring. Bachelor groups also exist. Groups come together to form migrating herds of 10,000 or more for safety against predators.
The Domedary Camel has a single hump, which stores fat the Camel can break down when resources are scarce. Our camels certainly don’t have this problem, and when cisiting you’ll discovery they are VERY enthusiastic feeeders and may put their mouth around your hand if you’re offering food. For that reason we ask you to keep your hand flat when feeding camels.
Diet
Camels are herbivorous grazers that constantly eat foliage, dry grasses, and available desert vegetation (mostly thorny plants).
It takes 15 months, longer than a year for a femal Camel to be ready to give birth to a sinlge baby camel.
Camels were introduced to Australia much earlier than you may think – right back in 1840. Burke and Wills used Camels while exploring because of their ability to survive in dry, arid conditions for a long period of time.
Australia is lucky enough to have several species of brightly coloured Lorikeets. Named after their stunning technicoloured appearance, rainbow lorikeets are a beautiful sight in many Australian backyards, parks and gardens. In the early 1900s Rainbow lorikeet numbers were concerning, but after protections were put in place, their numbers have steadily built over the last 60 odd years. Larger birds, feral cats and the international parrot trade still pose a threat to these stunning birds, but their numbers are currently strong.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park’s walk through Lorikeet Sanctuary is home to Rainbow Lorikeets, Scaly Breasted Lorikeets, and Red-Collared Lorikeets. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park also boasts a selection of Lorikeets in their aviary.
C175: 25.30CM
SEXES: SIMILAR
HABITAT: Found in open forests and closed
DIET: Their diet consists of nectar, pollen, fruit, seeds and insects
BREEDING: Both sexes prepare the nest cavity and feed the young, but only the female incubates
the egg. The clutch size is between and s eggs, which are incubated for 25 days.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Although wide easterly
distribution, often locally common in southern Queensland.
SIZE: 23CM
SEXES: SIMILAR
HABITAT: Woodland, urban parks and gardens
DIET: Eucalyptus and Banksia flowers, not as adaptable to cultivated foods as the familiar Rainbow Lorikeet
BREEDING: May-February, nests are made in a tree hollow. 2-3 eggs laid and incubated for 29 days.
GENERAL INFORMATION: similar to the Raindow Lorikeet, replacing the former in the Northern Territory and Kimberely region.
SEXES: SIMILAR
Largest Australian Lorikeet, they are less tolerant of urbanisation than their cousins.
SIZE: 26 CM
HABITAT: Woodland, swamps, parks and gardens.
DIET: Range of native flower nectar and insect larvae
BREEDING: Aug-Dec, 1-3 eggs laid in a tree hollow and incubated for 23 days. Young fledge at 8-9 weeks.
Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are small, lively mammals native to southern Africa. Known for their adorable habit of standing upright on their hind legs, they act as lookout scouts for their group. With their sharp eyes and social nature, they live in large families, hunting insects, digging for roots, and keeping an eye out for predators. Always curious and playful, meerkats are famous for their teamwork, taking turns to keep watch and even grooming each other in their tight-knit clans!
Meerkats are primarily insectivores, but their diet is quite varied. They primarily hunt insects, such as termites, beetles, and grasshoppers, which make up a large part of their diet. However, they are opportunistic eaters and will also feast on small vertebrates, including lizards, small birds, and rodents. Additionally, meerkats enjoy fruits, berries, and roots, particularly during times when insects are less abundant. They are also known to raid bird nests for eggs. Their diverse diet helps them adapt to the changing conditions of their desert and savanna habitats.