African wild dogs are also known as "Cape hunting dogs" or “painted dogs” for their unique mottled coats. These highly social animals share some qualities with domestic dogs, wolves, and other canines, but are not closely related to our four-legged best friends. In fact, they are in a distinct genus from domestic dogs and wolves.
The American bison, or buffalo, is a national icon and the largest land mammal in North America. Millions of bison once roamed great distances across the continent. But over-hunting reduced the population to fewer than 1,000 individuals by the end of the 19th century. Since the founding of the American Bison Society at the Bronx Zoo in 1905, the species has been the subject of a great—if still incomplete—conservation success story.
The loudest voices in the ocean may be the gregarious sea lion. Though clumsy on land, this marine mammal is a strong swimmer and diver, aided by its oar-like flippers and torpedo-shaped body. Sea lions are considered “pinnipeds,” which means “fin-footed” and refers to their long, flat hands and feet.
Lemurs are a type of primate—the order that includes monkeys, apes, and humans—found exclusively in Madagascar. The collared lemur is a subspecies of brown lemur, and gets its name from its orangey beard. These lemurs are also well known for their strong scent, which they use as a communication calling card.
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