Animal Videos
Animal Videos
Why Are Sloths So Slow?
Being slow doesn't seem like the most advantageous adaptation... so why are sloths so slow? They can't easily escape a predator and it takes forever to get to the neighbor's tree. Find the answer to this question in Kenny Coogan's TED-Ed, and maybe even learn a few other sloth facts along the way!
Cross-Fostering Mexican Wolves
Historically, reintroduction of one of the rarest subspecies of grey wolf involved releasing adult wolves who had learned how to be wild in their captive breeding centers. It didn't take long for scientists to realize that there may be a better way... Learn how the Arizona Game and Fish Department, alongside other local and federal organizations, are strengthening the wild Mexican wolf population through cross-fostering tiny pups.
Flamingos Get Hydrotherapy
Watch keepers at the Columbus Zoo have a fun and beneficial swim session with some flamingos, accompanied by some stingrays!
The Science of a Cheetah's Speed
Have you ever wondered what makes the fastest land animal so fast? National Geographic and cheetah experts break down the adaptations that allow the cheetah to reach speeds of more than 60mph!
Creature Feature - Arabian Oryx
If you catch the Arabian oryx from the side, you might think you are looking at a real-life unicorn. With their long, thin horns and large bodies, they were a prime target for hunters who became greedy and quickly led the species to be extinct in the wild. Listen to Liesl King from the Phoenix Zoo explain how the Arabian oryx thrive in the desert and how the Phoenix Zoo helped save the species.
Spectacular Alligator Mating Display
During the breeding season, it is not uncommon to hear dinosaur-like sounds coming from ponds in the southeastern US. To attract the ladies, male alligators will produce a loud, low rumbling sound called a bellow. The bellow indicates the size and fitness of each male. Check out this amazing alligator symphony!
Bear Jumps with Boy at the Nashville Zoo
Andean bears (or spectacled bears) are an incredibly unique species of bear. They are the only bear found in South America and they don't hibernate. They primarily eat fruits and veggies and they are not afraid to climb a tree to reach the good stuff, or just for fun. And, apparently, they like to jump around! Watch Luca, an Andean bear at at the Nashville Zoo, splash around with his new friend.
Great Horned Owl on the Hunt
Great horned owls might look cute and cuddly with their big eyes and their feather tufts, but don't be fooled. They are fierce hunters capable of plucking some raptors right from the sky! Learn how these owls have mastered the hunt.
Teddy Bear the Porcupine Doesn't Like to Share
In need of a good laugh? Us too. We've been watching this for hours.
Slow Motion Rattlesnake
While I wouldn't recommend getting close enough to a rattlesnake to see how it rattles, I have
always wanted to know. Those keratin buttons somehow create one of the most iconic sounds of the southwest. Luckily, this up-close, slow-mo footage of a western diamondback rattlesnake answers all our questions!
Hawks Chase Down a Rabbit
Wolves hunt in packs, lions hunt in prides, and dolphins hunt in pods. It seems that hunting in a group can lead to a lot of full bellies, and the Harris's hawk is one bird of prey that has caught on. While most raptors hunt solo, the Harris's hawk may work in a pair or small group to help catch dinner. Check it out!
Red-Kneed Tarantula Molting
How does a tarantula get bigger? It doesn't have skin that stretches like us, and it doesn't have scales that shed like a snake. Instead, it molts, which basically means they have to grow a new exoskeleton (hard exterior) each time they outgrow their current one. When this happens, the tarantula produces a substance that helps separate itself from the old exoskeleton. Then, it grows a new one and shimmies out of its old one! This process can take up to 15 hours, and the tarantula spends the whole time on its back! Hey, it might be weird, but it works for them.
Beaker the Giant Anteater
Giant anteaters may look a little bizarre, but each weird feature has an amazing function! That long snout is a pathway for a tongue that can reach 2-feet and suck up 30,000 ants and termites per day. That long, sweeping tail can actually be used as blanket. And, I can hardly believe it, some even like avocados and bubble baths?! Learn all about the giant anteater with Dawn, a carnivore (and insectivore) keeper at the Phoenix Zoo!
Pelicans Have the Craziest Way of Yawning
Some things in the natural world are so beautiful, majestic, and unique. Pelicans definitely have the unique part down... If you have ever imagined what a pelican yawning looks like, I can promise you, it is weirder than you thought.
How Smart Are Orangutans?
While primates are smarter than many other animal groups, orangutans have truly made a name for themselves in the world of animal intelligence. With unique personalities and strong family bonds, we often wonder, "How smart are
orangutans?" Enjoy Lu Gao's tales of orangutan brilliance in this creative TED-Ed.
Bird Sounds from the Lyre Bird
There are many birds in the animal kingdom that can mimic sounds. Parrots are known for mimicking human speech; just last night there was a mockingbird pretending to be a car alarm. But nothing is quite as incredible as the mimicry of the Lyre Bird. Don't tell any secrets with them around!
Tiny Chameleons' Tongues Pack Strongest Punch
What first comes to mind when you think of a chameleon? Their incredible camouflage? Their unusual grasping feet? For many, it is the long, sticky tongue that shoots from their mouth and plucks nearby insects. Learn all about their powerful tongue which indulges on many unsuspecting invertebrates.
Birds of Paradise
In the bird world, it is often the male birds who are more colorful or have eccentric patterns, while the females often look a little drab. But don't be fooled, just because they're pretty doesn't mean they don't have to put in the work to attract a girlfriend. The numerous species of Birds of Paradise have really risen to the occasion.
The Most Intense Giraffe Fight You Will Ever See
While we don't condone fighting, I'm not sure how many giraffe arguments are solved with a meaningful conversation. Male giraffes have to defend their territories and their females, and there is often only one way to do that... a duel. Males will combat by swinging their large heads with their horn-like ossicones to try to take out a rival. These two boys will show you how it's done.
Gerenuk Swallowing Cud
Gerenuk are a type of ruminant, as are all antelopes. Ruminants are animals like cows, giraffe, sheep, and deer who are able to obtain nutrients from their plant diet a little differently than most. The process of digestion involves the animal regurgitating some of the food, called cud. While you can't see the cud being regurgitated in most ruminants, the gerenuk has such a long, slender neck that you can watch it happen!
Vultures: An Ecosystem Service in Motion
It is no secret that vultures are not usually shown in the best light. That would change if we viewed animals by their importance in an ecosystem! Vultures are an essential clean-up crew and help prevent the spread of diseases which would occur if animal carcasses were not removed, or eaten. While they may not look the prettiest while they do it, vultures help ecosystems run smoothly. Learn all about what would happen if all the vultures went away.
Observe the Most High-Stakes Blind Dog Date Ever
Sometimes, science is weird. There is no denying that. Sometimes, science is rubbing sleeping African predators on each other in the middle of the bush. Check out how these scientists helped to expand the range of the African painted dog by doing just that!
Why These Vegetarian Monkeys Have Sharp Predator Teeth
When I picture an herbivore, I certainly do not picture huge fangs. I picture large, flat teeth which are very efficient at grinding vegetation. But occasionally, some herbivores have teeth that don't quite fit the standard. Discover why the vegetarian gelada looks like he would enjoy a nice steak.
How We Brought the Condor Back from the Brink
Can you believe only 22 wild California condors remained in 1982, and today more than 400 exist? In this TEDxDeExtinction, Michael Mace describes the incredible comeback of these majestic birds with a 9-foot wingspan!
How Baby Flamingos Get Their Pink Color
While baby flamingos might not have a beautiful pink shade, they definitely are cute with their white fuzz and tiny beak. But they don't stay white and fluffy forever, so what happens? BBC explains the magic behind the color-changing flamingo.
The Bowerbird's Grand Performance
I always thought having a clean work space helps my performance, and nobody agrees more than the Bowerbird. In fact, a nice, clean area sometimes even makes him want to dance. You thought you were particular? The Bowerbird will show you otherwise.
Alligators in B-Flat
It is not every day you see a tuba at the zoo... but here is proof that it did happen at least once, and the alligators couldn't help but sing along.
Elephants' Incredible Intelligence
A big animal doesn't always mean a big brain, but for elephants, there is a lot going on between those massive ears. Elephants are able to build road maps in their head and can seemingly pass information down through generations. Join Maddie Moate as she explains the inquiry, thoughtfulness, and playfulness we observe in elephant populations.
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