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6 ANIMAL FACTS YOU’LL LEARN ON YOUR VISIT

With all of the animals in the park, it’s easy to understand how every visit is a unique experience. In fact, you never know who you’ll see when you drive or walkthrough. You can, however, always count on seeing some amazing animals each and every time you visit. You can also count on learning some interesting things, including a few facts that might surprise you.  

Here are some of the things you are sure to learn the next time you visit Aggieland Wild Animal Safari.

Parrots and Macaws can be loud!

These guys are beautiful and interesting, but you might be surprised at how loud they can actually be. How loud? The average macaw scream can reach around 100 decibels, To get a feel for how loud that can be, a motorcycle or chainsaw is in a similar range! But they aren’t loud just to be annoying, they are communicative and social animals that just want to chat!

Animals have unique personalities

If you have a pet you know that they have their own personalities, but some people are surprised to find out that this is true of all animals. They all have their own unique characteristics, likes, and dislikes, just like we do. This includes everything from horses and sheep to monkeys, hogs, and otters. They also like to play and have moods, just like us. 

Hippos are huge 

Of course, everyone knows that hippos are big animals, but you only really understand just how big they are when you see them in person! They are one of the largest land animals on the planet, with male hippos reaching up to around 3,200 kg. This is roughly the same weight as a few small cars combined. 

Animals are curious

You might be surprised that the animals you see are often as curious as you are. They might approach you, try to smell you, and figure out what you are. While all animals have their curious sides, some are especially interested in our guests. You’ll see them eagerly approaching cars and trying to get a peek inside. 

Spider monkeys are very acrobatic 

Spider monkeys spend a lot of their time in the canopy of rain forests, foraging for food high in the treetops. To safely and effectively navigate through the trees, they have to be strong and acrobatic. A lot of people are surprised at just how agile they are when they see them in person. You might also not realize that they love fruit and are very social, living in groups up to 30!

Kangaroos are tall

Depending on the species, kangaroos can reach between 4 and nearly 8 feet tall when standing up. This is a surprise for many people who don’t know exactly how tall and big these guys can be. Since they spend a lot of time leaning over and hopping, it is easy to underestimate their height! 

You will also learn that animals can be moody and unpredictable. There are times when they feel like visiting guests, but they also are sometimes sleepy or disinterested. This is one reason it’s good to visit the park a few times, especially during different seasons, so you get the full Aggieland experience!

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FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE HIPPOPOTAMUS

There’s no doubt about it, the hippopotamus is an interesting animal. From their impressive size to their tendency to spend so much time in the water, the hippo is always a guest favorite. While everyone knows a hippo when they see them, there are lots of things people don’t know about this amazing semi-aquatic mammal.

1. Hippos are considered to be the second-largest land animal in the world, right after the elephant. A male hippo can actually weigh up to 3,200 kg!

2. To stay cool and keep their skin hydrated, hippos spend most of their time in the water. Because their eyes, nose, and ears are located on top of their head, they can nearly completely emerge their bodies to stay cool and still be aware of their surroundings.

3. Hippos do not have typical sweat glands, their glands actually secrete a reddish oil-like substance that helps protect their skin from drying out. This also acts as a natural sunblock to protect their sensitive skin.

4. Hippos are more active at night when it’s cooler. This is when they forage for food, which is grass and other greenery because they are actually herbivores! They can eat a lot too, downing up to 35kg a day!

5. Hippo teeth are interesting because their canines and incisors grow continuously. This is important because constant chewing on greenery wears them down. These teeth can reach around 20 inches in length and males even use them in fights.

6. Hippos are made to be in the water, with a clear membrane that covers their eyes so they can open them and see while underwater. Their nostrils also close and they can hold their breath for up to five minutes. They even sleep underwater and have a natural reflex that allows them to bop up and sink down without waking up.

7. Hippos live in groups of up to twenty. These groups are called herds and they are led by one dominant male. Only non-breeding males, females, and young hippos are allowed in the same herd.

Last but not least, the name hippopotamus comes from a Greek word that means river or water horse. But don’t be fooled, they are not related to horses, it just is a descriptive term that has stuck! You can see one of these magnificent guys on your next visit, so plan a trip today!

 

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MEET THE KINKAJOU

The kinkajou (Potos flavus), also called a honey bear, is an interesting fellow people look forward to meeting when they visit the wild animal park. While the name may not be familiar, the kinkajou is related to something far more familiar, the raccoon. Today we are going to learn what makes this rain forest mammal so unique.

Physical characteristics

The kinkajou is an intriguing animal, distinguished by its round head, large eyes, and a long prehensile tail. Their tail and extensible tongue make it easy for them to maneuver among tree limbs. Its body length is about twenty-four inches, excluding the tail. They usually do not weigh more than ten pounds and have a soft coat that changes colors based on the season. Their dense fur provides natural protection from rain, heat, and other outdoor elements. They also have short legs, sharp claws and green or yellow eyes. Females tend to be smaller than males but otherwise have similar features.

Diet

Ripe fig fruits on the tree.

Officially, the kinkajou is a carnivore, and it has the sharp teeth that go with it. However, they are omnivores and eat leaves, flowers, and fruits, especially figs. They might also eat insects when convenient, and they have long tongues that make it easy to enjoy nectar from flowers.

Habitat

Tropical tree in the jungle of Cabo Blanco in Nicoya Peninsula, Costa-Rica

The kinkajou is native to Central America and South America, living in tropical rainforests and mountain forests. They tend to congregate in fruit trees and spend a great deal of time in the forest canopy, which they can easily navigate with their prehensile tail. They are nocturnal animals, so people do not often see them in the wild.

Behavior

The kinkajou is mostly solitary, but they gather at times to socialize, play, and sometimes sleep. They also may gather to forage for food, which they do after dusk. They use their long tail as a fifth hand while climbing. They can be territorial, driving outsiders out of their area with aggressive displays. Scent glands at the corner of their mouths, throats and abdomen help them mark their territory.

Baby kinkajou

The female kinkajou gestation period is up to 118 days and gives birth to a single offspring at a time. Babies start to eat solid food at around eight weeks. They quickly climb and navigate through trees and usually start climbing by themselves in about three months. Female baby kinkajous stay with their mothers for approximately two years, longer than their male counterparts.

Conservation

Kinkajous are not an endangered species. However, they face threats from poachers who hunt them for fur and meat or exotic pet trade. Because they are exotic animals, a pet kinkajou is not recommended no matter how cute they are! They are most active in the middle of the night, often destructive, and not to mention kinkajou bite is painful.

The kinkajou is quite an exciting animal and fairly striking to see in person with their extra-large eyes and distinct features. Stop by and meet one during your next visit and be sure to tell us all about it on Facebook!

Plan your visit

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BABY ANIMALS

Springtime might be when the weather warms up, but it is also baby time! What better way to celebrate than to explore the cute, interesting, and amazing world of baby animals! 

Here are some fun facts you may not have known about your favorite baby animals.

Giraffe Calves

Giraffes are named like cattle, with females being called cows, males are called bulls, and babies are called calves. Gestation lasts around 15 months, and calves arrive into the world at about 6 feet tall and up to 150 pounds! Although they look awkward, within about an hour they can stand and walk around. Their little horns are flat when born but stand up within about an hour as well.  They also grow very quickly and will roughly double their size by the time they reach a year old. The entire herd helps raise calves, with mothers taking turns watching over groups of calves.

Kinkajous baby

Kinkajous also called sugar or honey bears, are mammals that live in tropical areas, like rainforests. They are related to raccoons, and gestation lasts 100-120 days. Baby kinkajous are born one or two at a time and are blind for the first week or two of life. They don’t usually eat solid food until they are between 3 to 5 months old. After they are weaned, they start venturing away from their mom more, climbing trees and playing. Baby boys tend to leave when they are around 18 months, but baby girls stay around 2 years.

Hippo baby 

If you’ve ever seen a baby hippo, you know exactly how cute these guys are! They have the same proportions as their adult counterparts, with short legs, barrel chests, and huge mouths, only smaller. Called calves, baby hippos are between 50 and 100 or so pounds when they are born. Mother hippos are pregnant for just eight months and have one baby at a time. Calves live on milk at first, but quickly start eating grass within three to four weeks after birth. It takes five to seven years for a calf to be considered fully mature.

Porcupine baby 

Porcupines might be covered in sharp quills, but they are still quite cute, just as long as you keep your distance! Baby porcupines, called porcupettes, are even more adorable!  Mother porcupines are pregnant for up to 31 weeks, depending on the species. April through May is considered the baby season for porcupines, as this is when most porcupettes are born. It takes porcupettes up to 2.5 years to mature, but most species only stay with their mom through the summer after their birth before venturing out on their own. When they are born, their quills are actually soft, but they harden up over a few days.

Of course, we know that all animals, babies, and adults, are special and amazing. When you visit the park you’ll see all sorts of interesting animal friends, and you never know, maybe you’ll see a baby too if you’re lucky.

Plan your trip today.

 

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SMALL IS IN THIS YEAR… MEET THE MINI’S!

It’s an undeniable fact, small things are cute. There is just something about miniatures that adds up to big smiles. And while baby animals will always have a special place in our hearts, our list of favorites will always have room for minis.

Where do minis come from? Sometimes they are bred for size, but that is not always the case. There are some breeds that are naturally small in stature in comparison to their mainstream counterparts.

Today we want to talk about three such miniature animals that may be small in size, but big on personality, the mini donkey, zebu, and pygmy goat.  

Mini donkey

Donkeys are easily recognized by their large head, long ears and face, and nearly cow-like tails. The mini donkey is a smaller, more compact version, typically reaching no more than 3 feet tall and weighing up to 300 pounds. Like their larger counterparts, the mini donkey is clever, a bit stubborn, and very social. They spend a lot of the time grazing and you can hear them bray, just like the big boys. Imported to the US in 1929, mini donkeys originally came from Sicily and Sardinia. A novelty at first, the mini donkey has gained popularity over the years, even as a pet.

Miniature Zebu

Miniature Zebus are actually the smallest species of cattle in the world. They are easy to identify by the tell-tale hump on their upper back and height, which doesn’t exceed about 42 inches. Their small size is natural, they are not a miniaturized version of a larger breed which makes them a bit unusual in the world of small animals. Like all cattle, the mini Zebu is hardy and spends a lot of time grazing. They are also known to be pretty friendly and social, so they do well in groups.

Pygmy Goat

This small goat is a domestic goat that came from Southwest Asia but is now common around West Africa. They typically don’t grow over 23 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh no more than 70 pounds. They are also known for being hardy, low maintenance, and quite friendly and clever. For this reason, and their small size,  pygmy goats are sometimes kept as pets. They do love to play and run around, so they do require plenty of room. They are also social, so they do well in groups where they always have a partner to roughhouse with. 

While all animals are great in their own right, the minis are always a favorite. If you’d like to see one of these fellows for yourself, head on over today!

 

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REASONS TO MAKE IT AN AGGIELAND WILD ANIMAL CHRISTMAS

With the holiday break coming up, many families are looking for fun, affordable and safe things to do. While options may seem a bit limited this year, we’re proud to provide the community a fun, educational, and family-friendly option. 

Here are a few of the reasons you’ll want to pack up the entire gang and head on over during your holiday vacation. 

All-ages holiday activity: If you have kids on break from school, you are probably looking for something fun to do. If you have family visiting for the holidays, you might need an entertaining activity for your guests. Luckily, a trip to our park is the perfect family outing. Kids of all ages love visiting the animals, and there is something for everyone, from a relaxing drive-through area to a walk-through park and play area.

Easy outing to schedule: While many places slow down for the holidays, we’re open every day except for Christmas! This makes it easy to plan your trip, especially if you’re hosting any family holiday gatherings. We open at 9 and the last car is admitted at 4, so you have all day to enjoy the adventure.

Fun holiday events to participate in: Visitors through December 24th can participate in our Christmas Animal Enrichment Drive. This allows you to spread a little extra holiday cheer by giving presents to our animals’ friends! You can visit the Wishing Tree in the gift shop and make an animal’s holiday bright!

Safe outing for groups: It’s easy to practice social distancing during your visit, making our park a great destination for your family. You can drive through in the comfort of your own car, further limiting your exposure to others.

Affordable family activity: Your admission gives you access to the drive-through safari, the walk-through adventure zoo, the playscape and includes parking. This makes your trip an affordable outing for the entire gang! Additionally, online tickets include a discount, and we have veterans, active military, and first responder’s discounts as well!

You’ve got to see our Wishing Tree:  We have a special tree in the gift shop that has ornaments that list Christmas enrichment items for animals in the park. All you have to do is select an ornament, make sure the item listed is something you can provide, and take the ornament home with you for your own tree. These commemorative ornaments feature a photo of your animal to accompany their Christmas wish.  

Next, you return the gift mentioned on the ornament to the park, or through the mail. Please note, admission to the park is not required to drop off your items. Learn more about the Wishing Tree and donation process here. 

Of course, you can participate in our Christmas Animal Enrichment Drive online too. Just visit our online wish list but don’t delay, you have until January 1 to make an animal’s holiday wishes come true by sending your gifts!

 

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FOUR GAMES TO PLAY ON YOUR VISIT TO AGGIELAND?

Kids of all ages love visiting Aggieland Wild Animal Safari, and what’s not to love! With hundreds of animal species to see,  great food to snack on, and even a playscape to run wild in, our park has something for everyone. Now, with the help of a few animal-themed games, you can make your trip even more fun and educational.

These games are also a great way to help keep restless children more actively engaged during your visit by giving them something to focus on. Just remember, you can adjust the games to fit your children’s age and learning style.

Animal bingo

This game can enhance your visit and help your child learn more about the animals you see.  You can print out animal pictures and glue them on a card. Give your child stickers or a marker to mark off animals they see during your visit. The one to cross out an entire row first wins! You can adapt this to older kids by using words in place of the pictures. You can even challenge the entire family by making a bingo card with the scientific name of the animals!  Of course, you can also offer a treat to the winner, like something special from the Pavillion!

Aggieland Safari scavenger hunt

Why not turn your trip into a scavenger hunt?  You can use a map of our park and encourage your kids to cross off animals as they find them. This will help them learn about animals and even a bit about reading a map! You can also go a bit more traditional with your scavenger hunt and make a list of animals and landmarks you may run into. Let everyone have a copy of the list and see who can cross the most items off. Visit our site to learn more about the types of animals and things you’ll see to help you make your scavenger hunt checklist.

Animal alphabet game

This beloved road trip game can be adapted to your visit! Simply see who can get through more of the alphabet using animals that start with each letter. And since it can be hard to find an animal for every letter, you can open it up to include additional park items, like things in the Pavillion or the Playscape! But don’t forget, there are multiple ways to view animals, from the drive-thru to the 20 acres of the walk-through zoo. This area alone has exhibits housing over 150 mammals, birds, and reptiles! So you’ll have a lot of chances to win this game if you visit each area!

Animal atlas

This is an easy and fun way to explore the park. Simply print out a world map and get some stickers. There are lots of free, printable maps online to get you started. For the stickers, you can order animal-themed versions, but simple star stickers will work as well. During your visit, put a sticker on the map where each animal you see originates from. Not only will this help make your trip more educational, but it also creates a nice keepsake of your visit. 

There you have it, four simple games to enhance your visit. If you have additional ideas please share them with us on Facebook or Instagram.

 

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AMAZING RETICULATED GIRAFFE FACTS

Few animals are as distinctive and unique looking as the giraffe! These guys are known for their unusually long necks and towering height, but they are interested in other ways as well. For instance, did you know that they have the same number of vertebrae in their necks as we do? Or that their patterns are so unique, they’re kind of like fingerprints?

Here are some other facts you’ll want to know before your next visit to meet our very own giraffes!

Giraffe babies are huge!

Giraffe babies aren’t little, but they are cute! A calf, as they are called until they’re grown, can weigh up to 150 pounds and be 6 feet tall at birth. Giraffe mothers give birth standing up, so their calves fall to the ground when born, a drop of around 5 feet! While calves are quite large, their size comes in handy because even after their rough entry into the world, they can stand and walk around just an hour or so after being born! 

Giraffes love groups

Did you know that a group of giraffes is called a tower? Giraffes are actually very social animals that live, rest, and raise their young together. This gives them protection and makes it easier for them to survive in the wild. Their social nature tends to extend to humans as well, which you’ll be able to see up close and personal at our park. This might also be why they are always one of the most popular animals among our visitors!

100% Plant-Powered
It might be surprising because of their size, but giraffes are actually vegetarians! These plant-powered giants eat up to 100 pounds of plants each and every day. This comes from foraging for all types of greenery, from leaves and twigs to berries and seeds. Their favorite type of leafy treats come from the acacia and mimosa trees, which they can easily reach due to their long necks. Eating greens gives them more than just their daily nutrition in the form of food, as it also acts as their main source of water.

“No thanks” to drinking  

Giraffes actually don’t drink much water, getting most of their hydration through greens. This might be surprising, but it works out to their advantage. Due to their long necks, lowering their heads to drink water makes them more vulnerable to predators. By limiting their need to visit watering holes, they limit their risk in the wild! Fortunately, plants contain a lot of water, keeping them hydrated without having to visit the watering hole.

Lightning-fast!

 When you consider the length of their legs, you might not be too surprised to learn that giraffes are fast! Their powerful muscles and long strides can add up to an impressive speed of 35 miles per hour! While they can’t sustain that kind of speed for long periods, it is a great way for them to quickly get away from danger. In reality, though, their long legs mean that even a casual trot can seem fast!

One glance at a giraffe is all it takes to know that they are both beautiful and unique animals. From their calm and friendly personalities to their unique appearance, giraffes have certainly made a name for themselves. These gentle giants have earned their place as favorites among visitors, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy meeting them too! 

Plan your visit

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ZEBRAS AND ZEDONKS

Have you ever heard of a Zedonk? You may have thought it was a joke, but zedonks are real! These special animals are hybrids or a cross between two different species of animals that are a part of the same animal family.  You can probably guess which two species zedonks come from – donkeys and zebras.

While there are different types of hybrids, we think zedonks are one of the most unique and interesting. Here are some fun facts you may not have known about the zedonk.

What is a zedonk?

Any equestrian animal paired with a zebra falls into the category of being a Zebroid. A zedonk is a zebroid, born from a female donkey and a male zebra. And if that sounds unusual, that’s because it is! Hybrids, though a bit uncommon, exist in nature. In fact, there are some that you probably already know of, like the mule. Mules are hybrids from a donkey and a horse, and the liger is the offspring of a tiger and a lion. 

How are they different from zebra?

A zedonk will take after its zebra and donkey parents, but there are a few differences that make them look as unique as their name sounds. One of the more noticeable differences in their striped fur. They will range from having lighter fur, where stripes will appear, to having darker fur that hides their stripes. This can give them a patchwork-style appearance.  In addition to looking like a mix-and-match of their parents, a zedonk is also unable to parent their own children. This is a fairly common trait for hybrid animals. 

How can you tell them apart?

A zedonk is a pretty unique-looking animal, and you’ll know one when you see one. A zedonk will be smaller in stature than their zebra parent at a minimum height of 3 feet, though it’s still possible for them to reach a height of 5 feet. Their fur will be a mix of stripes from their zebra father and the normal flat color of their donkey mother. The mix of stripes and plan fur can be quite interesting, giving zedonks an unusual look.

As you can tell, zedonks are pretty interesting animals, especially when you see one up close. With their unusual fur and their memorable name, the zedonk makes quite an impression on visitors. Of course, you can always plan a trip to visit us and see one in person – get tickets today.

 

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WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE – MEET OUR WALLABIES!

Welcome To The Jungle
Welcome to the jungle at Aggieland Safari, where we pay a visit to a new furry friend today-a marsupial who likes to hop around! But don’t confuse a Wallaby with a Kangaroo. The biggest difference between the two is size. But there’s no need to catch a long flight in order to see Wallabies up close, all it takes is one short car ride to Aggieland Safari in Bryan, Texas!

 

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