Animals
Lincoln Children’s Zoo is home to over 400 animals including giraffes, cheetahs, tigers, giant anteaters, red pandas, Humboldt penguins, ring-tailed lemurs, and Galapagos tortoises. Learn more about each of the animals that live here by exploring the areas below.
*This is not an all inclusive list of the animals at Lincoln Children's Zoo
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African Serval
Leptailurus servalCONSERVATION STATUS
Least ConcernNATURAL HABITAT
African servals live in savannas in Sub-Saharan Africa.DIET
IN THE WILD – Rodents, insects, reptiles, birds, and frogs
IN THE ZOO – Special carnivore diet of ground meat, rodents and bonesFASCINATING FACTS
• African servals can jump more than 10 feet straight up to grab a bird right out of the air.
• Servals use their long forelimbs to reach into burrows or to hook fish out of the water.
• Their extra-long neck and legs give them the nickname “giraffe cat.”
• The serval has the longest legs and largest ears for its body size of any cat. If we had ears in the same proportion to our head as servals do, they would be the size of dinner plates.
• Johnny shows his zookeepers he loves them by bumping his head into them! -
African Spurred Tortoise
Geochelone sulcataCONSERVATION STATUS
EndangeredNATURAL HABITAT
The African spurred tortoise lives in hot arid regions ranging from desert fringes to dry savannas.DIET
IN THE WILD – Grasses and plants
IN THE ZOO – Greens, hay, vegetables, and specially formulated tortoise chowFASCINATING FACTS
• The African spurred tortoise is the largest tortoise on the African mainland.
• They will dig themselves into the ground to survive extended periods of drought.
• Females lay 15 to 30 eggs.
• They can be very aggressive, especially during mating season.
• Males can be seen ramming into each other in attempts to flip one another over. -
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalusCONSERVATION STATUS
Least ConcernNATURAL HABITAT
The Bald eagle nests in trees in North America near large bodies of open water where they can find an abundance of fish.DEIT
IN THE WILD – Fish, carrion, small mammals, and reptiles
IN THE ZOO – Fish and rodentsFASCINATING FACTS
• Bald eagles can see up to 1.5 miles.
• Bald eagles can carry eight pounds of food while flying.
• They are known for building large nests.
• The largest recorded nest was nine feet wide and weighed more than two tons.
• The Zoo’s eagles are injured birds that have been rehabilitated and are not able to be released into the wild. -
Blue and Gold Macaw
Ara araraunaCONSERVATION STATUS
Least ConcernNATURAL HABITAT
The macaw is found in forests, rainforests, woodlands or savanna-like habitats depending on species.DIET
IN THE WILD – Fruit, nuts, and seeds
IN THE ZOO – Nuts, seeds, apples, and bananasFASCINATING FACTS
• Macaws are able to imitate human sounds and voices.
• Macaws mate with one partner for life.
• Macaws are usually found in pairs, but they can be seen in flocks of up to 30.
• They use their beak as a third foot when climbing.
• Macaws can travel up to 35 mph due to wide wingspan and hollow bones. -
Blue-tongued Skink
Tiliqua scincoidesCONSERVATION STATUS
Least ConcernNATURAL HABITAT
Blue-tongued skinks live in Eastern Australia.DIET
IN THE WILD – Insects, snails, carrion, wildflowers, fruit, and berries
IN THE ZOO – Insects and fruitFASCINATING FACTS
• Their tail can grow back if it breaks off.
• They stick out their tongue and hiss to threaten other animals. -
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatusCONSERVATION
VulnerableNATURAL HABITAT
Cheetahs are found in grasslands, savannas, areas with dense vegetation, and mountainous regions.DIET
IN THE WILD – Variety of small antelope, rabbits, warthogs, gazelles, and birds
IN THE ZOO – Specialized carnivore diet, whole prey, and bonesFASCINATING FACTS
• Cheetahs are the fastest land mammal in the world, reaching speeds of 70 mph in three seconds, which is faster than the acceleration of a sports car!
• They are the only big cat that cannot roar but they often purr, especially when close to other cheetahs.
• Cheetahs have built-in sun glare protection that runs from the inside corner of their eyes down to the outside edges of their mouth. This helps them hunt their prey in direct sunlight by reflecting the sun’s glare.
• Their eyesight is exceptional, allowing them to spot their prey over three miles away.
• Cheetahs use their tail to control their steering and keep balance while they are running at top speed.
• They have special semi non-retractable claws that work like football cleats and provide traction while running. -
Cotton-top Tamarin
Saguinus oedipusCONSERVATION STATUS
Critically EndangeredNATURAL HABITAT
Cotton-top tamarins are found in rainforests and open woodlands of Columbia.DIET
IN THE WILD – Fruit, insects, sap, fallen eggs, nectar, small invertebrates, and seeds
IN THE ZOO – Fruit and insectsFASCINATING FACTS
• Cotton-top tamarins live in groups of 2 to 14 individuals.
• Groups are led by the oldest female.
• While the others sleep, one tamarin stays on guard to protect them from predators.
• Each group member is groomed equally in order to maintain their bond.
• They use scent marking to secure their territory. -
Cuban Rock Iguana
Cyclura nubileCONSERVATION STATUS
VulnerableNATURAL HABITAT
The Cuban rock iguana is found in coastal regions.DIET
IN THE WILD – Leaves, flowers, fruit, and insects
AT THE ZOO – Fruits, vegetables, and leafy greensFASCINATING FACTS
• Cuban rock iguanas are able to make a 40 foot leap out of the trees and land safely on solid ground.
• They can hold their breath underwater for 30 minutes.
• They use their strong jaws, razor sharp teeth, and strong tail to protect themselves from predators.
• They're one of the world's largest iguanas, weighing up to 15 pounds and growing up to 5 feet in length. -
Dromedary Camel
Camelus dromedariusCONSERVATION STATUS
Least ConcernNATURAL HABITAT
The Dromedary camel roams in arid regions throughout northern Africa, the Arabian
Peninsula, and western Asia.DIET
IN THE WILD – Any vegetation they find
IN THE ZOO – Hay and specially formulated grainFASCINATING FACTS
• They can drink 30 gallons of water in 13 minutes.
• They store fat in their hump, not water.
• They have flat, round feet to keep them from sinking in the sand.
• They're no longer considered wild animals. In Africa and Arabia, they are semi-domesticated animals that have free range but are under the control of herders. -
East African Crowned Crane
Balearica regulorumCONSERVATION STATUS
VulnerableNATURAL HABITAT
The East African crowned crane lives in dry savannas.DIET
IN THE WILD – Plants, seeds, insects, worms, frogs, and small fish
IN THE ZOO – Specially formulated grain and insectsFASCINATING FACTS
• The Mohawk on top of their head is actually feathers.
• Fossil records indicate crowned cranes lived 37 to 54 million years ago.
• They can live up to 50 years.
• They're the only cranes to perch in trees. -
European White Stork
Ciconia ciconiaCONSERVATION STATUS
Least ConcernNATURAL HABITAT
The European white stork prefers open lands without tall trees or thick vegetation, usually in or near wetlands.DIET
IN THE WILD – Insects, worms, frogs, fish, lizards, snakes, and small rodents
IN THE ZOO – Fish, meat, and specially formulated grainFASCINATING FACTS
• Storks build large nests that can reach lengths of more than 7-feet across.
• They can eat up to 60 percent of their body weight per day.
• They fly by soaring on warm air currents, with long, broad wings that flap occasionally.
• They nest on roofs and chimneys of houses in the spring. -
Fennec Fox
Vulpes zerdaCONSERVATION STATUS
Least ConcernNATURAL HABITAT
The fennec fox lives in the dry sandy regions of the African Sahara desert.DIET
IN THE WILD – Fruits, insects, plants, eggs, and small rodents
IN THE ZOO – Fruits, insects, rodents, and canine dietFASCINATING FACTS
• Fennec foxes are the world's smallest species of fox.
• Their large ears dissipate heat to keep them cool.
• Their hearing is so sensitive that they can hear prey moving underground.
• Their hairy feet protect them against hot desert sand.
• They only weigh two to three pounds. -
Galapagos Tortoise
Chelonoidis nigra microphyesCONSERVATION STATUS
VulnerableNATURAL HABITAT
Galapagos tortoises are found on the Galápagos Islands. They live in hot, dry areas with sparse vegetation or cool, wet areas with lush ground vegetation.DIET
IN THE WILD – Grasses, vines, cactus fruit, fallen fruit, and assorted vegetation
IN THE ZOO – Various grasses and hayFASCINATING FACTS
• They can live to be over 100 years old.
• The oldest recorded age is 171 years old.
• Adults average 5 feet in length and 475 pounds.
• They move at 0.16 mph compared to humans who walk at 2.8 mph. -
Giant Anteater
Myrmecophaga tridactylaCONSERVATION STATUS
VulnerableNATURAL HABITAT
Giant anteaters are found in grasslands, savannas, and open areas of tropical forests.DIET
IN THE WILD – Termites, ants, insect larvae, beetles, and occasionally fruit
IN THE ZOO – Specially formulated insectivore diet, insects, and fruitFASCINATING FACTS
• Giant anteaters do not have teeth; instead, they have a tongue that is 2 feet in length.
• Their tongue is coated in a sticky saliva allowing them to slurp up ants and termites. They can eat up to 30,000 insects a day.
• If threatened, they may make a roaring sound, but they typically will remain non-vocal. They will often rear up on their hind quarters and swipe with their long front claws.
• In order to avoid being bit by an ant during feeding, the giant anteater feeds for only a minute before moving on to the next colony.
• They have one of the lowest body temperatures of any mammal at 91° Fahrenheit, which is most likely due to their insect diet that is very low in calories.
• Giant anteaters are great swimmers, using the freestyle stroke and their long nose as a snorkel. -
Gila Monster
Heloderma suspectumCONSERVATION STATUS
Near ThreatenedNATURAL HABITAT
The Gila monster is found in scrublands, deserts, and oak woodlands.DIET
IN THE WILD – Birds, eggs, frogs, lizards, and insects
IN THE ZOO – RodentsFASCINATING FACTS
• Gila monsters are the only venomous lizard native to the United States.
• They store fat in their tails during the winter months.
• They may spend more than 95% of their life in underground burrows.
• A protein found in their saliva has been used in FDA approved treatments for type 2 diabetes.
Conservation
Lincoln Children’s Zoo is committed to animal conservation efforts and saving animals from extinction. Home to over 30 endangered animals, the Zoo strives to provide the highest-quality care to these near extinct species. Lincoln Children’s Zoo partners with organizations throughout the world that manage captive animals and wild animals with a goal to create a plan to ensure endangered animals are saved and protected for future generations.
The Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos & Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan, which oversees the management of select species with the goal of enhancing conservation in the wild. Species Survival Plan is led by expert advisors who work together to manage the demographic distribution and long-term sustainability of nearly 500 species.
Photo Ark Collaboration
Lincoln Children’s Zoo collaborates with National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore and his Photo Ark project. The Photo Ark is a groundbreaking effort to document species before they disappear and to get people to care while there’s still time. The Photo Ark started at Lincoln Children’s Zoo with the first photograph taken of a naked mole rat. To date the Photo Ark has documented 10,531 species. Find out more about Joel Sartore’s Photo Ark here.
