Known for its eye-popping red plumage, the scarlet ibis is a medium-sized wading bird often found near freshwater and brackish water marshes. Flocks of these birds forage in shallow water and roost atop lofty trees.
Lifespan They can live up to 16 years in the wild and 20 years under human care.
Emperor tamarins are small monkeys native to the southwest Amazon Basin. They are easily identified by their long, white whiskers that look like a mustache.
tamarins are threatened by habitat destruction and are also collected from the wild
This long-nosed animal darts along the forest floors of east Africa, using its powerful sense of smell to hunt for insects. Scientists argue it should be called the “black and rufous sengi,” as the species is known in local languages, because this animal is not closely related to shrews.
are not at immediate risk of extinction, their populations are decreasing in the wild
Freshwater stingrays live in the Amazon River system and are one of the only rays inhabiting freshwater rather than saltwater. Though docile animals, they are responsible for more injuries to humans each year than any other Amazonian species.
Lifespan The lifespan of a freshwater stingray in the wild is currently unknown.
A small bird with a big bill, the blue grosbeak is a North American songbird with a striking deep-blue color. Found throughout much of the southern United States, their rich, warbling song can be heard around thickets and hedgerows during the breeding season. Sometimes they will pop up to a high perch to flick and spread their tails.
Never release animals that have been kept as pets into the wild.
The Andean bear, or spectacled bear, is the only bear native to South America. It is a clever, arboreal animal that builds platforms and nests in trees for eating and sleeping.
South America’s only bears and live in the Andes and outlying mountain ranges, from western
Whooping cranes, named for their impressively loud call, are native to North America. Once faced with extinction, they are now recovering with the help of conservation science efforts.
One self-sustaining population of whooping cranes exists in the wild, which winters
We’re leaping for joy and celebrating World Lemur Day at Smithsonian’s National Zoo! This special holiday—which takes place the last Friday in October—is the perfect occasion for learning all about our lemur friends.
In the wild, they can live in groups of up to 30 individuals, and all females in
Guinea pigs are rodents that were first domesticated in 5,000 B.C. The domesticated species, Cavia porcellus, is most likely derived from the Andean Cavia tschudii (or montane guinea pig), found in Peru, highland Bolivia, northwestern Argentina, and northeastern Chile.
Description The domesticated guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) does not live in the wild
Cuban crocodiles are one of the most endangered species of crocodile and are found only in Cuba. These small crocodiles are strong swimmers. They walk and leap with ease and are equally at home in water and on land.
In the wild, the eggs hatch about 2 1/2 months after they are laid.
