THE COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM’S

HEART OF AFRICA MEDIA KIT 2016

ABOUT

The Heart of Africa was the newest and largest addition to the Columbus Zoo when it opened to the public in May

2014. A project many years in the making, Heart of Africa features cutting-edge habitat designs, including a dynamic, mixed-species savanna and a watering hole with surprise guests; an environmentally friendly

restaurant; and the return of giraffes, zebras, and other iconic African animals to the Columbus Zoo.

The 43-acre region is home to about 130 animals representing 20 species, including lions, giraffes, monkeys, zebras, camels, cheetahs, gazelles, wildebeest, cranes and ostriches. From the animals to the African villa-

inspired design, this region emulates the sights, sounds and spirit of an authentic African adventure.

The region has earned overwhelming interest and support from the public and animal experts alike. The Zoo

experienced its highest attendance in history – more than 2.4 million visits – the year that Heart of Africa opened. The region also received industry awards, including Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s top honors for exhibit

design.

The $30.4-million experience was made possible through the generosity of Franklin County residents as well as

corporate and private contributions.

Entrance to this special region is included in Zoo admission. The region closes in the late fall or winter and reopens in the spring; the specific closure and re-opening dates are dependent on weather conditions.

REGION ATTRACTIONS

SAVANNA The masterpiece of the region – the sweeping savanna – brings a piece of Africa into central Ohio. The

herbivorous hoofstock and large birds mingle and engage with each other in the plains, providing an enriching experience for animals and guests alike. The lions, on the opposite side of an invisible moat barrier, are also part

of the picturesque scene, and often gaze out across the savanna.

GIRAFFE FEEDINGS

The average human is about 13 feet shorter than the average giraffe, but guests can lock eyes with these beautiful animals on a specially designed raised boardwalk. During specific feeding times corresponding to the

animals’ diets, visitors can watch giraffes use their long, dexterous tongues grab lettuce right out of guests’ hands. *Additional fees may apply.

CAMEL RIDES This privately operated attraction invites guests to experience a bumpy ride on what some call the “ships of the

desert.” Each camel can escort up to two people, and are led along a looped path near the Heart of Africa entrance. *Additional fees may apply.

KEEPER TALKS The Keeper Talks demonstrations – held throughout the day and across every region at the Columbus Zoo –

provide way for guests to learn more about an animal’s care at the Zoo as well as that species’ status in the wild. The two at Heart of Africa include a lion keeper talk at 10 a.m. and vervet monkey keeper talk at 4 p.m.

The 2016 Keeper Talks are scheduled to be held daily May 1-Sept. 5 and on weekends from March 26-April 30 and Sept. 6-Oct. 31. Schedules are subject to change depending on the weather. WATERING HOLE

Resembling a watering hole on an African safari, visitors will always be surprised by what animals happen to be visiting the one at Heart of Africa. There is no schedule of what animals are brought into this open space, which

includes a shallow pool, a safari vehicle, and other enrichment materials. While keeping the animals stimulated

with a change of environment, the watering hole also offers guests a special opportunity to get a closer look at these African animals. The watering hole makes every visit to the Zoo that much more unique.

CHEETAH RACES + CHEETAH HABITAT

The fasted land animal in the world, cheetahs are known to run as fast as 75 mph, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds. The scheduled Cheetah Runs give visitors the chance to see this amazing burst of

speed in action.

Although they are the famous sprinters of the animal kingdom, wild cheetahs spend most of their day lounging in

the shade. So when not chasing their enrichment toy around the watering hole, the cheetahs at the Zoo can be seen relaxing or playing with their canine friends in the cheetah habitat.

The 2016 cheetah runs are scheduled to be held at 10:30 a.m. daily May 1-Sept. 4, and weekends March 26-April 30 and Sept. 6-Oct. 31. This schedule is weather dependent. MODEL AIRPLANE

Despite being permanently grounded and solidly wedged between the lion habitat and the walkway, young guests still find ways to have fun in the 1956 Beech Model-18 aircraft. The wings are a favorite lounging area for

the lions, making this grounded plane a great spot to just inches away from these mighty felines. The plane is

almost 34 feet long and has a 48-foot wingspan.

VERVET CAMPSITE The campsite area is meant to resemble a scene from Jack Hanna’s travels – specifically, when his unattended

belongings became the playthings for curious vervet monkeys. As the troops explore the ever-changing objects

arranged in the campsite, visitors get to glean details about these animals’ personalities.

MAPORI RESTAURANT Mapori combines satisfying, gourmet meals with environmentally friendly practices. This restaurant offers

generous entrees, flatbreads, and a variety of rotating side dishes in buffet-style serving lines, with an outdoor,

covered patio dining area that overlooks the savanna. Mapori is LEED-certified and earned the Green Restaurant Association’s highest ranking as a “4 Star Certified Green Restaurant.”

More about the GRA ranking:

The Green Restaurant Association awarded Mapori its highest ranking in 2014, making Mapori the first restaurant in central Ohio to earn the “4 Star Certified Green Restaurant” distinction.

The GRA goes beyond many other “green” certification programs. In addition to considering how a building is constructed, the association focuses on how a facility operates on a daily basis. At Mapori, this

means a selection of vegetarian, vegan and allergen-friendly choices, in addition to the artisan flatbread pizzas and the house specialty: tandoori chicken. Ninety-five percent of Mapori’s menu is made from

scratch and prepared daily, which helps the Zoo reduce packaging and shipping resources. These daily

practices are not only sustainable, but a chef preference – the freshly made food is more flavorful, retains more nutrients, and contains less additives or preservatives.

Mapori’s guests even get to partake in conservation efforts throughout their dining experience. The

dishes and trays are made of bamboo, which is a sustainable and reusable material. At the end of the

meal, instead of sending their leftovers into a landfill, guests are asked to help the Zoo by putting food scraps in the compost container. This effort has the potential to divert tons of waste from the landfill

every year.

These efforts are meaningful when considering that the average restaurant can produce 150,000 pounds of garbage a year. From its paperless payroll to its comprehensive recycling program, Mapori has greatly

reduced its environmental footprint.

Most significant are Mapori’s leaps toward energy conservation. Acknowledging that restaurants are the

largest electricity consumer in the commercial sector, the GRA encourages restaurants to eliminate their carbon footprint. Mapori is heading this direction by utilizing an on-site renewable energy source (a

geothermal water tank system), energy-efficient lighting, air curtains at the entrances, and more.

The “4 star” distinction is determined using a point-based checklist of seven categories: disposables,

energy, sustainable food, sustainable furnishings and building, pollution and chemical reduction, waste, and water. To earn four stars and the “trailblazer” status, restaurants must tally at least 300 points;

Mapori had earned nearly 400 points at the time of the GRA’s ranking and continues to accumulate more.

Only 11 other restaurants in the state of Ohio were GRA-certified when Mapori joined their ranks. Of

those, Mapori was one of only three to earn the 4 Star Certified Green Restaurant ranking. The other two were also operated by zoos.

MUDIWA VILLAGE MARKET

This colorful shop offers many African-themed treasures, from fair-trade jewelry, instruments or other gifts made

by local artisans – the profits of which go back to those communities – as well as other park-themed souvenirs.

MUDIWA SCHOOL HOUSE STAGE Knowledge is power at the Mudiwa Primary School – a stage backdrop fit for cultural presentations, upbeat drum

lessons, Thiossane West African Dance Institute performances, and more. The stage was designed from an old, one-room schoolhouse known as the Bovee School, which was built in 1891 and closed in 1911.

INTERACTIVE CONSERVATION MESSAGES The Heart of Africa invites guests to learn about the social and environmental issues facing not only wildlife, but

communities of African countries. An interactive water wheel compares the average American’s daily water consumption (151 gallons) to the average Kenyan’s (12 gallons). It also includes information about companies

with ties to Ohio, Greif Inc. and Design Outreach, that help find solutions for those in need of safe water.

The region also highlights a major issue facing at-risk species in Africa: human-animal conflict. Not all animals are

hunted for their fur, meat or to become pets; some are killed because they are regarded as pests. For example, many natives consider vervet monkeys more frustrating than fascinating – similar to how many Americans regard

raccoons. The Heart of Africa messaging offers non-lethal solutions for both conflicts, such eliminating wildlife’s

access to human food sources.

SPECIAL UPDATES

SIX LION CUBS BORN AUGUST 2015

The Zoo welcomed two liters of African lion cubs in August of 2015 when half-sisters Kazi and Asali gave birth just days apart. The cubs – three males and three females – were all fathered by Tomo per the mating

recommendations of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan.

Asali gave birth Aug. 16 to three female cubs and one male cub. This was her second litter, the first of which was

also fathered by Tomo.

Kazi, a first-time mom, gave birth to three cubs on Aug. 20; unfortunately, the weakest cub, who did not appear to immediately begin nursing, died less than 48 hours later. The surviving siblings, both male, are healthy and

growing.

The cubs made their first public appearance on Sept. 23, when keepers helped guide Asali’s four cubs around the lion habitat. (Video footage is available on the “ColumbusZooMedia’s YouTube page). As they grew older and

more familiar with the habitat, they began going out into the yard with their mothers instead of the keepers. The pride made their first appearance as a complete family unit in January.

The cubs were named by longtime Zoo donors who were instrumental in establishing the Heart of Africa, as well

as one of the Zoo’s conservation partners and Heart of Africa staff. The names are as follows:

o Loiwotwa, son of Kazi, named by the Ewaso Lions Project o Nyasi, daughter of Asali, named by Heart of Africa staff

o Imara, daughter of Asali, named by Worthington Industries o Naomi, daughter of Asali, named by the All Life Foundation

o Boboo, son of Asali, named by the Crane Family

o Donovan, son of Kazi, named by the Donovan Family

These names were assigned after the cubs developed distinguishable features. Prior to that time, keepers would shave certain spots of the cubs’ fur to tell them apart.

HYENAS INTRODUCED TO HEART OF AFRICA’S WATERING HOLE ATTRACTION

Three spotted hyenas became part of the Heart of Africa family in April 2015. These unique carnivores are only

on public view when they are the featured animals at the watering hole, so a hyena sighting cannot be guaranteed at every Zoo visit.

THE DESIGN

The simulated savanna makes up about 80 percent of the region, providing large areas for herds to graze and interact. This visual was made possible through the implementation of ha-ha moats (narrow valleys with deep fences that separate the predatory lions from the herds of hoofstock) and a ridge – which is large enough to fill

1,000 swimming pools – blocks the sights of the nearby housing communities.

The vervet habitat is designed to resemble Jungle Jack Hanna’s camp when traveling through Africa – specifically,

after it has been raided by monkeys. The human accessories that decorate this area do more than contribute to the camping theme – they also serve as great enrichment toys for the curious monkeys. The scene also aims to

raise awareness about human and wildlife coexistence, and how to minimize destructive or unwanted interactions

with opportunistic wildlife.

Behind the scenes, the region houses climate-controlled giraffe and hoofstock buildings, where the animals retire for the evenings or reside during the colder seasons or otherwise poor outdoor conditions. The giraffe barn is 180

feet long and 54 feet wide and is designed to house 15 giraffes. The hoofstock building is about 191 feet long

and 54 feet wide and houses several species, including wildebeests, kudu and gazelles.

Nearly 30 companies – consisting of architects; mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural and civil engineers; irrigation, food service and landscape designers; electrical, landscape, rockwork, irrigation, glass-viewing,

mechanical, and theme painting contractors; and others – made the Heart of Africa possible.

GROUP EVENT SPACE

The Africa Event Center, located at the far edge of the region, can be reserved for company outings, wedding celebrations, or other private events. The building offers indoor accommodations as well as an outdoor patio,

which overlooks the Heart of Africa savanna. Reservations can be made by calling 614-724-3785 or emailing group.sales@columbuszoo.org.

SPECIALTY TOURS

Private tours of the Heart of Africa region are available for reservations. In 2016, the Columbus Zoo is offering the following tours in Heart of Africa:

SUNRISE ON THE SAVANNA

May 15-Oct. 4 These two-hour tours begin at 7:15 a.m., offering guests a private view of animals taking to the savanna before

the Zoo opens to the public. The tour includes breakfast and an opportunity to feed the giraffes, and admission to the Zoo for the rest of the day. Reservations must be made one week in advance. More details can be found via

the Discover tab on the Zoo’s website.

WILD ENCOUNTER BEHIND-THE-SCENES: GIRAFFE BARN

May 7-Oct. 2 These 45-minute tours invites guests into part of the Zoo not open to the general public. The giraffe barn is one

of behind-the-scenes tours offered at the Zoo, and the only one pertaining to Heart of Africa. Guests can book

this tour up to 15 minutes before the start of the tour, but earlier reservations are recommended as spaces fill up quickly. More details can be found via the Discover tab on the Zoo’s website.

CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY

The wildlife of the African savanna is seriously threatened by mankind’s unsustainable use of the natural resources and ecosystems that wild animals and humans alike need to survive.

Through partnerships with local peoples and conservation organizations, the Columbus Zoo supports human-

wildlife conflict resolution. These efforts range from sanctuary projects to research, education to law

enforcement, livestock management to energy efficiency, and more. Throughout Heart of Africa, we feature some of the Zoo’s most successful, complex and on-going wildlife conservation efforts related to the African savanna

animals we care for and which we proudly share with our guests. These projects include: EWASO LIONS promotes the coexistence of people and large carnivores through education, science and

capacity building.

RUAHA CARNIVORE PROJECT works with local Tanzanian communities and authorities to develop strategies

to conserve large carnivores in Ruaha.

SOUTH LUANGWA CONSERVATION SOCIETY offers high-quality support services to the Zambia Wildlife Authority and to South Luangwa community resource boards, which promote wildlife management and law

enforcement in the local national park, as well as optimize the use of natural resources.

CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND strives to be the internationally recognized center of excellence in the

conservation of cheetahs and their ecosystems. The fund works with all stakeholders to develop best practices in research, education and land use to benefit all species, including people.

ACTION FOR CHEETAHS IN KENYA works closely with local wildlife authorities and landholders to develop policies and programs that support wildlife conservation and human livelihoods for the long-term development of

sustainable human and wildlife zones.

CHEETAH OUTREACH TRUST promotes the survival of the free-ranging, southern African cheetah through environmental education and by delivering conservation initiatives.

GIRAFFE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION is dedicated to securing a sustainable future where all giraffe species and subspecies are protected and secure in the wild.

SERENGETI GIRAFFE PROJECT is a research project initiated in 2008 to better understand this charismatic

animal’s ecology and behavior.

RETICULATED GIRAFFE PROJECT is a partnership between Queen’s University Belfast and the Kenya Wildlife

Service with a mission to fill information gaps about this species by investigating behavioral ecology.

GREVY’S ZEBRA TRUST was established in 2007 to address the urgent need to conserve this zebra in the community rangelands of Ethiopia and Kenya.

PAN AFRICAN SANCTUARY ALLIANCE is the only network of wildlife sanctuaries working across Africa to

empower local people to protect chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and monkeys.

AFRICAN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: WILD DOG aims to combat the rapid decline of the African wild dog populations by researching threats (such as hunting and habitat loss) and the best methods of protection.

VULPRO strives to be a leader in vulture conservation in its integrated, multidisciplinary approach. By combining education, research, networking and capacity building, it hopes to benefit society as well as vultures. (Although

the Columbus Zoo does not house vultures, this species affects many others in African habitats.)

The Columbus Zoo hopes that by sharing conservation success stories, offering memorable animal experiences

for our guests, providing exceptional care for our animals, and inspiring a proactive response from our community, we will help save wildlife and wild places of the African savanna.

HISTORY

1996: Bassett Associates developed the concept plans for the region, which was initially slated for the Safari Golf Course. The Zoo abandoned that location following public outcry to keep the golf course.

1998: Partnering companies Paramtrix and PJA were hired to develop a concept design for the site east of the

Zoo’s existing parking lot and north of the Zoo’s golf course.

1999: Farm land adjacent to the Zoo was put on the market. The City of Columbus and Franklin County took this opportunity to invest in the Zoo’s future growth.

2000: Zoo began discussions with Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and the Ohio Department

of Transportation (ODOT) regarding local road and traffic studies. Increased growth in the southern

Delaware area merited study and reconsideration of the road alignment. The recently acquired farmland and total property the Zoo leased from the City of Columbus and Franklin County provided the critical

mass needed to address these potentially significant infrastructure changes. The studies identified that Powell Road/SR 750 would serve the community better if aligned with the Glick Road Fridge and the road

could circumnavigate the Zoo property. This new direction forced the Zoo to again abandon the site

envisioned for the African savanna region.

2002: PJA Architects developed Master Plan studies showing an African savanna region located north of Old Powell Road, and the region concept is developed for the Zoo’s 10-year Master Plan. Other projects took

priority over the savanna during that time.

2011: The Zoo selected the PGAV Architects after submitting several design proposal requests. The project

officially began in the fall.

2012: The Zoo selected Messer Construction after submitting construction management proposal requests to local companies. The schematic design is completed early in the year. By spring/summer, the design

development and construction document for phased packages begin. The site plan was solidified by mid-

June, and the construction bid packages were bid out for phased work in late summer.

2013: The last large bid package went out in January. In the summer, a third-party partnership provided the opportunity to design and build a high-end, indoor event facility (later named the Africa Event Center).

2014: The name “Heart of Africa” was officially revealed on Valentine’s Day. The region opened to the public on May 22, where actress and animal advocate Betty White joined Columbus Zoo Director Emeritus Jack

Hanna and Columbus Zoo President and CEO Tom Stalf for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

2015: To the Zoo’s great excitement, both female lions gave birth in August, expanding the pride by six cubs.

The half-sisters had mated with Tomo per the recommendations of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan. Asali gave birth to four cubs on Aug. 18: females Nyasi, Imara, Naomi

and male Boboo. Kazi gave birth to three cubs but one died shortly after birth; the surviving female and male cubs were later named Loiwotwa and Donovan, respectively.

Other highlights this year included Mapori Restaurant earning its LEED certification, and the introduction of hyenas into the watering hole rotation.

AWARDS & CERTIFICATIONS

THE ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUM (AZA)

Top Honor in Exhibit Design (2015)

ENGINEERING NEWS-RECORD MIDWEST Best Cultural Project (2015)

LEED CERTIFICATION

Mapori Restaurant (2015)

GREEN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

4 Star Certified Green Restaurant, Mapori Restaurant (since 2014)

EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS

EXPY Award (2014)

THE ANIMALS

More than 130 animals representing 20 species currently reside at the Heart of Africa. The species represent

primarily eastern and southern African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Many of the featured species are facing serious threats in the wild, typically hunting (often to protect human life

or livestock) as well as habitat loss. The species represented at Heart of Africa facing the greatest risks, according

to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), are the dama gazelle (critically endangered); east African crowned crane and slender-horned gazelle (endangered); and African lion

and cheetah (vulnerable). The following animals live in Heart of Africa:

AARDVARK

Aardvark (Orycteropus afer) Range: Southern Africa

Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, rainforests, woodlands and thickets

Diet in the wild: Ants and termites Size: 43 to 53 inches long, 21 to 26 inches tall;

110 to 180 pounds.

Reproduction: Typically give birth to one newborn a year. The young begin digging their

own burrows after about six months. Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts: • Aardvarks could be considered a keystone

species because the burrows that they dig to rest or escape predators are used by many other

animals. • Their name means “earth pig” in South Africa's

Afrikaans language

CAMEL, DROMEDARY

Dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) Region: Northern Africa and southwestern Asia

Habitat: Deserts Diet in the wild: Desert vegetation including dry,

thorny plants Size: 6 to 6.5 feet at shoulder height, and can

approach 10 feet in height at hump; 1,000 to 1,500

pounds. Reproduction: The gestation of a dromedary camel is

between 12 and 13 months. They most often have one calf but can have two or more.

Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts:

• A very thirsty animal can drink 30 gallons of water in only 13 minutes.

• One of the most notable features of the dromedary camel is its single hump. The hump is used to store

fatty tissue, which the camel uses as a food and water

source when food and water are not available.

CHEETAH

Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

Region: Eastern and southwestern Africa Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, areas of dense

vegetation, and mountainous terrain Diet in the wild: Mammals under 90 pounds, including

gazelles, springbok and impala Size: 3.5 to 4.5 feet tall; 77 to 143 pounds

Reproduction: Female cheetahs typically have a litter

of three cubs and live with them for one and a half to two years.

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Interesting facts:

• The cheetah is the world’s fastest land mammal. They can go from 0 to 60 mph in only three seconds.

CRANE, EAST AFRICAN CROWNED

East African crowned crane (Balearica regulorum)

Region: East Africa from Uganda and Kenya, south to South Africa

Habitat: Marshes, cultivated lands and grassy flatlands near rivers and lakes

Diet in the wild: Plants, seeds, grain, insects, frogs,

worms, snakes and small fish Size: 36 to 48 inches tall; 6.5 to 9 pounds

Reproduction: During the breeding season, pairs of cranes construct a large nest of grasses and vegetation

on marshy ground, in trees, in shallow water or

riverbeds. Two to three glossy, dirty-white eggs are laid, and both parents take turns incubating them for 30

days. Conservation status: Endangered

Interesting facts:

• Crowned cranes are noted for their spectacular

dances, which involve head-bobbing, wing fluttering, leaps and bows.

• Some African people believe these birds bring rain, while others have incorporated the crane’s dances into

their own rituals.

• Crowned cranes are the only cranes to perch in trees.

GAZELLE, DAMA (ADDRA)

Dama gazelle (Nanger dama) Region: Isolated areas in Chad, Mali, and Niger.

Habitat: Grasslands, savanna, and sub-desert steppes Diet in the wild: Shrubs, succulents, herbs, trees, and

woody plants

Size: Shoulder height of nearly 4 feet. Its head and body length range from 4.5 to 5.5 feet; 88 to 165

pounds Reproduction: About six and a half months after

mating, females give birth to a single fawn. It is weaned

after about six months. Conservation status: Critically endangered

Interesting facts:

• Also known as the addra gazelle, the dama gazelle is

the largest of all gazelles. It is also the world’s rarest.

GAZELLE, SLENDER-HORNED

Slender-horned gazelle (Gazella leptoceros)

Region: Central Sahara Desert Habitat: Inhabits scrub and desert regions

Diet in the wild: Acacia and bush leaves, grasses, and herbs

Size: Head and body length of adults is 30 to 65 inches,

shoulder height is 20 to 40 inches Reproduction: Reproduction is seasonal. Males

establish territories in August and September, mating with groups of females that move through. The

gestation period is 156 to 169 days. Births are in

January or February, with normally a single offspring. Sexual maturity is attained in the second breeding

season. Conservation status: Endangered

Interesting facts:

• Slender-horned gazelles rarely need to drink water.

They are able to use the dew formed on leaves and the higher water content in the plants for their water needs.

• A normally quiet animal, gazelles signal alarm by a snort or flick of the tail, and the herd reacts by drawing

to a safe distance. Mothers also call their young to nurse

with a snorting sound.

GAZELLE, THOMSON’S

Thomson’s gazelle (Eurdorcas thomsonii)

Region: Kenya and Tanzania

Habitat: Savanna Diet in the wild: Grasses, shoots, and leaves

Size: 20 to 43 inches tall at the shoulder Reproduction: A newborn calf curls up in tall grasses

to stay hidden from predators for a few weeks after it is born.

Conservation status: Near threatened

Interesting facts:

• Thomson’s gazelles are often called “tommies” for short.

• Tommies can run at speeds of about 50 MPH!

• Thomson’s gazelles join thousands of zebras and wildebeests for long migrations in search of grass.

GIRAFFE, MASAI

Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis

tippelskirchi) Region: Kenya and Tanzania

Habitat: Masai giraffes are found in the African savanna south of the Sahara Desert

Diet in the wild: Acacia and combretum trees and

more than 100 different plants including flowers, vines, and herbs depending on availability

Size: Males reach heights up to 18 feet tall and females grow to 14 feet tall

Reproduction: The gestation of a Masai giraffe is 14

months. When a baby giraffe, called a calf, is born, they drop about 6 feet to the ground, head first. The fall does

not hurt the baby who is typically 6 feet tall and weighs between 100 and 150 pounds.

Conservation status: Threatened

Interesting facts:

• A giraffe’s feet are the size of a dinner plate - about 12 inches.

• Giraffes have the seven vertebrae in their necks - same as humans.

• A giraffe’s tongue is 18 to 20 inches long and a black

color. The black color helps protect the tongue from getting sunburned as the giraffe eats.

• Giraffes have the longest tail of any land animal. Their tails can be 8 feet long.

GIRAFFE, RETICULATED

Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis

reticulata) Region: Northeast Kenya

Habitat: Dry savannas and open woodlands Diet in the wild: Leaves, shoots, and vines found in

treetops

Size: 13 to 18 feet; up to 2,600 pounds Reproduction: The gestation of a reticulated giraffe is

14 months. When a baby giraffe, called a calf, is born, they drop about 6 feet to the ground, head first. The fall

does not hurt the baby. At birth, the calves are about 6 feet tall and weigh between 100 to 150 pounds.

Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts:

• Reticulated giraffes are the most distinctively patterned of the nine subspecies of giraffe. Their familiar

brown and white, brick-like pattern, called a reticulated

pattern, gives them their name. This elaborate pattern is good camouflage in dense, dry vegetation.

GUINEAFOWL

Guineafowl (Numididae) Region: Africa including Madagascar

Habitat: Forest, desert and grasslands Diet in the wild: Worms and insects on the ground,

along with seeds, berries and small mammals and

reptiles Size: 16 to 30 inches; 1.5 to 3.5 pounds

Reproduction: The female guineafowl lays between eight and 15 small eggs that hatch after an incubation

period of around a month.

Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts: • Guineafowl are fast runners and rarely fly except

when they want to perch in branches at night. • Guineafowl can survive long periods of time without

water and fulfill most of their requirements from the

vegetation they consume. • Guineafowl are both monochromatic and

monomorphic; both sexes look and act alike.

HORNBILL, SILVERY-CHEEKED

Silvery-cheeked hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Region: Central Africa

Habitat: Forests Diet in the wild: Fruits, nuts, insects

Size: Up to 2.5 feet long; up to 2.75 pounds

Reproduction: A female hornbill will lay one to three eggs and incubate them for four months, eating food

that the male hornbill passes through the sealed nest. The young remain with both parents for about 80 days.

Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts:

• The hornbill is one of the few birds with eyelashes.

HYENA, SPOTTED

Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) Region: Sub-Saharan Africa

Habitat: Savanna, grassland, woodlands, semi-desert, mountains

Diet in the wild: Famed scavengers, but also hunt

wildebeest or antelope, and eat birds, lizards, snakes and insects.

Size: Body is 34-58 inches long, tail is 10-14 inches; 110-190 pounds

Reproduction: Gestation is 90-110 days and litters

average two to four cubs. Cubs are suckled for as long as 12-18 months (long for a carnivore), although they

begin to eat meat after about 5 months. They begin leaving the den and hunting with their mother after

about a year. Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts: • This species is also known as the laughing hyena.

• Spotted hyenas are the largest of the three hyena species, the other two being brown hyenas and striped

hyenas.

• Spotted hyenas are considered the most social carnivore, but with a social system that is more

competitive than cooperative. • Although hyenas may physically resemble dogs, they

are more genetically related to cats. • Hyenas live together in clans led by female members.

JACKAL, BLACK-BACKED

Black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) Region: Endemic to Africa, with separate

subpopulations in East Africa and southern Africa.

Habitat: Primarily in woodlands and savanna, but also observed in shrubland, grassland, desert, pebble

shoreline, beaches, and farmland (where they are considered vermin)

Diet in the wild: Opportunistic and resourceful omnivores. They will hunt small antelopes, eat reptiles,

insects, ground-dwelling birds, fruits, berries and grass,

and pick over larger carnivores’ kills. Size: 15-20 inches at the shoulder; 15-35 pounds

Reproduction: Gestation is about two months and litters average two to four pups. The infants will stay in

the den for a few weeks. The mother moves to a new

den site about every two weeks to avoid predators. Pups begin hunting on their own by six months.

Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts:

• Jackals are unique members of the mammalian species in that they mate for life.

• There are three species of African jackal: golden (or common), side-striped, and black-backed (also called

silver-backed)

KUDU, GREATER

Greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)

Region: Throughout southern and eastern Africa as far north as Ethiopia

Habitat: Inhabits stony, sparsely to densely forested flat hilly and mountain country

Diet in the wild: Leaves, grass, roots, and sometimes

fruits and tubers Size: Approximately 4 to 5 feet; males weigh between

500 and 800 pounds and females weigh between 400 and 500 pounds

Reproduction: Females separate themselves from the

herd just before giving birth after nine months, leaving the calf lying in concealment. After the calf has

matured slightly, the mother will return with her baby to the herd.

Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts:

• Kudus are one of the largest antelopes. • They produce one of the loudest sounds made by

antelope in the form of a gruff bark.

LION, AFRICAN

African lion (Panthera leo) Region: Africa, south of the Sahara Desert

Habitat: Savanna with thick brush

Diet in the wild: Antelope, zebra, and other hoofed animals

Size: Males are 5 to 8 feet long; females are 4.5 to 5.5 feet long

Reproduction: After 100 to 120 days the lioness gives

birth to a litter of cubs, with the average being two or three. Cubs can nurse from any female in the pride, not

just their own mother. Conservation status: The West African lion is now

considered to be endangered, with the East and South African lion listed as vulnerable.

Interesting facts: • A group of lions is called a pride.

• When one lion yawns or roars, the rest of the pride often does the same.

• Lions sleep up to 21 hours a day!

OSTRICH, BLUE NECK (OR COMMON)

Blue neck ostrich (Struthio camelus

molybdophanes) Region: Central and southern Africa

Habitat: Savanna and desert Diet in the wild: Plants, roots, and seeds;

occasionally insects, lizards, or other creatures

Size: 7 to 9 feet tall; 220 to 350 pounds Reproduction: The dominant or “alpha” hen mates

with the territorial male, and they share the tasks of incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks. An

ostrich hen lays 7 to 10 eggs at a time, but her large

body can easily cover dozens more. Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts:

• The ostrich has the largest eye of any land animal. Its eye measures almost 2 inches across.

• Weighing in at more than 3 pounds (1,500 grams),

the ostrich egg is the largest egg - in fact, the largest single cell found on our planet today. Only dinosaurs

produced larger eggs. • One ostrich egg is equivalent to the weight of about

24 chicken eggs.

• When family groups of ostriches meet, they may challenge each other with short chases, and then the

winning adult pair takes all the chicks with them. Some of these “nurseries” can end up with 300 chicks and

only a couple of adults to mind them.

STORK, SADDLE-BILLED

Saddle-billed stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)

Region: Sub-Saharan Africa

Habitat: Open or semi-arid country near sources of water. They nest along rivers, lake shores, flood plains,

and swamps. Diet in the wild: Fish, small reptiles and crustaceans

Size: 5 feet tall with a wingspan of around 9 feet

Reproduction: Females lay anywhere from one to five eggs, usually two to three. The pair takes turns sitting

on the eggs during the incubation period, which is estimated at 30-35 days. At about 3.5 months, the

chicks are largely independent. They fledge somewhere between 70 and 100 days.

Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts:

• Pairs of saddle-billed stork typically bond for life. • Saddle-billed storks are the tallest storks on the African

continent

VERVET, SOUTH AFRICAN

Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)

Region: East Africa Habitat: Woodland, savanna, high bush

Diet in the wild: Leaves, young shoots, tree bark, flowers and fruits

Size: 18 to 26 in.; 7 to 17 pounds

Reproduction: After about five and a half months, females give birth to a single infant.

Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts:

• Grooming is important in a monkey’s life and vervets spend hours picking parasites, dirt and other debris from

each other’s fur. The amount of grooming each monkey receives is based on their position in the social hierarchy

with the dominant animals getting the most attention. • Vervet monkeys are highly social animals and live in

well-organized troops. Their adventurous streak results

in commando-style raids on campsites and other places humans occupy.

WARTHOG

Common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) Region: Sub-Saharan Africa

Habitat: Moist and arid savannas Diet in the wild: Omnivorous, digging for bulbs,

tubers, roots during the dry season and earthworms and

small invertebrates during the wet season Size: 30 inches at the shoulder, tusks up to 10 inches;

120-250 pounds Reproduction: Gestation is 6 months; every piglet has

its own teat that is not shared with its siblings so, because females have four teats, a litter is typically

confined to four piglets.

Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts: • Warthogs can survive for months without water.

• Warthogs get their name from the thick, protective

pads appearing on both sides of the head.

WILDEBEEST

Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)

Region: Plains and acacia savannas of eastern Africa Habitat: Open woodlands, open grassy plains

Diet in the wild: Strictly grazers, wildebeest prefer short grass

Size: 50 to 58 inches at the shoulder; 265 to 600

pounds Reproduction: The gestation period is eight and a half

months, producing one offspring. The calf is able to stand within minutes of birth. In a few days it is able to

keep up with the herd.

Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts: • The wildebeest is one of the few African antelopes to

have extended its range in the last 50 years. They numbered about 250,000 in 1960 and are thought to

number 1.5 million today.

• Wildebeest, or gnus, (pronounced ‘news’), are noisy. They constantly emit low moans and if disturbed, snort

explosively.

ZEBRA, GRANT’S

Grant’s zebra (Equus quagga boehmi)

Region: Ethiopia, Somalia to northern South Africa

Habitat: Open grassy plains and well-grassed woodlands

Diet in the wild: Grasses, leaves, scrub, rhizomes, corms

Size: 50 to 55 inches tall and weigh 500 to 700 pounds Reproduction: A Grant’s zebra’s gestation is

approximately 11.5 to 12 months, typically producing

one offspring. Foals nurse for at least 6 months. Conservation status: Least concern

Interesting facts:

• The Grant’s zebra is the smallest of six subspecies of

the plains zebra. • There are three living subspecies of plains zebra: the

Grant’s zebra, Chapman’s zebra, and Burchell’s zebra. Grant’s zebras are the most abundant and widespread

of any zebra species or sub-species. Not only does their

range differentiate the three sub-species, but their stripes become less distinct on the sub-species found

further south in their region. • Grant’s zebra are very cooperative. A migrating group

will adjust their speed to accommodate the slowest member of the herd.

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Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates the Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact; annually contributing more than $4 million of privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.