Hall of Animals
Description
Schedule
Open year-round
Accessibility
From Rivers and Grasslands
Fly River turtles are almost entirely aquatic and are the only freshwater turtles that have flippers – all the rest are sea turtles. Their shells are covered in skin, and feel slippery and leathery to the touch. Dwarf mongoose are native to the grasslands of southern Africa and are the continent’s smallest carnivore.
Red-Crested Turaco
This African species is immediately recognizable, with its green body, long tail, and prominent red crest.
In the Exhibit
Rodrigues Fruit Bat
Also known as Rodrigues flying foxes, these Critically Endangered bats are found only on the island of Rodrigues in the western Indian Ocean. As they feed on fruit, sun-loving Rodrigues fruit bats help their environment by dispersing seeds.
Poison Dart Frog
Poison dart frogs produce a poison stored in glands beneath the skin and can secrete this toxin when threatened. Just a small amount of toxin is enough to make large animals sick, ensuring they will never forget to avoid the bright patterned frog in the future.
Fennec Fox
The fennec fox’s enormous ears do more than help it detect predators and prey. They also dissipate body heat, helping the fox to keep cool in its native desert habitat.