-
African Lion(Panthera leo) Lions are native to a wide variety of habitats across Africa and parts of India. These cats form family groups called “prides” that live and hunt together. Fierce predators, lions feed on an assortment of prey including antelope, zebra, wildebeest and buffalo. The second largest cat species, male lions can weigh up to 500 pounds. -
Colobus Monkey(guereza kikuyuensis) Colobus are gregarious monkeys found in dense forests of Africa. They form large groups that forage on an array of fruit, flowers and leaves. Their strong digestive systems allow them to feed on vegetation that other herbivores avoid. -
African Elephant(Loxodonta africana) The African elephant is the largest of all land mammals, weighing as much as 20,000 pounds and standing up to 13 feet tall. These vegetarians feed on leaves, bark, roots and grasses. Elephants use their flexible prehensile trunks to breath, smell, touch, carry, eat, drink, communicate and even defend themselves. Their tusks are teeth that continue to grow throughout their lifetime. -
Meerkat(Suricata suricatta) The meerkat is a mongoose that makes its home in the arid grasslands of southern Africa. Meerkats are highly social and can live in packs or “mobs” of dozens of individuals. Their foreclaws are adapted to digging burrows and gathering food: insects, amphibians, small birds, reptiles and some plants.
Overview
Some of the world’s most famous animal species are native to the vast continent of Africa. The African elephant is the largest of all land mammals; the giraffe is the tallest. The fastest terrestrial mammal—the cheetah—can sprint up to 75 miles per hour.
Africa is renowned for the incredible diversity of its furry, finned and feathered wildlife, but many species are threatened in their homeland. That’s why the Caldwell Zoo has dedicated a large portion of its campus to the wonderful variety of African animals.
From the African Overlook, you’ll enjoy spectacular, uninterrupted views of some of our most admired animals including elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes and more. Bordering the Overlook, you’ll pass the lair of the enchanting cheetah. In the northern part of the park, lemurs hop about their island while meerkats frolic in their dens. You can even find penguins (yes, some are native to Africa!) waddling, diving and swimming in their cool pool.
From the Penguin House, the path takes you to the lions’ den, then gently curves through the forest home of the elusive bongo and colobus monkeys. Take your time to discover a multitude of animal species along the way, including a lively aviary teeming with stunning African birds.
African Animals
Cheetah, Black Rhinoceros, Reticulated Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Impala, Grevy’s Zebra, Crested Porcupine, Red Ruffed Lemur, Ring-tailed Lemur, African Elephant, Rock Hyrax, African Penguin, Lion, Slender-tailed Meerkat, Brindled Wildebeest, Bongo, Black and White Colobus, Warthog, Yellow-duiker, African Grey Parrot, Hamerkop, Crowned Crane, Aldabra Tortoise, African Spur Tortoise
