Animal activities for kids
Looking for something fun to do for the kids? We've got animal activities and wild facts for you.
Education
Our educational resources, activities, quizzes and other materials will develop an understanding of the importance of animals
Concepts in animal welfare
Improve your animal welfare knowledge – or teach your school or vet school students – through these training resources.
Animal Facts
Discover fun and fascinating facts about wildlife and farmed animals.
Bear facts
Common name: Bear. Scientific name: Ursidae. Distribution: Asia, Europe, The Americas
There are eight species of bears including the Asiatic black bear, sloth bear, sun bear, and brown bear. They are widely distributed around the world.
Cow facts
COMMON NAME: CATTLE. SCIENTIFIC NAME: BOS TAURUS. DISTRIBUTION: WORLDWIDE (EXCEPT ANTARCTICA)
Cows are highly social and sensitive animals. To communicate with each other they have 333 unique sounds and bond by licking one another.
Chicken facts
Common name: Chicken Scientific name: Gallus gallus domesticus Distribution: worldwide
Chickens are way more intelligent and sensitive than many people think. These clever creatures are the closest living relatives to the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Crocodile facts
COMMON NAME: CROCODILE. SCIENTIFIC NAME: CROCODYLUS. DISTRIBUTION: AUSTRALIA, ASIA, AND AFRICA
Crocodiles have been around for 240 million years. They play a vital role in keeping waterways clean and healthy for many other species.
Dolphin facts
COMMON NAME: DOLPHIN. SCIENTIFIC NAME: DELPHINIDAE. DISTRIBUTION: TEMPERATE AND TROPICAL WATERS AROUND THE WORLD
Dolphins are warm-blooded marine mammals that breathe air. Learn more about these highly intelligent, sociable and playful animals, with these dolphin facts.
Elephant facts
COMMON NAME: ELEPHANT. SCIENTIFIC NAME: ELEPHANTIDAE. DISTRIBUTION: ASIA AND AFRICA
Elephants are the largest living land-based mammal and can weigh between 3,000 to 5,000 kg with a body length of over 6 metres.
Koala facts
COMMON NAME: KOALAS. SCIENTIFIC NAME: PHASCOLARCTOS CINEREUS. DISTRIBUTION: AUSTRALIA
The koala is an iconic Australian marsupial. They have thick fur which can be brown or grey in colour, large ears, a black nose and no tail.
Lion facts
COMMON NAME: LION. SCIENTIFIC NAME: PANTHERA LEO. DISTRIBUTION: AFRICA, ASIA
Lions are the second largest big cats after tigers. There are two species left in the world today - the African lion and the Asiatic lion.
Pangolin facts
COMMON NAME: PANGOLINS. SCIENTIFIC NAME: PHOLIDOTA. DISTRIBUTION: ASIA AND AFRICA
Pangolins are solitary, primarily nocturnal animals – so there’s a good chance you aren’t too familiar with them.
Parrot facts
COMMON NAME: PARROTS. SCIENTIFIC NAME: PSITTACINES. DISTRIBUTION: SOUTH AMERICA, AFRICA, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Parrots are known for being charismatic, intelligent and musical. Some of these birds can imitate non-avian sounds, like human speech!
Pig facts
COMMON NAME: PIG. SCIENTIFIC NAME: SUS. DISTRIBUTION: WORLDWIDE
Pigs are incredibly smart, sensitive, and charismatic animals. Did you know that pigs are as playful as domesticated dogs?
Sloth facts
COMMON NAME: SLOTH. SCIENTIFIC NAME: FOLIVORA. DISTRIBUTION: CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
There are two types of sloth, two-toed and three-toed. However, this can get confusing as both types have three claws, or ‘toes’, on their hind limbs.
Snake facts
COMMON NAME: SNAKES. SCIENTIFIC NAME: SERPENTES. DISTRIBUTION: EVERY CONTINENT EXCEPT ANTARCTICA
According to the latest count, there are 3,789 snake species, making them the second largest group of reptiles after lizards.
Tiger facts
COMMON NAME: TIGER. SCIENTIFIC NAME: PANTHERA TIGRIS. DISTRIBUTION: ASIA
These larger-than-life animals are mostly solitary aside from the relationship between a mother and her cubs.
Animal quizzes
Test your knowledge about wild and farmed animals.
Animals in popular music Quiz
News
Animals have a long history of inspiring art and popular culture. Especially in the music world, where they feature in countless songs and band names.
How much do you know about birds in Aotearoa New Zealand?
News
Aotearoa New Zealand is home to many bird species found nowhere else on earth. Test your bird knowledge with our fun quiz.
Which bear are you?
News
The rescued bears at Balkasar sanctuary each have their own amazing, unique personalities...which one are you?
How much do you know about elephants?
News
Take our quiz to test your knowledge about these gentle giants.
How much do you know about snakes?
News
In celebration of World Snake Day today (July 16), we put together a short quiz about snakes. Take our quiz to test how much you know about these amazing animals.
Videos: Did you know?
Watch weird and wonderful facts about some of your favourite animals.
Virtual tours
Let the elephants lead you on a virtual tour of Following Giants - an elephant-friendly venue in Koh Lanta.
Virtual tour of an elephant sanctuary
Let the elephants lead you on a virtual tour of Following Giants - an elephant-friendly venue in Koh Lanta.