Apr 06, 2023 by The Editors of Fabled Films Press

April 8th is National Zoo Lovers Day! It's celebrated annually to encourage the public to explore their local zoos and show appreciation for the education and awareness that zoos bring to their communities. Below you'll find fun facts about some of the unusual animals from The Nocturnals as well as location information for where you can spot them at local zoos.

Pangolins

Pangolins (like our favorite pangolin, Tobin) are scaly mammals that reside in Asia and Africa. Their protective keratin scales look like armor, but when they're scared, pangolins will roll up into a ball! Pangolins are endangered because of illegal poaching, so some zoos have pangolin conservation programs. You can see pangolins at the Gladys Porter Zoo (TX) and the Brookfield Zoo (IL).

Foxes

Our friend Dawn the Fox is a red fox, but do you know about other types of foxes, like the fennec fox, Arctic fox or bat-eared fox? Foxes can be found across the globe in various habitats and are known for being great swimmers and fast runners. Visit different foxes at zoos like the San Diego Zoo (CA), LA Zoo (CA), Cincinnati Zoo (OH), and Woodland Park Zoo (WA).

Wombats

Just like Walter from The Weeping Wombat, wombats are fuzzy mammals that inhabit forests and grasslands. They're great diggers, and they dig burrows to sleep in during the day. Wombas may look cuddly, but they can run up to 25 miles an hour! See a wombat in person at zoos like the San Diego Zoo (CA), Brookfield Zoo (IL), LA Zoo (CA), and the Memphis Zoo (TN).

Kinkajous

Kinkajous (like Karina from The Kooky Kinkajou) live in tropical forests. They have a tail that is longer than their body, and they use it to balance and to grab their favorite foods: fruit, insects, flowers, and honey! Witness these kooky creatures at zoos like the San Diego Zoo (CA) and the Memphis Zoo (TN).

Why do we love zoos? Not only are zoos fun and educational, but they allow us to see and learn more about interesting animals that we might not have encountered otherwise. A trip to the zoo supports research, conservation, and education!

You can discover more about pangolins, foxes, wombats, kinkajous, and other nocturnal animals in the NEW Nocturnals nonfiction book series!

For Kids Ages 6–8: The Nocturnals Presents Nighttime Animals: Awesome Features & Surprising Adaptations

For Kids Ages 9–12: The Nocturnals Explore Unique Adaptations of Nighttime Animals

 

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