Fur, Feathers, and Fangs: An October Half-Term Scavenger Hunt

This October half-term, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm invites families to take part in a thrilling scavenger hunt with a wild twist! Our Fur, Feathers, and Fangs adventure will take children on an exciting journey through the zoo, where they’ll encounter creatures with fascinating fur, feathery friends, and fearsome fangs.

As you explore the zoo, here are some of the incredible animals you’ll meet along the way and some facts!

Barn Owl

Barn owls are known for their heart-shaped faces and hauntingly beautiful appearance. Found in many parts of the world, these birds of prey are exceptional hunters, relying on their incredible sense of hearing to locate small mammals like mice and voles in complete darkness. Their ability to fly silently, thanks to the special structure of their feathers, makes them one of nature's most efficient nocturnal predators.

Fun Fact: Known as the 'Ghost Owl,' barn owls fly silently, swooping down on their prey with impressive stealth.

Bat

Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight. With over 1,400 species worldwide, they play a vital role in ecosystems as pollinators, seed dispersers, and insect controllers. In the UK, you can find 18 different species of bats, ranging from the tiny pipistrelle to the larger noctule bat. These fascinating creatures use echolocation—a biological sonar system—to navigate and hunt insects in the dark, emitting high-frequency sounds that bounce off objects and return as echoes.

Did you know? There are 18 species of bats in the UK! These nocturnal creatures are masters of the night, using echolocation to hunt for insects.

Andean Bear

Andean bears, also known as spectacled bears due to the distinct light-coloured markings around their eyes, are native to the cloud forests of South America. These omnivorous bears are excellent climbers and can often be seen perched high in the trees, foraging for fruit and plant matter. Their strong claws and agile limbs allow them to access food sources that are out of reach for other animals, making them highly adaptable.

Fun Fact: Andean bears, our zoo’s star residents, have claws that can grow up to 4 inches long—the width of an average human hand! Perfect for climbing trees and foraging.

Camel

Camels are remarkable survivors, perfectly suited for life in harsh desert environments. With their humps storing fat (not water!), they can endure long periods without food or water. Their thick coats help insulate them from the sun, while their bushy eyebrows and long eyelashes protect against sand. Their reinforced lips and tough mouths allow them to eat prickly desert plants that other animals would avoid.

Fun Fact: With reinforced tongues and lips, camels can munch on thorny plants and cacti without a problem, making them perfectly adapted for desert life.

Spix's Guan

The Spix's guan, native to South America, is a type of arboreal bird that prefers to live in dense forests. While not as well known as some other species, this bird is crucial for seed dispersal, helping maintain the biodiversity of its habitat. Spix's guans are known for their sharp calls, especially at dawn and dusk, when they can be heard echoing through the trees.

Fun Fact: Although not nocturnal, Spix’s guans are known for making eerie, yelling noises on moonlit nights—perfect for adding a spooky vibe to your adventure!

Lion

Lions are social animals, living in prides that can number up to 30 individuals. They are the only big cats to live in groups, with females doing most of the hunting while males protect the pride's territory. Known as the "king of the savannah," lions use their iconic roars to communicate across vast distances. While their bite force may be weaker than some other big cats, their teamwork and strength make them formidable predators.

Fun Fact: Despite their powerful roar, lions have a surprisingly weak bite compared to other big cats. But don’t be fooled—they're still the kings of the savannah!

Meerkat

Meerkats are small mammals that live in highly organized communities called mobs or gangs. Found in the arid regions of southern Africa, they are always on alert, with one member of the group standing sentinel while others forage for food. Meerkats are skilled hunters, capable of catching insects, lizards, and even venomous scorpions, thanks to their immunity to some types of venom.

Fun Fact: Meerkats use their sharp fangs to catch prey, including scorpions, and to defend their territory against rival meerkat mobs.

Siamang Gibbons

Siamang gibbons are the largest species of gibbon and are famous for their impressive vocalizations. These agile apes are excellent brachiators, using their long arms to swing from tree to tree. Their calls can be heard from miles away, helping them maintain territory and communicate with family members. In the wild, siamang gibbons live in the dense forests of Southeast Asia.

Fun Fact: In some cultures, gibbons are considered mystical creatures, believed to have the power to shapeshift and live for hundreds of years. Keep an eye out for these agile acrobats!

Spider

Spiders are found on every continent except Antarctica and are some of the most skilled engineers in the animal kingdom. They can spin silk, which they use to build intricate webs to trap prey. Spider silk is an extraordinary material—stronger than steel by weight and incredibly flexible. While some species actively hunt, others wait patiently in their webs for unsuspecting insects to stumble into their sticky traps.

Fun Fact: Did you know that spider silk is stronger and tougher than steel for its weight? These tiny engineers can spin webs that are marvels of nature.

Vulture

Vultures play an essential role in ecosystems as scavengers, helping to clean up dead animals and prevent the spread of disease. These birds are often misunderstood but are highly specialized for their niche, with powerful beaks to tear through flesh and an acidic digestive system that allows them to safely consume rotting meat. Their bald heads are a clever adaptation, keeping feathers clean while feeding.

Fun Fact: Some vultures have bald heads and necks to prevent feathers from getting matted with blood while they feast—a clever adaptation for a scavenger!

Join us for this family-friendly scavenger hunt, packed with fun facts for curious minds. Whether you’re marvelling at the silent swoop of a barn owl or the impressive claws of an Andean bear, you’ll leave with new knowledge about the amazing animals that call Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm home.

Don't forget to bring your detective hats and see how many furred, feathered, and fanged creatures you can spot on your adventure!