• One of the most iconic species in East Africa, the African elephant is a memorable sight. At an average height of 11 feet, these majestic creatures stand tall and strong, with adults usually weighing in at around 6 tons (8,000 lbs).
• They also serve a vital role in the East African ecosystem. Elephants use their massive strength to knock down trees in order to get to the most tender leaves. In doing so, they create open areas for grasslands, which provide food for countless other herbivores.
• Known for their elegant ivory tusks, these Kenya safari animals are increasingly falling prey to poaching for this feature, which is then sold illegally in the ivory trade. But efforts are being made to preserve these animals and their preferred habitats.
• In Kenya, they’re creating elephant corridors in places such as Ngare Ndare Forest (connecting it to Mount Kenya Forest), allowing them to migrate without having to cross roads.
• Largest land mammal, highly intelligent with strong social bonds and a remarkable memory.
• Strong familial bonds, highly intelligent
• Known for their long migration routes.

• With his luxurious mane and imposing roar, the male East African Lion is considered the king of all Kenyan animals and is the national animal of Kenya. The average male lion weighs between 350 and 500 lbs., while its female counterpart weighs a little less.
• Lions are known for their hunting prowess, preying on a variety of mammals such as gazelles, buffalo, zebras and more. The females tend to do most of the actual hunting, but the males usually get “the lion’s share” of the kill.
• Unlike other big cats, Lions are noteworthy for living in prides with their own clearly-marked territory. Prides will generally share their meals together, although some single male lions (known as bachelors) do hunt on their own.
• While the one pictured above feasted on his Wildebeest kill, we watched as 30+ Hyenas, Jackals, Vultures, Eagles and other predator animals waited for him to finish. Only when he walked away did they converge to feast on his leftover scraps.
• Lives in prides, males have majestic manes, and they are the only social big cats.
• Live in prides (family groups) of 10–15 individuals, led by a dominant male.
• Females do most of the hunting, while males defend the territory.
• Roars can be heard up to 8 km (5 miles) away to establish dominance.

• Preferring to live in a heavily forested area, leopards are well-known for their distinctive spotted coats. Their spots are roseated, so they look less defined than those of other cats.
• Leopards are excellent hunters, sneaking up on their prey and attacking without a warning. Along with hunting, leopards are athletic all around, with skills in swimming, climbing, and strength.
• Unlike the cheetah, its spotted counterpart, leopards prefer to stealthily stalk their prey and pounce rather than run after it.
• Their strong senses of smell and sight help them track and attack their prey, which is sometimes much larger than the leopard.
• Nocturnal and highly elusive, excellent climbers that often drag prey into trees.
• Mostly solitary and hunt silently at night.
• Store kills high up in trees to avoid scavengers.
• Can see seven times better than humans in low light.
• Have incredibly strong jaws and can kill prey with a single bite to the neck.

• The fastest land animal in the world, the Cheetah is known for its lightning-fast speed and its well-defined spots.
• Unlike its spotted counterpart, the Leopard, Cheetahs do not stalk their prey. Instead they run after it, dashing at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.
• Despite their great speed, Cheetahs are considered shy and less aggressive than other big cats. So they have to quickly eat their prey before a scavenger comes and steals it away.
• Unlike Lions, Cheetahs are solitary animals. But they sometimes live in coalitions with other Cheetahs, constantly moving around without settling in one place.
• These four Cheetah cubs, spotted romping with their mom in Kenya’s Olare-Motogori Conservancy, were 4.5 months old.
• Fastest land animal, reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) in short bursts.
• Fastest land animal, reaching speeds of 112 km/h (70 mph).
• Unlike lions and leopards, cheetahs hunt in daylight to avoid competition.
• Have black "tear marks" under their eyes to reduce glare from the sun.

• The largest of Africa’s buffalos, the Cape Buffalo weighs in at around 1,000 lbs. These massive creatures reside in many different grassy landscapes across Africa, feeding on huge quantities of grass.
• They’ve developed a symbiotic relationship with birds known as Oxpeckers. They can often be seen perched on the buffalos’ backs, eating ticks and other bugs and helping to keep wounds clean.
• Despite their large size, Cape Buffalos are highly sensitive to the sun and generally try to avoid the heat by staying in tall grass relatively close to a body of water. Another sensitivity comes in the form of illnesses: These buffalo are susceptible to a slew of diseases that plague cows, such as sleeping sickness.
• Known for their unpredictable nature and strong herd mentality.
• Highly unpredictable and dangerous to humans; strong social structures within herds.

• Tallest land animal, with a long neck adapted for browsing treetops.

• Unique black-and-white striped coat, which helps with camouflage and temperature regulation.

• Communication: Use specific alarm calls to warn about different predators.
• Social Behavior: Live in groups of 10–50 individuals with defined social rankings.
• Diet: Primarily frugivorous but also eat leaves, flowers, and insects.

• Marked by a distinct horn (or horns) on its forehead, the rhinoceros comes in many varieties, including black and white.
• Rhinoceroses are known for being solitary creatures and keeping clear of one another, but the white rhinoceros can be found in small groups. Black rhinoceroses differentiate from others for their quick tempers and tendency to react against any unexpected noise.
• Like the elephant and its tusks, the rhinoceros faces danger because of its noteworthy horns, which poachers take and sell illegally. However, these large creatures are faster than they look and can run up to 30 mph, which could help them evade predators.
• Thick skin, solitary nature, and critical endangered status due to poaching.
• No one has ever successfully bred rhinos in captivity. But scientists working in partnership with Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy have finally (after two years of trial and error) figured out how to retrieve eggs.
• The next step will be an in vitro fertilization procedure in an effort to save the critically endangered Northern White Rhino.
• READ MORE: Killing For Conservation- Can Hunting Save The Black Rhino?

• Marked by a distinct horn (or horns) on its forehead, the rhinoceros comes in many varieties, including black and white.
• Rhinoceroses are known for being solitary creatures and keeping clear of one another, but the white rhinoceros can be found in small groups. Black rhinoceroses differentiate from others for their quick tempers and tendency to react against any unexpected noise.
• Like the elephant and its tusks, the rhinoceros faces danger because of its noteworthy horns, which poachers take and sell illegally. However, these large creatures are faster than they look and can run up to 30 mph, which could help them evade predators.
• Thick skin, solitary nature, and critical endangered status due to poaching.
• No one has ever successfully bred rhinos in captivity. But scientists working in partnership with Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy have finally (after two years of trial and error) figured out how to retrieve eggs.
• The next step will be an in vitro fertilization procedure in an effort to save the critically endangered Northern White Rhino.
• READ MORE: Killing For Conservation- Can Hunting Save The Black Rhino?

• Originally known as the gnu, Wildebeests gained their current name from the Afrikaans language because of their wild and intimidating appearance.
• While it resembles a buffalo more than anything, wildebeests are actually a larger antelope species marked by their large, pointed horns.
• Despite their large size, wildebeests are prey for many major predators in Kenya, such as lions and hyenas.
• Wildebeests are herbivores, feeding on grasses and other plants. They move in fairly large herds, which can best be seen during their Great Migration north from the plains of the Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara every summer.
• What attracts them to Kenya is the Mara’s red oats, which they and the zebras seem to consider a delicacy.
• Famous for the Great Migration, where millions cross rivers facing crocodile predation.

• The Laughing Predators
• As a result of their caricature depiction in The Lion King, Spotted Hyenas are often associated with an evil cackle and scheming ways. However, there is much more to this misunderstood creature than meets the eye.
• Hyenas are remarkably strong, with powerful jaws and keen hunting skills, preying on a variety of Kenyan animals that includes various antelopes, Cape buffalo, and zebras.
• They are also fast, able to reach speeds of 37 mph in short bursts in order to catch their prey.
• Hyenas have a complex matriarchal society in each clan, but certain sounds are used to unite the clan together when there’s danger or a hunt afoot. Small pups like these 6-month-olds will stay behind during a hunt, and adult females will watch over each other’s pups.
• Night hunters and scavengers, often stealing from lions.
• Strongest jaws of any mammal, able to crush bones.
• Use vocalizations like “laughs” and “whoops” to communicate.

Did you know that hyenas experience one of the most painful and difficult births of any animal? Female hyenas have a unique reproductive anatomy—what appears to be a penis is actually an elongated clitoris, known as a pseudo-penis. Their labia are fused, forming what looks like a scrotum.

When giving birth, the cub must pass through this narrow and elongated pseudo-penis, which often ruptures in the process. The birth canal is so tight that many first-time mothers do not survive labor, and a significant number of cubs suffocate before they can be born.

Mating is also complicated due to this unusual anatomy. The male must carefully navigate the female’s pseudo-penis to achieve successful copulation. This, combined with the hyena’s matriarchal social structure, makes their reproductive process one of the most fascinating yet challenging in the animal kingdom.

• Can run at high speeds and kneels when grazing.
• Pumbaa, one half of the comic relief duo in The Lion King, served for many viewers as a hilarious introduction to another prominent Kenyan animal, the Warthog.
• But Warthogs are much smarter and faster than they may appear. They can run up to 34 mph in order to avoid predators. They’re also one of the most cautious animals we saw in Kenya, often running from our safari vehicle before we had a chance to snap their photo!
• Like their farm-dwelling counterparts, domesticated pigs, Warthogs will squeal and grunt to communicate with one another.
• What really sets them apart (and gives them their name) is the telltale warts on their bodies. These warts are used as protection during mating season, when male Warthogs (a.k.a. boars) fight each other to win over females (a.k.a. sows).

• Iconic call and expert fishing abilities.

• Hunts snakes by stomping them to death with powerful legs.
• The name of these birds sounds strange, but the Secretarybird’s appearance is even stranger.
• The bird is named for the fashion of the 1800s, when they were first discovered. Male secretaries of this time wore long gray coats and dark pants, resembling the gray feathers and long dark legs of the bird.
• These birds have unusual habits to match their unusual looks, spending most of their time walking on the ground rather than flying. They attack their prey in several different ways, such as stomping on it or stabbing it with their bills.
• As weird as these birds may seem, they are not to be messed with!

• Largest and fastest-running bird, capable of speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph).

• Uganda’s national bird, famous for its elaborate courtship dances

• The feathers of the Lilac-Breasted Roller, which is officially the National Bird of Kenya, contain almost every color of the rainbow.
• With lilac plumage, these birds have blue stomachs, green heads, reddish-brown faces, and brown and blue wings.
• The Lilac-breasted Roller has large wings and flies well, residing in nests in trees.
• These small birds feed on a variety of smaller creatures, like grasshoppers, lizards, beetles and more, diving to catch their food on the ground before flying swiftly back into the trees.
• Brightly colored and performs aerial acrobatics during mating displays.

• The iridescent colors of the Superb Starling truly live up to its name.
• This bird is small, but very noticeable and commonly seen throughout East Africa. It’s colored bright blue and green on its head and wings, bright orange on its stomach, with a few sections of black and white in between.
• Superb Starlings primarily eat fruit and seeds, along with some small insects. They live in the grassy habitats of the savanna, feeding on the ground.
• Although they are small, the Superb Starling makes its mark with various loud noises that make up its distinctive song.

• One of the heaviest flying birds, with elaborate courtship displays.

• Scavenger that helps clean up carcasses and waste; has a bald head for hygiene.
• With a pink neck pouch, black wings, and a hunched stature, the Marabou Stork is certainly not the prettiest bird in Kenya.
• However, these birds serve an important purpose in their ecosystems, scavenging on various foods that include carcasses, smaller birds, termites, and more.
• The neck pouch is a useful feature, as it helps these birds produce a distinctive croaking sound and is most often heard during mating season.
• The Marabou Stork is also distinguishable for its unfeathered head and long, white tail feathers, which are called marabou.

• Scavenger that helps clean up carcasses and waste; has a bald head for hygiene.

• Distinctive net-like (reticulated) coat pattern, found mainly in northern Kenya and Somalia.
• Marked by their noteworthy long neck, the Reticulated Giraffe is another relatively common sighting in northern Kenya.
• These giraffes use their long necks to feed in the tops of acacia trees, where they gather leaves and fruit. You can usually tell which trees they’ve feasted on: Since they tend to eat from the top (where the freshest leaves are), the trees look a bit like hats.
• They’re hardly ever seen drinking water, and look quite funny when they do. Their long necks combined with powerful eyes make for good eyesight.
• Each giraffe is unique and can be identified by the slightly different pattern of spots on its body. You can tell how old a giraffe is by checking out the color of his/her spots. The darker the are, the older the animal is.

• Largest of all zebra species, with narrower stripes and large round ears
• More endangered than the common plains zebra.
• With their identifiable stripes, zebras are one of the most well-known and beloved Kenyan animals. The Grevy’s Zebra is the largest zebra species, with larger features to match.
• Grevy’s zebras have larger ears and more stripes than other zebras. These zebras have 80 stripes in all, and are known for their strong sense of sight.
• This zebra is also unique because of its moniker: In 1882, it was named for the president of France, Jules Grevy, who was gifted with one of the unusual-looking zebras.
• Unfortunately, this zebra is increasingly endangered due to habitat loss and drought, with around 2700 left in the world. Approximately 11% of those can be found in Kenya’s Lewa Conservancy, where they are a common sight.

• Looking like a cross between a goat and a gazelle, East African Oryx (which is also known as the Beisa) are easy to spot due to their large antler-like horns.
• These antelopes are colored brown, black, and white, and reside in the savanna and desert climates of northern Kenya.
• Like camels, these animals have genetically adapted to conserve water, and do not sweat until temperatures reach around 116 degrees Fahrenheit!
• Other notable behaviors are the presence of a head cow and “alpha bull,” who are in charge of the herd.
• Can survive without water for long periods, extracting moisture from food.
• Has striking straight horns.

• Also known as the Giraffe Gazelle or Waller’s Gazelle, the Gerenuk (meaning “giraffe-necked” in Somali) looks like an ordinary gazelle except for its pencil-like neck.
• The rarest of the “Northern 5” species (which are so named because they’re found north of the Equator), these elegant-looking wild animals in Kenya take advantage of their long necks and legs by reaching for food in trees and shrubs.
• Gerenuks are herbivores who feed on fruit and flowers (we saw them eating ones in Meru National Park that looked like morning glories) by yanking the branch toward them, rather than eating close to the ground.
• Compared to other antelopes in Kenya, they are quite shy, living in small herds no larger than eight animals.
• Long-necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to reach high tree branches.

• Males develop striking blue skin during breeding season.
• Adapted to arid environments.
• Only recently established as a separate species from the Common Ostrich, the Somali Ostrich is noticeable for its blue neck and legs, with makes having bright red markings on their shins during mating season.
• These large, flightless birds can be found in various different types of habitats, such as grasslands and woodlands. They are unfortunately suffering from habitat loss, but stronger conservation efforts have been proposed in order to rejuvenate their dwindling population.
• The female Somali Ostrich is slightly bigger than the male. They are colored slightly differently as well, with females being brown with pink-peach highlights.

• With long legs like a deer and a gorgeous multicolored coat like that of a big cat, Wild Dogs are an unusual animal to say the least.
• These dogs have large, upward-pointing ears and communicate with one another through a distinctive series of sounds and touches.
• As with a Leopard’s spots, each Wild Dog has a unique coat made up of several different shades. In fact, their Latin name, Lycaon pictus, means “painted wolf.”
• These dogs are predators that live in packs of up to 30 members. They’re remarkable in the way that they hunt together, taking down larger Kenyan animals (such as Wildebeests and other antelopes) and feeding on smaller mammals in between big meals.
• Highly social pack hunters with an incredible hunting success rate.
• Highly social pack hunters with strong bonds.
• Have a hunting success rate of 80%, one of the highest among predators.
• Each dog has a unique coat pattern, making them easy to identify.

• Can survive in arid conditions without drinking water for long periods.
• Can survive in dry environments without drinking water for long periods, obtaining moisture from plants.
• Larger than Thomson’s gazelle and lacks the distinct black stripe.
• Both males and females have lyre-shaped horns, though males’ horns are thicker and longer.

• One of the tiniest species of antelope, Kirk’s Dik-Dik lives in dry and grassy habitats, feeding primarily on fruit, leaves, and grasses.
• These little antelopes only grow to about 14 pounds and mate for life, repeatedly traveling along the same trails that wind through the grass and bushes. If one partner dies, the other one will often be so stressed/depressed that they’ll stop eating and die soon after.
• Their large eyes help them to see and also hold a preorbital gland, which produces a substance that the Dik-Dik uses to mark its territory.
• They are targeted by many predators, and survive by staying hidden in the bush.
• Tiny antelope with a highly developed sense of smell used for marking territory.

• Unique rocking flight pattern and striking red facial skin.

• Known as the “flying banana” due to its large yellow beak.

• Smallest raptor in Africa; often nests in abandoned weaver bird nests.

• Striking blue plumage and a bald head resembling a vulture.

• Behind the Elephant and White Rhinoceros, the Hippopotamus is the third-largest land mammal on Earth today.
• Adult Hippos average anywhere from 2,870 pounds (females) to 3,310 pounds (males). But despite its massive size and short, stubby legs, this behemoth is capable of running up to 19 miles per hour over short distances.
• These animals have strong gray bodies with thick skin and very little hair. They use mud and water to keep themselves cool in the heat due to a lack of sweat glands.
• They may look scary, and they are - they’re actually responsible for more annual deaths (around 2,900) than Lions, Leopards, Sharks, or snakes. But Hippos use their teeth to feed primarily on grass, and their bodies retain nutrients for long periods of time.
• Semi-aquatic mammals that spend most of their time in water to stay cool.
• Have incredibly strong jaws that can open up to 150 degrees and deliver one of the most powerful bites in the animal kingdom (1,800 psi).
• Despite their bulky appearance, they can run at speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph) on land for short bursts.
• Their skin secretes a natural "sunscreen" called hipposudoric acid, which gives them a pinkish or reddish hue and protects against sunburn and bacteria.

Fun Facts About Hippos!

1. They Can Sleep Underwater
   Hippos have a reflex that allows them to bob up to the surface, take a breath, and sink back down without waking up.
2. They’re Closely Related to Whales
   Hippos and whales share a common ancestor that lived about 55 million years ago!
3. They Don’t Actually Swim
   Instead of swimming, hippos "walk" or "bounce" along the riverbed because their bodies are too dense to float.
4. They Are Surprisingly Fast
   Despite their size (up to 1,500 kg or 3,300 lbs), hippos can outrun a human over short distances!
5. One of Africa’s Most Dangerous Animals
   Hippos are highly territorial in water and can be extremely aggressive, making them responsible for more human deaths in Africa than lions or crocodiles.
6. Their Yawns Are Actually Threats
   When a hippo opens its mouth wide, it’s not being lazy—it’s showing off its massive teeth to warn others to stay away!
7. They Have Huge Teeth That Never Stop Growing
   Their tusks (canine teeth) can grow up to 50 cm (20 inches) long and are used for fighting, not eating!

• One of the fastest gazelles, capable of running at 80 km/h (50 mph).
• A favorite prey for cheetahs but escapes using sharp zigzag movements.
• One of the fastest gazelles, capable of running at 80 km/h (50 mph).
• A favorite prey for cheetahs but escapes using sharp zigzag movements.
• Recognized by the bold black stripe along its side.

• Perhaps the most familiar of Kenya’s antelope species, Impalas are best known for their speed and agility.
• These antelopes feed and run quickly in herds overseen by a dominant male. Young males are often kicked out of the herd, roaming as bachelors until they’re strong enough to fight the alpha male for breeding rights.
• Impalas can leap up to 33 feet in the air, which helps them to avoid predators and send signals to other Impalas, but is also occasionally done just for fun.
• Impalas have adapted to feed on a variety of plants depending on the season, eating grass shoots in the wet months and shrubs and other dry herbs in the dry months.
• Excellent jumpers, leaping up to 3 meters (10 feet) high and 10 meters (33 feet) long to escape predators.
• Males (rams) are territorial during mating season and engage in headbutting fights.
• Often found near water sources and mixes with other herbivores like zebras and wildebeests.

• Living primarily in floodplains, the Topi is also found in the savanna and other dry habitats. These reddish-colored antelopes are also known as the “blue jean antelope,” for the distinctive blue markings on their legs.
• Topis feed on very specific plants, chewing for long periods of time before resting and then grazing again.
• Unlike many other antelope species, the Topi is very sociable and interacts with other species, such as wildebeests and zebras.
• Within their own species, Topis live in herds ranging in size from 15-100, and they establish smaller herds when necessary. They prefer to sleep standing up, usually on a high point and facing in opposite directions as if they are keeping watch.
• Considered the fastest antelope, capable of running at 80 km/h (50 mph).
• Has a reddish-brown coat with bluish patches on the upper legs.
• Males often stand on termite mounds to survey their surroundings for predators and rivals.

• One of the most endurance-based antelopes, capable of running long distances at 60 km/h (37 mph).
• Has a sloping back and elongated face with curved horns in both sexes.
• Often lives in small herds and uses open plains to spot predators early.

• Standing up to 5 feet tall at the shoulder and wishing up to 2000+ pounds, the Eland is the largest antelope species in the world.
• The massive animal looks a little like a cross between an antelope and a cow. These antelopes live in various ecosystems in East and Southern Africa, ranging from mountains to plains and everything in between.
• Elands usually travel in herds of various sizes but sometimes wander alone, grazing on grasses and other plants all year-round.
• Both males and females have huge horns, which they use to detach high tree branches and grab food. Although they are very large, Elands are actually quite shy.
• Largest and slowest antelope, but can still jump 2.5 meters (8 feet) high!
• Males develop a dewlap (loose skin under the neck) and emit a distinctive clicking sound when walking, likely due to their joints.
• Both sexes have spiraled horns, but male horns are thicker.

• Solitary and highly secretive, preferring dense vegetation.
• Excellent swimmers and can escape predators by jumping into rivers.
• Has a reddish-brown coat with white spots and stripes on its body.

• Found near water sources, as they need to drink daily.
• Have a greasy, water-resistant coat that emits a musky odor.
• The white "toilet seat" ring on their rump makes them easy to identify.

• Small, graceful, and often found in pairs rather than herds.
• Uses tall grass for cover rather than speed to evade predators.
• Has a white ring around its eyes, giving it an alert expression.

• Have the largest ears relative to body size among wild cats, helping them detect prey underground.
• Can jump 3 meters (10 feet) high to catch birds in midair.
• Specialize in hunting rodents and birds in tall grass.

• Known for black-tufted ears, used for communication.
• Can leap up to 3 meters (10 feet) into the air to catch birds.
• Prefers hunting at night and is rarely seen during the day.

• The Insect Hunter
• Gigantic bat-like ears that detect insects underground.
• 80% of its diet is termites—a natural pest controller!
• Monogamous and raises pups together with its mate.

• The Fearless Fighter
• Immune to venom from cobras and scorpions.
• Has thick, loose skin, allowing it to twist and escape predators.
• One of the most fearless animals in Africa—attacks lions if provoked!

• The Secretive Omnivore
• Nocturnal and rarely seen, using scent-marking to communicate.
• Eats everything—fruits, insects, rodents, and even carrion.
• Produces civet musk, once used in high-end perfumes.

• Named for the streak of black hair along its back, the Black-backed Jackal lives in open areas that are not completely covered by tall grasses or bush.
• These animals are active both day and night, hunting and scavenging on several different types of animals, including various antelopes species. They will hunt individually or in pairs, but also dine on plants and other vegetable matter.
• Black-backed Jackals are clever and have been able to take advantage of human development. They often feed on scraps left behind by humans or on domesticated animals (such as cats and dogs) that humans keep as pets.
• Like wolves and coyotes, jackals are among the few mammal species that generally mate for life. Mated pairs are usually very territorial, with both male and female marking and defending their territory.
• Named after its black saddle marking on the back.
• Monogamous—mates for life.
• Skilled hunter and scavenger, often seen stealing kills from lions and hyenas.

• Has light-colored stripes along its body.
• More omnivorous than other jackals, feeding heavily on fruit.
• Nocturnal and less aggressive than the black-backed jackal.

• Closely related to wolves and more social than other jackals.
• Can adapt to varied diets, eating small mammals, birds, and carrion.
• Known for high-pitched howls used to communicate over long distances.

• Somewhat resembling a small bear (or a less-furry raccoon), the Banded Mongoose is characterized by the large black stripes across its back.
• These creatures primarily feed on insects like beetles as well as small mammals or reptiles (mice and snakes are their favorite prey) when necessary.
• They live in savannas and woodland areas, inhabiting abandoned termite mounds where they can easily come and go.
• The Banded Mongoose is a social animal and lives in packs of up to 40 individuals, and these groups move around constantly. When they move, they tend to move as a unit, looking almost like rolling waves upon the sea.
• Live in large family groups (up to 30 members).
• Recognizable by their dark horizontal bands on the back.
• Highly social and move in tight-knit foraging packs.

• Smallest carnivore in Africa.
• Lives in termites mounds, often sharing them with warthogs.
• Has a strict social hierarchy, with an alpha female leading the group.

• Largest mongoose species in the Maasai Mara.
• Nocturnal and mostly solitary.
• Has a distinctive fluffy white tail used for signaling.

• Very agile and fast, often hunting small rodents and birds.
• Solitary and highly territorial.
• Can climb trees to escape predators.

• The Tiny Acrobats
• Also known as the Galago, adorable Bushbabies look a little like a tiny cross between a koala and a monkey.
• These unusual little creatures have pointed ears, long curled tails, wide eyes, and soft gray fur that give them an innocent, almost alien appearance.
• The Bushbaby primarily feeds on insects and fruit. They particularly enjoy the gum of trees, which they consume by picking through the holes in trees or scraping off tree bark.
• Like monkeys (to which they are related), these petite primates like to hop through the trees and sometimes sit upright on two legs.
• Can leap 10 times their body length in a single jump!
• Huge eyes for night vision and bat-like ears for detecting insects.
• Make baby-like cries, earning them the name &dlquo;bush babies.&drquo;

• The species was named after French naturalist Jules Verreaux. Also commonly known as the milky eagle owl or giant eagle owl, it’s the largest owl on the continent, measuring up to 26 inches long.
• Pink eyelids—the only owl species with this feature!
• With a wingspan that can get up to over 5 feet, these massive birds feed on several different types of prey, including bats, insects, and rodents.
• Eagle-Owls appear to be surprised due to their bright orange-pink eyes and ears that look like raised eyebrows. These features make them easy to identify amongst other owl species.
• Hunts small mammals, birds, and even monkeys at night.
• Can take down porcupines and even young antelopes!

• The Mysterious Camouflaged Birds
• Perfect camouflage—they blend into tree bark or ground leaves.
• Only active at night, catching insects in mid-air.
• Nicknamed the “ghost birds” due to their silent flight.

• The Ancestor of Domestic Cats
• Looks like a large tabby cat but is purely wild.
• Extremely stealthy and rarely seen, hunting rodents at night.
• Thought to be the ancestor of all domestic cats!

• Named for its freshwater home, the Nile Crocodile lives in the Nile River Basin as well as other rivers and swamps throughout eastern Africa.
• These reptiles have a bad reputation as vicious predators, feeding on just about anything they come in contact with (including humans).
• Even when they’re just relaxing in the sun (such as the one pictured above), these massive reptiles can be a terrifying sight. Their incredible size– ranging from 8 to 14 feet long and weighing 500 to 1,200 pounds– and razor-sharp teeth make them one of Africa’s most formidable apex predators.
• Nile Crocodiles are also known for eating plants and small animals, so they do not really discriminate when it comes to their food sources.
• Crocodiles never stop growing throughout their lives—this is why older crocs are much bigger than younger ones! Some ancient crocodiles are estimated to have reached 10 meters (33 feet) in length!
• They Can Hold Their Breath for Over an Hour
  Crocodiles can slow their heart rate to just 2–3 beats per minute, allowing them to stay underwater for up to two hours while waiting for prey.
• One of the Strongest Bite Forces in the Animal Kingdom
  Bite force: ~5,000 psi (pounds per square inch), stronger than lions, tigers, or great white sharks!
  This allows them to crush bones and tear through tough prey.
• Ancient Dinosaurs of the Water
  Crocodiles have been around for over 200 million years, meaning they lived alongside dinosaurs!
  They have changed very little in evolution, making them one of the most successful surviving reptiles.
• They Can Sleep with One Eye Open
  Crocodiles have unihemispheric sleep, meaning one half of their brain sleeps while the other stays awake.
  This lets them stay alert for threats and prey, even while resting.
• Gender Is Determined by Egg Temperature
  If crocodile eggs incubate below 30°C (86°F) → Mostly females hatch.
  If eggs incubate above 33°C (91°F) → Mostly males hatch.
  Temperatures in between produce a mix of males and females!
• They "Cry" But Not Because They’re Sad
  When crocodiles eat, they sometimes appear to “cry.”
  This happens because air forces tears from their tear glands, not because they feel emotions.
• They Can Survive Months Without Eating
  Crocodiles have an ultra-slow metabolism, meaning they can go up to a year without food in extreme cases!
  However, when food is available, they can eat half their body weight in one meal.
• Their Stomach Can Dissolve Bones & Hooves
  Crocodiles have the most acidic stomach of any vertebrate, allowing them to digest bones, hooves, and even horns from large prey like zebras and wildebeests.
• Mother Crocodiles Are Super Protective
  Despite their ferocious nature, female crocodiles are caring mothers.
  They gently carry their hatchlings in their mouths to water and guard them from predators.
• They Can Run Faster Than You Think
  On land, crocodiles can sprint up to 17 km/h (11 mph) for short distances.
  This is faster than many humans can run—so never underestimate a crocodile on land!

• Living in savannas, Baboons are smaller than Gorillas, but bigger than typical monkeys.
• These animals spend their time moving between the trees and the ground, feeding on a variety of food ranging from small mammals and birds to fruit and plants.
• A group of Baboons is called a troop. These troops are tight-knit and complex social organizations consisting of up to hundreds of animals.
• The Baboon is one of the largest monkey species in the world. Their preference for grass helps them survive in areas where other monkey species cannot.
• Social Structure: Live in large troops that can number over 100 individuals, exhibiting complex social hierarchies.
• Diet: Omnivorous; consume fruits, leaves, insects, and small mammals.
• Adaptability: Highly adaptable to various habitats, from savannas to forests.

• Named for its white back, the White-backed Vulture is gray and white in color. Like other vultures, they scavenge on animal carcasses and do not have any natural predators.
• They like to circle around open savannas and plains areas, using their strong eyesight to identify potential food for themselves.
• Once they see blood from a kill, they’ll immediately sound an alarm to draw other vultures (with hyenas, eagles, jackals, and other predators often following suit). They’re not afraid to snatch food from a cheetah or female lion, but steer clear of the “king of the jungle.”
• Despite its lack of predators, these birds are endangered because of habitat loss and hunting amongst other threats, demonstrating the interconnected nature of scavengers with other creatures.
• Critical Role: Serve as nature’s cleanup crew, consuming carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases
• Declining Numbers: Populations have faced significant declines due to poisoning and habitat loss.
• Flight: Soar at high altitudes using thermal currents to locate food over vast areas.

• Named for their preferred proximity to water, the Common Waterbuck feeds on plants near bodies of water in various habitats, including savannas and forests.
• These creatures are designed for protection from Kenya’s predators in several ways. Their eyes are situated on the sides of their face in order to maximize their field of vision. Their bodies give off a strong odor that helps to ward off predators as well.
• Another notable trait is their long horns, which are sometimes used by males when fighting over territory.
• But our favorite feature of the Waterbuck is their adorable noses, which resemble a heart shape if you look closely. Just don’t confuse them with the Hartebeest, another African antelope species!
• Nocturnal Lifestyle: Active at night with large eyes adapted for night vision.
• Leaping Ability: Can leap several meters between trees using strong hind limbs.
• Diet: Insectivorous, also consuming fruits and gums.

• Description: Recognized by its pale head and neck, dark brown body, and distinctive white markings on the underwing
• Habitat: Commonly found in savannas, grasslands, and mountainous regions.
• Notable Locations: Observed in various national parks, including Hell's Gate National Park.
• Unique Trait: Holds the record for the highest-flying bird, with confirmed flights at altitudes up to 11,300 meters (37,000 feet).

• Description: The largest vulture in Africa, characterized by its bare reddish head and large size.
• Habitat: Prefers arid savannas and semi-deserts.
• Notable Locations: Spotted in several Kenyan national parks, contributing to the scavenging community.
• Diet: Capable of tearing through tough hides and tendons, often feeding on larger carcasses.

• Description: Smaller vulture with a thin bill and bare, pale face.
• Habitat: Found in open grasslands, forests, and near human settlements.
• Notable Locations: Present in various Kenyan national parks and reserves.
• Behavior: Often seen near human habitation, feeding on scraps and waste.

• Description: Medium-sized vulture with white plumage and a yellow face.
• Habitat: Inhabits open areas, including deserts and savannas.
• Notable Locations: Occasionally observed in Kenyan national parks during migration periods.
• Unique Trait: Known to use tools, such as rocks, to break open eggs—a rare behavior among birds.

• Nocturnal Lifestyle: Active at night with large eyes adapted for night vision.
• Leaping Ability: Can leap several meters between trees using strong hind limbs.
• Diet: Insectivorous, also consuming fruits and gums.

• Named for their characteristic grey heads, this small, multicolored bird is usually seen perched in the low branches of trees, from which they hunt.
• Arguably the bird’s ,most stunning feature is its black and bright blue wings, which are coupled with a white and brown belly and a large pinkish orange bill.
• The diminutive Grey-headed Kingfisher feeds on small bugs like grasshoppers and beetles as well as small lizards.
• They live near water in wooded areas, often watching silently for long periods of time before they dive after their prey.
• Nocturnal Lifestyle: Active at night with large eyes adapted for night vision.
• Leaping Ability: Can leap several meters between trees using strong hind limbs.
• Diet: Insectivorous, also consuming fruits and gums.

• With a neck that matches the primary color of their favorite prey, the Little Bee-Eater has a yellow neck, green back, and reddish-orange front.
• This bird is the smallest of all the African bee-eating species, usually residing in bush areas near bodies of water.
• They feed on bees, of course (amongst other small insects, like wasps), and are skilled at removing the stinger before consuming their prey.
• These birds differ from other bee-eating varieties because of their nesting habits. The Little Bee-Eater actually prefers to nest in the sand!

• Looking a bit like a spotted raccoon or a small hyena, the Large-Spotted Genet is actually related to the weasel. It feeds on small mammals, birds, plants and more.
• These animals are distinguished from the Small-spotted Genet by their black-tipped tails and large, black spots all along its body.
• The Large-Spotted Genet is solitary and generally spends its time in densely-covered habitats such as forests. They’ll utilize this area both for its proximity to water and as protection from predators.
• These animals operate mostly at night, and pounce on their prey in order to catch it.

• A reddish orange and green belly stands out against the grey body of the male Red-Bellied Parrot, which mainly lives in dry bush and wooded areas.
• The presence of four toes on each foot– two on the front and two in the back– makes it easy for the Red-Bellied Parrot to perch in the trees.
• Like most of their kind, the Red-bellied Parrot pairs for life. They’re often seen eating seeds and fruit, using their beaks to break open their food.
• These birds are fast flyers and often live in small groups, playing an important role in their ecosystem by spreading the seeds they consume.

• Long legs, red eyes, and a light grey coloring characterize the Eastern Chanting Goshawk, which can get up to 19-21 inches long.
• This intimidating-looking bird of prey lives in open, semi-arid areas, where it feeds on other birds, insects, and lizards.
• Like other hawks, the Eastern Chanting Goshawk has a huge wingspan of about 41 inches and can be found perched in trees waiting to catch their prey.
• Their name comes from a mating habit of the species: The males whistle, or chant, in order to attract females during breeding season.

• While most birds of prey are thought to be large and imposing, the Pygmy Falcon defies this stereotype.
• This small bird only weighs between 1.9 and 2.34 ounces, and they’re much smaller than the average falcon species.
• These birds reside in arid regions with tall trees in which they can roost, feeding on insects and lizards by flying down and snatching them off the ground.
• These little birds are also known for being noisy during mating season, singing different high-pitched sounds to attract their mates.

• A brownish-colored body gives the Tawny Eagle its name. Related to the Steppe Eagle of Mongolia, it’s rather large for an eagle, measuring up to 30 inches long with a wingspan of around six feet.
• This powerful predator uses its massive wings to hunt for reptiles, mammals, and birds as well as scavenging for animal carcasses.
• The Tawny Eagle is tailor-made for hunting, with large, strong talons that capture prey and help the bird steal food from other predator animals.
• Found throughout much of Africa and southern Asia, these birds live in desert regions without the cover of trees. This allows them fly in search of food, hunting during the day and resting at night.

• With the appearance similar to a large rodent, the Rock Hyrax is a brown, medium-sized mammal found in rocky areas of Kenya.
• These animals are well-suited to rocky environments, as their feet can easily latch onto smooth surfaces. They can often be found burrowed in the rocks for shelter, or laying out on the rocks to catch some sun.
• The Rock Hyrax primarily feeds on fruit and leaves, and they have three-chambered stomachs to help digest all that fiber!
• These animals are also noteworthy for moving about in large groups, and for their keen eyesight, which helps them avoid predators.

• Small, grey-brown finch with a red conical bill and red around the eyes
• Has a greyish-brown back and a dark brown rump
• Found in sub-Saharan Africa and introduced to other regions
• Often found in grasslands, near water

• Often feeds on the grass along road edges, usually in small flocks.
• The call is a clear ”swee“ often given in flight.
• May be found in grasslands, near water

• Lesser striped Swallow occurs from E to S Africa from sea level to 2.200 m.
• They migrate locally depending on weather and are even found in dry areas.

• The Rock Martin is wide spread near rocks and buildings even in big cities.
• They are mostly found in highlands.
• The nest is constructed with mud pellets on rocks or under ceilings of buildings or under bridges.
• Pairs or small flocks.

• Barn Swallow (Hirundo r. rustica) is long distance migrant from the North to South of the Sahara from August to April up to 3.000 m.
• They are usually found in huge flocks perching or hunting over open areas also wheat fields
• Few birds stay all year round.

• The dark chanting goshawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which is found across much of sub-Saharan Africa.
• A tall, long-tailed, slaty-gray hawk with pink-orange legs and bill base.
• The flight feathers and wing tips are dark on both the upper and under wings
• This raptor often calls from a perch or in flight, uttering an accelerating series of piping notes and fluty whistles.

• This kingfisher is aggressively territorial, attacking intruders including humans.
• It has a striking display in which the wings are spread to show the white linings.
• The adult has a bright blue back, wing panel and tail.
• Its flight is rapid and direct.
• Its head, neck and underparts are white, and its shoulders are black.
• The large bill has a red upper mandible and black lower mandible.
• The legs and feet are dark grey.

• It is a small shrike with black, white, and gray plumage.
• Males and females are similar, though females may have a small chestnut patch on their flanks.
• Key identifying features include a small white mark on the wing and white outer tail feathers, which are noticeable during flight.
• Taita Fiscals are usually solitary birds that hunt for insects and small vertebrates from exposed perches or the tops of shrubs.

• Their feathers are not waterproof and as they spend a lot of their time in water they have to dry them out by standing upright with their wings splayed.
• Their webbed feet aren’t great for walking and they can only move slowly on land, but don’t let that lure you in. they are exceptional swimmers. For birds, cormorants have really dense bones meaning they float very low in the water and as their paddle shaped webbed feet are towards the back of their bodies they can swim really fast both above and below the surface.
• Their diet is made up almost exclusively of fish which they catch by chasing down then gripping with their hook shaped beaks before swallowing them whole.
• They nest communally, often in tall waterside trees but occasionally on cliff edges and both coastal and inland islands.

• The African Darter is a large, conspicuous and distinctive water bird. It is a large, cormorant-like bird, with a dagger-like bill and a very long, slender neck.
• In both sexes the bill is yellowish horn-grey to greenish horn-grey. The eyes are usually golden yellow, but are sometimes brown or red. The legs and feet are pale to dark brown and the feet are totipalmate (fully webbed).
• Non-breeding adults are paler, duller and browner than breeding adults, especially on the neck and mantle. At this time the white cheek stripe is reduced and less conspicuous.
• Juveniles resemble the adult female, but have pale buffy brown underparts. The bill is grey-green and the facial skin is dark green.

• Chunky, mid-sized, blackish heron. The bill and legs are black and the feet are yellow. Found mainly in freshwater and brackish wetlands, though occasionally on saltwater. Famous for its “umbrella” feeding technique in which it hunts for food inside of its own spread and curled wings. Similar to the dark morph of other egret species, but smaller, shorter-necked, and without a pale patch at the base of the bill.

• This species is a small dabbling duck found in eastern and southern Africa, including sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar.
• It prefers shallow freshwater pools, lakes, and marshes.
• Blue-billed Teals are among the smallest duck species globally and are related to Eurasian Teals.
• Males produce a distinctive wooden rattling call, while females have a typical quack.

• This species is a resident breeder found in the Rift Valley highlands of central Kenya and northern Tanzania.
• Its a typical sparrow with a striped back, a gray crown and nape, and a dark bib.
• The rufous rump is a noticeable feature, especially during flight.
• While sexes are similar, males have a bolder black bib and more rufous coloring on the face.
• They are generally common in their range, inhabiting savannas, cultivated areas, and areas around human settlements.

• Appearance: Males are distinguished by their large, red bills, often with a yellow or white tip, while females have entirely black bills. Both sexes have predominantly black wings.
• Behavior: They typically occur in savannah and open woodlands and are often seen perching in small trees before dropping to the ground to feed on invertebrates and small vertebrates. They also consume some fruits and seeds.
• Habitat and Range: They are found in East Africa, primarily in thorn scrub and arid habitats, east of the East African Rift, from Ethiopia south to Tanzania.