Section 3
Animal Adaptations - Zoo Animal Information
Many animals at the Milwaukee County Zoo exhibit good examples of the animal adaptations
discussed in this packet. Included in this packet is more in-depth information about several specific
animals that display one or more of these adaptations. These "focus animals" will help guide your trip
to the Zoo. We encourage you to use this only as a baseline for further exploration of the fascinating
animals at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
At Aviary -- King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)
Geographic Location: The largest breeding colonies exist on the South Georgia, Kergulen, Macquarie,
and Marion islands.
Habitat: Lives in the ice-free sub-Antarctic waters and breeds on islands there.
Natural History:
It stands about 3 feet tall, and weighs 24-33 pounds. It has well-oiled feathers that are 2 inches long
and form a thick mat over the entire body. This coat keeps out the cold and wet but retains heat on
land and in the water. The wings are powerful, stubby, and flipper-like. They propel the bird rapidly
under water. The feet are used to steer the penguin through the water when it pursues prey. They also
contain many blood vessels, which are used to incubate the egg and warm the chick. The beak is long,
curved and sharp for seizing prey. Inside its mouth and over its tongue are protrusions that enable it to
grip slippery prey.
Diet:
The king penguin is an excellent hunter. The bird dives into the sea and snatches fish and squid with
its beak. It also eats krill.
Interesting Facts:
The king penguin is the second largest of all the penguins. The king penguin can dive to a depth of
200 feet when it is hunting. They can swim at speeds of 6 mph, using their wings as flippers to fly
through the water, and then hop out onto the rocky shore. At the start of the mating season the male
brays like a donkey while trying to attract a female. King penguins do not build nests, but tuck their
single egg under their “brood patch” (a special flap of skin under the belly) while resting it on their
feet! The mother and father penguin take turns keeping the egg warm. Although it is nearsighted on
land, it sees much better under water.
At Primates of the World -- Black-Handed Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
Geographic location: Mexico, Central and South America
Habitat: Mature rain forest and montane forest.
Natural History: The head and body length is between 15 and 25 inches, with the tail adding another
20 to 35 inches. They weigh usually between 12 and 16 pounds. The hair is coarse and stringy and
lacks underfur. Hair colors may include golden, red, buff, brown or black, with hands and feet
generally black. The face is often marked with a pale mask of unpigmented skin around the eyes and
muzzle. Hands are like hooks with long, narrow palms, long curved fingers, and no thumb. Limbs and
tail are exceptionally long in relation to body. Tail is prehensile. Head is small while the muzzle is
prominent.
Diet: Fruits, young leaves, and flowers. May eat some nuts, seeds, insects, arachnids, and eggs.
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