Game of Zoos: Cracking the Code Quiz

Answer: Cheetah

Cheetahs are felines, known for their speed and their lack of retractable claws. They are native to Africa (aside from a small number to be found in Iran), and are one of the species that find zoo life difficult, as their natural instinct to range and hunt cannot operate.

The code letters we now know:
F stands for A
H stands for C
J stands for E
M stands for H
Y stands for T

Answer: Elephant

Elephants have a long, flexible trunk which they can use in amazing ways - they have been trained to carry logs with them, and it is a common sight at the zoo to see them spraying water on themselves and each other in warm weather. Some zoos offer elephant rides as a way to travel around the exhibits. Sadly, the life expectancy of a captive elephant is significantly less than that of one in the wild - some surveys indicate that it is about a quarter.

The new code letters we now know:
Q stands for L
S stands for N
U stands for P

Answer: Gorilla

Gorillas are one of the great apes, generally considered fearsome because of their size and strength (remember 'King Kong'?), but in many ways they are gentle giants. There have been a number of stories of gorillas caring for small children who fell into their enclosure, while waiting for the attendants to come return the infant to its human mother.

The new code letters we now know:
L stands for G
N stands for I
T stands for O
W stands for R

Answer: Chimpanzee

The chimpanzee is very adaptable, and is found in a variety of habitats. They are known for their practice of building nests on tree branches in which they can sleep safely off the ground. Their diet is primarily herbivorous, with fruits being their favorite food when they can get it.

The new code letters we now know:
R stands for M
E stands for Z

Answer: Polar bear

Since polar bears are found in Arctic regions, they would definitely be seeking a cool spot after escaping, if the African animals who are also on the run are comfortable! While polar bears look white, their fur is actually colorless, and the white appearance is caused by refracted light. It is similar to the way ice is clear (unless there are enclosed air bubbles), but snow is white. Algae sometimes grow inside the hollow tube of the polar bear's fur, giving it a green tinge. This is rare in the wild, but not uncommon in zoos located in warmer climates.

The new code letter we now know:
G stands for B

Answer: Capuchin monkey

Capuchin monkeys are popular as pets (if you watched 'Friends', you will recall how fond Ross was of Marcel). Their name came from a perceived resemblance (on the part of early Portuguese explorers of South America) between their coloration and the robes worn by Capuchin monks. I don't see it, myself.

The new code letters we now know:
P stands for K
Z stands for U
D stands for Y

Answer: Giraffe

Giraffes may have incredibly long necks (enabling them to reach leaves too high for other browsers to eat), but their necks only have seven cervical vertebrae - they are just extremely elongated, each one being nearly a foot long! The long neck is also useful for males in establishing dominance (and access to mating with the most desirable females) through the process of necking, which can range in intensity from simply leaning on each other's shoulders (the neck acting as a lever to increase pressure) to violently swinging the head at the other giraffe (in which process a longer neck provides increased speed, so a more powerful blow when the ossicles impact the opponent). It is unclear which of these two factors contributed the most to the evolution of the giraffe's neck.

The new code letter we now know:
K stands for F

Answer: Wombat

This Australian marsupial usually moves very slowly, but it is strong and sturdy - they have been known to come off the better in a meeting with a car on a dark road, if they happen to be run over by the body of the car, not the wheels, and do serious damage to the undercarriage. They are also excellent burrowers, and can seriously undermine the structural integrity of the building if they decide to establish their home under yours.

The new code letter we now know:
B stands for W

Answer: Serval

The serval is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is readily recognized because of the extraordinary length of its legs compared to its body, and its tiny head with big ears.

The new code letters we now know:
X stands for S
A stands for V

Answer: Red fox

Foxes have a reputation for cunning in a number of cultures around the world, and they are often considered pests because of their impact on small mammals and birds, especially in places like Australia, where they were imported by British settlers who wanted to go fox hunting in the new land.

The new code letters we now know:
C stands for X
I stands for D