An African Safari Trivia Quiz

Answer:

A safari in one of Africa's famous national parks (armed, of course, just with your camera!) is a must for any animal lover. In those endless expanses of savanna, you will be able to see some of the world's largest land animals going about the business of their daily lives - which often involves eating or being eaten!

Though they are not the largest cat species (tigers being larger on average), lions are certainly the most readily recognizable because of the imposing manes sported by the males. They live in large groups called prides and the females (lionesses) do the hunting. Cheetahs are also members of the cat family, although much smaller than lions. They have spotted coats and very long legs: in fact, they are built for speed and can run faster than many cars when chasing their prey. Hyaenas are also carnivores. Not the comeliest of animals, they have a bad reputation (do you remember that nasty trio in "The Lion King"?) because of their appearance and scavenging habits. They have extremely strong jaws and teeth that help them to crush bones.

The massive hippopotamus may look cute and cuddly, but - make no mistake - it is one of Africa's most dangerous animals, to be admired from a safe distance. Even though it does not eat meat, it is very aggressive and can run much faster than a person. A hippo's huge canines are not just for show! The Nile crocodile, the hippo's sworn enemy, is also a very large animal that lives in or near water. With its fearsome teeth and bulletproof armour, it is a formidable creature that often preys on people - so avoid getting close to one!

The white rhinoceros is not actually white but greyish-brown: its name does not refer to its colour but to its wide-lipped mouth, made for grazing. It is a truly enormous animal, as only elephants are larger and heavier. A white rhino's long, pointed horns are made of keratin, just like human hair. The giraffe is another record-holder, being the tallest animal on Earth. Its extremely long neck allows it to reach the highest tree branches to feed. The striking patterns on a giraffe's coat are unique to each animal, while the bony knobs on its head are called ossicones.

Gnus are also known as wildebeest. They are often found together with zebras, roaming the savanna in large herds and looking for food and water - all the while trying to avoid being caught by lions and other predators. Gnus look a bit like cattle, though they have long, thin legs that allow them to run fast. Zebras are close relatives of domestic horses, but with distinctive black-and-white striped coats and a fiercer temper. If attacked by a predator, they will put up a fight by kicking and biting. As with giraffes, each zebra's coat has a unique pattern.

Ostriches are the biggest birds on Earth and can grow taller than a person. Though unable to fly, they are very fast runners, and their long, powerful legs can deliver a nasty kick. They also have long necks with small heads and the largest eyes of any vertebrate. Contrary to common belief, they do not bury their heads in the sand to avoid danger.

Before you go on a safari, always follow your guide's advice and avoid getting into dangerous situations. Remember that you are visiting the home of those magnificent creatures and always behave like a considerate (and careful) guest. You will return home with many wonderful memories and a bunch of stunning photos!

The six animals that appear as wrong choices are all found in North America. If you do not live there, to see them you will have to visit some of the renowned national parks of the US and Canada.