River
A river moves fresh water from land to the sea. Otters and salmon use it.
35 animals live here.
HippopotamusMammalA hippo makes a pink oil on its skin. The oil works a bit like sunscreen.
CapybaraMammalA capybara can stay underwater for several minutes.
BeaverMammalA beaver's front teeth never stop growing. Chewing wood wears them down.
PlatypusMammalA platypus lays eggs, and its bill can feel tiny electric signals.
River otterMammalA river otter can close its ears and nose when it dives.
ManateeMammalManatees are relatives of elephants.
JaguarMammalA jaguar's spots have smaller spots inside them.
Bald eagleBirdA bald eagle is not bald. Its head feathers are white.
FlamingoBirdFlamingos turn pink because of the food they eat. A chick is grey or white.
Mute swanBirdA mute swan is not silent. It hisses and grunts.
MallardBirdOnly the female mallard makes the loud quack. The male's call is quieter.
Canada gooseBirdCanada geese fly in a V. That shape helps the birds behind save energy.
Common kingfisherBirdA kingfisher dives headfirst to catch a fish.
Great blue heronBirdA heron stands very still, then strikes to catch a fish.
Sandhill craneBirdSandhill cranes dance. They bow, jump, and flap.
Nile crocodileReptileA crocodile can close a clear extra eyelid under water.
American alligatorReptileAn alligator's snout is wide and round. A crocodile's snout is more pointed.
Green anacondaReptileThe green anaconda spends a lot of time in the water.
American bullfrogAmphibianA bullfrog's call is a deep jug-o-rum. It can be very loud.
AxolotlAmphibianAn axolotl keeps its baby gills as a grown-up. It can regrow a lost leg.
Eastern newtAmphibianThe young red eft is bright orange and lives on the forest floor. Later it lives in water.
HellbenderAmphibianA hellbender breathes a lot through its wrinkled skin.
Glass frogAmphibianYou can see through the skin on its belly.
GoldfishFishA goldfish can remember things for months.
BettaFishA betta can breathe air at the surface. Males build bubble nests.
Sockeye salmonFishSalmon swim back to the river where they hatched.
Electric eelFishAn electric eel is not a true eel. It can make a strong electric shock.
Channel catfishFishIts whiskers are called barbels. They taste and feel the water.
Red-bellied piranhaFishPiranhas have strong teeth. They mostly eat fish, insects, and fruit.
KoiFishSome koi live for many decades.
Rainbow troutFishSome, called steelhead, swim out to the ocean and come back.
MudskipperFishA mudskipper can walk on land and breathe air for a while.
Australian lungfishFishA lungfish can breathe air with a lung and also use gills.
DragonflyInsectA dragonfly has four wings. Its big eyes see almost all the way around.
MosquitoInsectA mosquito is a kind of fly. Males drink plant juice.