Kids’ Corner
Sponge Painted Peacock Plates (from ABCDeeLearning)
ANIMAL COLORS TRIVIA
Elsa, star of the Zoo’s newest exhibit Shades of Nature, isn’t like most other alligators… She’s albino! That means her body lacks melanin, which is a pigment in the skin and eyes that provides coloration. See if you can answer these fun trivia questions about some of the other unique colors and patterns found in the wild—and don’t forget to visit Elsa at Shades of Nature, open through Labor Day!
Supplies you will need: • Blue and yellow construction paper • scissors (with adult supervision) • glue • markers • Paper plate • Sponge • Blue, Green and Purple paint
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The animals commonly known as “_______” are, in reality, jaguars or leopards with melanism, which is an overabundance of dark pigmentation.
• googly eyes (optional)
a. Ghost tigers b. Pumas c. Clouded Leopard d. Black panthers
Directions:
Why do flamingos sport their trademark coat of bright pink plumage? a. It’s a natural form of camouflage evolved over thousands of years b. It comes from a diet rich in pink shrimp and pigmented algae c. Flamingos are poisonous; It’s a warning to predators to stay away d. The feathers only look pink due to light reflecting off the water. They’re actually orange A peacock’s tail can reach almost 6 feet in length and have as many as 150 brightly colored eyespots. What purpose does a peacock’s tail serve?
1. Create the peacocks face out of paper, cut it out (with adult supervision) then paste it to a paper plate. 2. Draw on eyes and add a beak! (optional: use googly eyes for extra fun). 3. Cut a sponge in several pieces and prepare your paint.
a. They use them to show off in an attempt to impress potential mating partners b. It helps them cover more ground while gliding and flying c. They use it to provide shade from the afternoon sun d. The eyespots confuse predators and scare them off
4. Dip sponges into the paint and make prints on the plate to represent your peacock’s feathers!
Some animals can change their coloring for many reasons including, changing of the seasons, when they are stressed or disturbed, or to regulate their body temperature. Which of the following animals can change the color of their body or fur?
Try this:
a. Giant pacific octopus b. Chameleon c. Arctic hare d. All of the above
Guess Zoo? 2
Answers located on bottom of page.
Can you tell what these colorful creatures are from a close-up picture? Answers on bottom of page.
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8 Wild Trivia Answers: 1: D • 2: B • 3: A • 4: D; Guess Zoo Answers: 1. Black Panther 2. Blue Ringed Octopus 3. Chameleon 4. Dart Frog 5. Flamingo 6. Luna Moth 7. Okapi 8. Peacock
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Use different colored paper or paints to create your own bird. It could be a bird you’ve seen in nature or even something straight out of your imagination!
