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The Ark Files - Zooper Sleuth
It's time again, Zooper Sleuths. See if you can work out what animals these are. Good luck!
- I am not nearly a cat or merely a cat.
- Even though my name does not tell you so, I do tell
the truth. Just think of a ten cent piece.
- I swing with ease through the trees, me with my long
tail, but I am not a Redback, a Huntsman or a Daddy
Long Legs.
- I am found high in the Himalayas and in my name is
a shortened term for "thank you".
Cackling Kooka
There's so much to do when you visit the zoo.
There's so much to see here so join us, please do.
Animals galore, of that there's no doubt,
But do keep an eye for what's out and about.
A strong bird, a calling bird, a bird that is bold,
Perching then pouncing, its beak a strong hold.
Nests in the tall trees, hunts in open patches,
Sighting prey, ready to seize, swooping for catches.
The largest kingfisher with head and tail high,
Watching and waiting for lunch to go by.
You may hear them cackle as you wander the zoo,
Keep an ear out, they might just be cackling at you!
Pretty & Practical
Bright blue and green is his fine feathered frock,
He's not a peahen - he is strictly peacock.
Strutting alone in a solitary position,
This ornamental bird and his proud disposition.
You may see him holding his long train on high,
A shimmering fan of iridescent eye.
This will be used to keep predators at bay
And produced to impress on a frolicking day.
He moves swiftly and silently - even takes flight,
With phenomenal hearing and super keen sight.
A loud shriek's his call, an alarm of warning,
Telling the others there's danger approaching.
This colourful bird is no native of Australia,
Coming instead from India and Sri Lanka.
When you walk in the zoo on your visit some day,
Keep a look out for his splendid display.
Nothing finer than a minor
Without doubt this small bird is really a charmer,
A honeyeater is this well-known noisy miner.
With its face of coal black and its eyes patched with
yellow,
So bold and alert is this brave little fellow.
Secret weapon he has, fluffing up to look bigger,
He never backs down, this determined fierce warrior.
A fine feathered army, together they troop,
Scaring off enemies threatening their group.
Now, don't mix them up with the brown ones from India,
Those troublesome birds introduced to Australia.
Bossy birds, common birds, sorting through litter,
Persistent birds, pushy birds, chattering in the gutter.
No such thing as Dragons
These lizards they sit and bask in the sun,
Warming their bodies and ready to run.
Waiting and watching, their territory scanning,
Defiant, prehistoric - the eastern water dragon.
Hunting in trees or at water's edge,
For cicadas and grubs he will constantly forage.
Distinct black markings, looking quite fine,
Absorbing the heat and warming his spine.
Active by day and sleeping by night,
Wearing scaly armour and ready to fight.
Strong and impressive, courting many a wife,
Adapted for climbing and swimming in life.
Don't feed us!
The ibis is there with its long, black, curved beak.
The silver gull flies in, for food they do seek.
Hanging round the city, the parks and the zoo,
Waiting and wanting a free feed from you.
You may be thinking you're doing something good
By feeding these animals pieces of food.
Appreciate their features, the way they display,
But please let these creatures get food their own way.
Can you hear them and see them? They're here in the
zoo,
Free ranging and keeping a close eye on you.
The miner, the kooka, the dragon and peacock
It's zoo time tomorrow - quick, set your alarm clock!
ZOOPER SLEUTH ANSWERS:
- Meerkat
- Lyrebird
- Spider monkey
- Himalayan tahr
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