Scientific Name: Panthera leo

Sleeping Hours: 16-20 hours per day

Meal Hours: Lions usually hunt early in the morning or late in the evening. In the zoo, they are fed once a day, often in the early afternoon.

Description: Known as the "king of the jungle," African lions are social felines that live in prides. Their majestic manes and powerful roars make them a highlight of any zoo.

Scientific Name: Giraffa camelopardalis

Sleeping Hours: 4-6 hours per day

Meal Hours: Giraffes graze throughout the day, with peak feeding times in the morning and late afternoon. They primarily eat leaves from acacia trees.

Description: With their long necks and legs, giraffes are the tallest land animals. Their unique patterns and graceful movements make them a favorite among zoo visitors.

Scientific Name: Equus zebra

Sleeping Hours: 12-16 hours per day

Meal Hours: Zebras are primarily grazers, feeding during the day and night. They mainly eat grass and leaves, with peak feeding times in the morning and late afternoon.

Description: Known for their distinctive black-and-white stripes, zebras are social animals that live in herds. They are native to Africa and are closely related to horses and donkeys.

Scientific Name: Suricata suricatta

Sleeping Hours: 10-12 hours per day

Meal Hours: Meerkats are most active in the morning and late afternoon. They forage for insects, plants, and small animals.

Description: Social and highly energetic, meerkats live in groups called mobs. Their upright stance and playful behavior make them engaging to watch.

Scientific Name: Alligator mississippiensis

Sleeping Hours: 12-14 hours per day

Meal Hours: Alligators typically hunt in the early morning and late evening. In captivity, they are fed every 2-3 days.

Description: These large reptiles are native to the southeastern United States. They are known for their powerful jaws and distinctive bumpy skin.

Scientific Name: Hippopotamus amphibius

Sleeping Hours: 16-20 hours per day

Meal Hours: Hippos are primarily nocturnal feeders, grazing on grass in the evening and early morning. They are fed a variety of vegetation in captivity, often in the early afternoon.

Description: Hippos are massive semi-aquatic mammals with a large, barrel-shaped body. They spend most of their time in water to keep cool and protect their skin from the sun.

Scientific Name: Ailurus fulgens

Sleeping Hours: 12-16 hours per day

Meal Hours: Red pandas are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They eat bamboo, fruits, and small animals.

Description: Despite their name, red pandas are not closely related to giant pandas. They are smaller, with reddish-brown fur and a bushy tail.

Scientific Name: Elephas maximus

Sleeping Hours: 4-6 hours per day

Meal Hours: Elephants eat throughout the day, with peak feeding times in the morning and late afternoon. They consume a variety of vegetation, including grass, fruit, and bark.

Description: These large, intelligent mammals are known for their impressive trunks and tusks. Asian elephants are smaller than their African counterparts and have distinctive smaller ears.

Scientific Name: Canis lupus

Sleeping Hours: 8-12 hours per day

Meal Hours: Wolves are primarily nocturnal and often hunt in packs during the evening and early morning. They can go several days without eating between hunts.

Description: Wolves are highly social animals that live in packs, known for their complex social structures and vocalizations. They are found in a variety of habitats across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Scientific Name: Panthera tigris

Sleeping Hours: 16-20 hours per day

Meal Hours: Tigers are primarily nocturnal hunters, usually active at night. In captivity, they are typically fed once or twice a day.

Description: Tigers are the largest wild cats and are known for their powerful build and striking orange and black stripes. They are solitary animals and primarily found in Asia.

Scientific Name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca

Sleeping Hours: 10-16 hours per day

Meal Hours: Pandas eat most frequently in the morning and late afternoon. Their diet is primarily bamboo, but they may also eat fruits and small amounts of meat.

Description: Native to China, giant pandas are beloved for their black-and-white fur and gentle demeanor. They spend much of their time eating and sleeping.