At Moody Gardens, we have thousands of animal residents and a huge variety of different species! Keep reading to learn more about these exciting creatures from all over the world.
Pygmy Loris: A Pygmy loris is a mammal that can be found in the rainforests and bamboo groves throughout Asia, including China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. This wooly creature has a brown coat and grows to be up to ten inches long and weighs about two pounds. They are recognized by their large eyes and small ears. Pygmy lorises are nocturnal animals that feed on small invertebrates, eggs, small reptiles, fruits, and vegetation. They can easily climb trees because of their opposable thumbs and strong hands and feet. The Pygmy loris is a threatened species, but cooperative breeding and conservation by various organizations is helping to ensure their survival.
Gentoo Penguins: We have a special place in our heart for the penguin residents at Moody Gardens! The Gentoo penguin can be found on the sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. They are recognizable by their red eyes ringed in white feathers, with a white patch above each eye that extends over their head. Their black beak has a vibrant orange “swish” and they waddle around on orange feet. The Gentoo penguin is listed as a lower risk-near threatened species because of habitat destruction.
Ocelot: The ocelot is an endangered medium-sized wild cat with tawny fur and irregular dark brown spots and stripes. They come from arid and forested habitats all over the world, including many parts of Central and South America. Ocelots are terrific swimmers that hunt during the night feeding on small deer, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, birds, other small mammals, and sometimes they go fishing!
To learn more about the animals at Moody Gardens, come explore the Aquarium Pyramid and Rainforest Pyramid. Moody Gardens is the perfect destination for your next family weekend getaways in Texas.
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