Physical Description

The sheep has a characteristic wide face and long body and comes in white. They can get up to 275lbs.There are two types of Dorest Sheep, the Polled and Horned Dorset. Besides the absence of horns in the Polled strain, they are identical. They will lay down in pastures or fields and chew cud, helping in the digestion process due to the fact that they have a 4-chambered stomach, also known as ruminants.

Predators

Predators of sheep can include coyotes, wolves, foxes, bears, dogs, eagles, bobcats, and mountain lions.

Lifespan

They can live anywhere from 9-20 years.

Reproduction

Dorset sheep are prolific breeders and will breed all year round. They can produce multiple lambs per year.

Fun Facts

• The Dorset sheep is one of the oldest sheep breeds in existence. They originated from a similar looking species in England and were then later brought to the United States in 1885.
• They can produce up to 9 pounds of medium-grade wool annually.

Conservation Messaging

Goats as well as barnyard animals are commonly kept as pets on farms and ranches. It is always best to do your research before moving forward with purchasing any livestock. These animals require different needs from say your dog or cat.

For instance, most livestock animals are herd animals so having one is not an acceptable option. As always, every animal has individual needs that must be met in order to provide the best possible welfare which means you will need a veterinarian that specializes in hoofstock.

Physical Description

The alpaca is a domesticated species of South American camelid. They resemble a small llama in appearance. The adult alpaca reached about 3 feet in height and 154 pounds in weight. Alpacas come in a variety of colors ranging from white to black and brown. They have long, slender necks and fleece that is soft and cool to the touch.

Predators

Their predators can include domestic dogs, Andean foxes, Andean condors, pumas, colocolos, Andean mountain cats, coyotes, and wolves.

Lifespan

In the wild, they live approximately 5-10 years, but in human care, they live about 15 to 20 years.

Reproduction

Alpacas are induced ovulators and can breed at any time of the year. After a gestation period of approximately 335 days, the female will give birth to a single baby, known as a cria. They are usually weaned at about 6 months of age.

Fun Facts

• They are too small to be used as pack animals and are bred exclusively for their fiber and meat. Alpaca fiber is used for making knitted and woven items, such as wool.
• It is believed alpacas were domesticated around 6,000 years ago by native people in South America.

Conservation Messaging

Goats as well as barnyard animals are commonly kept as pets on farms and ranches. It is always best to do your research before moving forward with purchasing any livestock. These animals require different needs from say your dog or cat.

For instance, most livestock animals are herd animals so having one is not an acceptable option. As always, every animal has individual needs that must be met in order to provide the best possible welfare which means you will need a veterinarian that specializes in hoofstock.

Physical Description

Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs are about 3 feet long and weigh anywhere from 70 to 175 lbs. They are usually all black with straight tails and upright ears. They get their name “Pot Bellied” because of their rounded, low hanging belly. Both genders have tusks, but males will have larger tusks.

Predators

One surprising natural predator of Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs is dogs.

Lifespan

In the wild, they live approximately 10 years, but in human care, they live about 15 to 20 years.

Reproduction

A male pig is called a boar, and a female that gives birth is called a sow. After a gestation period of approximately 115 days, the female will give birth to an average of 6 piglets.

Fun Facts

• Pigs can actually be trained like dogs because they are also highly intelligent and have excellent recall and concentration.
• Pigs will roll around or wallow in mud in order to stay cool but also to protect their skin from the sun and insects.

Conservation Messaging

Goats as well as barnyard animals are commonly kept as pets on farms and ranches. It is always best to do your research before moving forward with purchasing any livestock. These animals require different needs from say your dog or cat.

For instance, most livestock animals are herd animals so having one is not an acceptable option. As always, every animal has individual needs that must be met in order to provide the best possible welfare which means you will need a veterinarian that specializes in hoofstock.

Physical Description

Palomino refers to horses with cream, yellow, or gold coats and white or silver mane and tails and is not actually a breed. Most Palominos are either Arabian horses or American Quarter horses. Under domestication the horse has diversified into three major types, based on size and build: draft horses, heavy-limbed and up to 20 hands high; ponies, by convention horses under 14.2 hands high; and light horses, the saddle or riding horses, which fall in the intermediate size range.

Predators

Palomino horses can be found worldwide because horses have been a domesticated species for a very long time. Because of this, they may encounter different predators depending on where they are found; some predators can include mountain lions, wolves, and bears.

Lifespan

On average, horses will live 20-25 years though some have been known to live 30-35 years or more.

Reproduction

Male horses are called stallions, and females are called mares. Stallions used for breeding are called studs, and geldings are male horses that have been castrated. Young horses are known as foals with males being colts and females being fillies. After a gestation period of 11 months, the female may give birth to a single foal, twins, or even triplets though the most common birth will be of a single foal. Foals will be weaned at about six months old.

Fun Facts

• Palomino horses used to roam the Trexler Nature Preserve. In 2004, the Lehigh Valley Zoological Society assumed management of the zoo, as well as the daily management of the bison and elk herd and the palominos in the 1,100-acre Trexler Nature Preserve. The Palomino horses were subsequently moved onto the Zoo grounds in order to better facilitate their care.
• When discussing the height of horses, the unit used is “hands.” One “hand” is four inches.

Conservation Messaging

Horses are commonly kept on family farms and ranches all across the world and horseback riding is a great hobby that many people enjoy.

If you’re considering adding a horse or pony to your family, it’s important to consider that horses require a lot of attention and specialized care. It’s best to do research and to consult a professional or veterinarian before moving forward with purchasing horses.

Physical Description

Ringtails are an average of 12 to 18 inches long with a tail of about the same length, and they weigh less than 3 pounds. The body is buff to dark brown in color with white underparts and a long tail with alternating bands of black and white fur. Ringtails’ feet have short, straight, semi-retractable claws and opposable digits.

Predators

Common predators they may encounter include great horned owls, coyotes, bears, and bobcats. To defend themselves, ringtails will let out a high-pitched screech and emit a foul-smelling secretion from their anal glands to discourage predators.

Lifespan

In the wild, their average lifespan is 7 years, but in human care, they can live up to 14 years.

Reproduction

Ringtails are a more solitary species and generally only come together to mate from February to May. After a 51-54 day gestation period, the female will give birth to 1 to 4 cubs in a den like a rock crevice or tree hollow that they have lined with moss. Their young are born helpless and won’t even open their eyes until they are a month old. They will be weaned at about 10 weeks old and will reach maturity at about 10 months old.

Fun Facts

• Their tails lack prehensile ability, which would allow them to grip trees like other primates. They use them for balance.
• Even though they have been called “ring-tail cats, civet cats, and miner’s cats,” they are not actually cats; they are a member of the raccoon family.

Conservation Messaging

Ringtails are considered a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List. Sometimes, they are viewed as pests by farmers because they can damage orchards and hunt poultry.

But since Ringtails are skittish by nature and will retreat if people are near, they are not a threat to humans. Even the most pesky animals play an important role in their ecosystems so it’s best to try and coexist with them!

Physical Description

Fishers have short, stubby legs; a wedge-shaped head; and dark brown fur grading to brownish underbelly with white patches around neck or throat. Their body is long, slender, and low to the ground like other members of the Mustelid family. Males are much larger than females. On average, males will weigh 10-12 lb, and females will weigh 5-7 lb.

Predators

Predators for the fisher can include the Great horned owl, Canadian lynx, bobcat and black bear.

Lifespan

Fishers have an average lifespan of 10 years.

Reproduction

Males will mate with many females and do not help with raising their offspring. The female will have a delayed implantation period of about 10 months followed by a gestation period of about 2 months. Typically, 1-6 kits will be born in a litter, and they will be completely helpless at birth because they are born blind and naked.

Fun Facts

• Though they are sometimes called the “Fisher Cat,” they are not actually in the cat family. As part of the Mustelid family, they are related to otters and weasels.
• They are one of only a few predators that will prey on porcupines.

Conservation Messaging

Fishers are forest dwelling members of the weasel family. Fishers call the coniferous and mixed conifer forests of Canada and the Northern U.S. home but unfortunately, fishers are facing threats to their habitat. These threats include excessive logging and clearing land for infrastructure, in addition to trapping for their fur.

Physical Description

The Canada lynx is a medium-sized cat with an average body length of 35-43 inches, weighing approximately 20-40 lbs. They can reach up to 2 feet tall but have small tails that are only 2-5 inches long. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs which gives them a sloped-forward appearance. Females will be slightly smaller than males. Their fur is very thick, light brown or grey with light black spots, and can have white tipped fur that gives a frosted look.

Predators

Being a top predator themselves, not many other species will prey on the lynx, but some predators could include cougars, wolves, and wolverines.

Lifespan

Their average lifespan is 15 years.

Reproduction

Their gestation period is about 9-10 weeks and will result in a litter of about 1-6 kittens. The male will not help raise their offspring. Kittens will be weaned at about 3 months old but will stay with their mother until they are about a year old.

Fun Facts

• There is a lynx-hare cycle which shows an increase or decline in snowshoe hare populations about every 10 years which is then followed by an increase or decline in the lynx population
• Large paws covered in fur act like snowshoes and make it easy for the lynx to travel over snow and ice.

Conservation Messaging

As an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility, the Lehigh Valley Zoo is proud to play a role in the conservation community through participation in Species Survival Plans, or SSPs. This means our Canada Lynx are part of a breeding program where we help to maintain captive populations that are both genetically diverse and demographically stable.

By visiting the Lehigh Valley Zoo and other AZA member institutions, you’re supporting the highest level of animal care and welfare, along with the promotion of conservation of animals such as the Canada Lynx.

Physical Description

Porcupines can be 2-3 feet in length and weigh around 30 lbs. They have a thick underfur that’s brownish-yellow to black in color with long, wiry guard hairs. They are covered in around 30,000 quills on their back, sides, legs, and tail! These quills will be 2-3 inches long, hollow, and loosely attached to their skin. Having hollow quills actually makes them quite buoyant and is one of the reasons they are good swimmers.

Predators

Predators they may encounter include fishers, mountain lions, lynx, bobcats, red fox, coyotes, great horned owls, wolves, and wolverines. They do have vulnerable bellies that do not have quills, but they will warn predators by erecting their quills or rattling their tail quills to try to deter them.

Lifespan

In the wild, they have been known to live an average lifespan of 10-18 years.

Reproduction

Porcupines typically mate in the late summer and early fall and have an elaborate courtship ritual. They will have extensive vocalizations, a courtship dance, and the male will usually shower the female with urine before mating. After a 7 month gestation, the female will give birth to 1 porcupette. Their quills will be soft when they are born but will harden quickly. They will be weaned at about 6 months old and leave their mother.

Fun Facts

• Like other rodents, they have two large incisors that will grow throughout their lifetime. Their constant gnawing helps keep them wear them down to a useable level. These incisors are bright orange!
• It is a myth that they are able to “shoot” their quills. Because the quills are only loosely attached, they are able to come off easily when they come in contact with a predator.

Conservation Messaging

Porcupines have a wide natural range but prefer forest and woodland habitats. They are considered natural developers of the forest and play an important role in these ecosystems. They will prune and trim trees often causing seeds, nuts, and fruits to fall providing food for the wildlife below. By thinning the branches of the trees it allows sunlight to filter through the understory increasing the diversity of plant life on the forest floor.

The most important thing that we can do to help porcupines and sustain their habitats is to “Leave No Trace”. Once you leave nature, no one should know that you’ve been there. This means bringing out anything that you’ve brought in. Additionally, leaving the environment unaltered is equally important. To learn more about the Leave no Trace initiative and their 7 principles for minimum impact practices, visit: www.lnt.org.

Physical Description

The average height is 2.5-3.5 feet at the shoulder with males weighing around 200 lb and females around 100 lb. Their hooves are designed to be upright on their feet (as if they are walking on their tiptoes). This allows them to travel over rocky and steep surfaces. Some of their most distinctive features include long fringe-type hair from their throat and forequarters as well as horns that are built for ramming.

Predators

In Africa, Aoudad predators include leopards, caracals, and coyotes. In the US, their main predator is mountain lions.

Lifespan

In the wild, Aoudads will live an average of 10 years, but in human care, they can live up to 20 years.

Reproduction

Aoudads have small family groups. The gestation period is approximately 5-6 months. They may give birth to 1 or 2 lambs in March through May.

Fun Facts

• Wild populations are decreasing because of habitat loss and hunting. For the people of the Sahara, the Aoudad has served as an important meat source as well as being used for their hide, hair, and sinew.
• They will often take refuge on steep slopes to avoid human disturbance or predation. Thankfully, they are excellent climbers and jumpers.

Conservation Messaging

As an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility, the Lehigh Valley Zoo is proud to play a role in the conservation community through participation in Species Survival Plans, or SSPs. This means our Kordofan Aoudad are part of a breeding program where we help to maintain captive populations that are both genetically diverse and demographically stable.

By visiting the Lehigh Valley Zoo and other AZA member institutions, you’re supporting the highest level of animal care and welfare, along with the promotion of conservation of animals such as the Kordofan Aoudad.

Physical Description

A mature bull can reach 5.5-6.5 feet high at the hump and 9-12.5 feet in length, while females are normally smaller, only reaching 5 feet high. Bison have a large hump over the front shoulders and slimmer hindquarters. Both male and female bison have a single set of short, sharply pointed, hollow horns that curve outward and up. Heavy coats are shed in the spring as the animals roll to loosen the hair, which falls off in gobs.

Predators

Because of their size and powerful bodies, bison do not have many predators. However, sick, injured, or elderly individuals may be preyed on by mountain lions, bears, or wolves.

Lifespan

Their average lifespan is 15-20 years.

Reproduction

Bison are usually found in bands arranged by sex, age, season, and habitat. Males will protect their mate during the breeding season and will often lose 200 lbs or more during this time. The breeding season usually lasts from June to September with a gestation period of approximately 285 days. Females give birth to 1 calf away from the herd and will nurse them for 7-8 months before weaning them at about 1 year old.

Fun Facts

• The North American Bison is split into two groups: the Plains Bison and the Wood Bison. Bison were once widespread and found from Alaska to northern Mexico, but the current range occupied by conservation herds has diminished to one percent of its original status.
• Bison are the largest terrestrial animal in North America and can weigh between 1,800 to 2,400 pounds.

Conservation Messaging

Bison were once widespread and found from Alaska to northern Mexico, but the current range occupied by conservation herds has diminished to one percent of its original status. One thing that we can do is support sustainable agriculture practices. By purchasing products that are certified by organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance and Bird Friendly, you are helping in the conservation of forests and habitats around the world.