Quirky Animals

Gr 1—5—Viewers are taken on an interesting visit to the Metro Toronto Zoo in Canada to learn about animal adaptations. Five animals are the focus—Bactrian camels, koalas, elephants, penguins, and orangutans. The animals are briefly introduced and then interesting facts are offered concerning their adaptation to their habitats and how their needs are met at the zoo. Elephants are trained to present their feet for care, an injured koala is tended, there's a quick overview of the life cycle of the emperor penguin, camel facts are emphasized and myths are debunked, and orangutan entertainment and social life are examined. There's also an interesting segment on the zoo nutrition lab and how animal dietary needs are met. Video quality is excellent, pacing is good, and audio quality is clear. The word "orangutan" is spelled "orangutang" in the introduction to the segment, but it is pronounced properly. This fast-paced, informative program would be handy for classes heading on a field trip to the zoo, to supplement units on the focus animals, and for studies on animal adaptations.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA