Did you know that...?
...that penguins sing during mating to strengthen their bond? Or that some animals can roll their eyes to achieve a 360-degree view, like the hammerhead shark?
And did you know that some parrots can mimic human voices so perfectly they could play phone pranks? Not to mention how otters hold hands while sleeping to avoid drifting apart?
We didn’t know any of this!
But the more we learn about the amazing creatures of this Earth, the more our wonder – and our smiles – grow. Because behind every plush toy often lies a story so incredible that it outshines even the most imaginative books. If you’re curious about more quirky, surprising, and sometimes just downright adorable animal tales, we warmly invite you to explore our animal section: "Did you know that...?"
...some wild animals have astonishing camouflage abilities to protect themselves from predators?
...have eyes that glow in the dark to see better at night?
...are found exclusively on the island of Madagascar and surrounding islands?
...live in social groups and engage in complex communication?
...use their long tails to balance themselves while jumping and climbing?
...are herbivores and mainly eat fruits, leaves, and flowers?
...have over 100 different species and subspecies?
...enjoy "sunbathing" to warm up as they are sensitive to cold?
...have specially developed hands and feet to grasp branches?
...some species use special scent glands to mark their territory?
...have developed unique behaviours through evolution that distinguish them from other primates?
...sometimes climb so slowly that algae grow on their fur?
...spend most of their lives on their backs, even while eating and sleeping?
...are so well camouflaged that even their enemies often overlook them?
...can drastically adjust their body temperature depending on whether it is warm or cold?
...use the toilet so rarely that it’s an event – once a week!
...are so adept at climbing that they almost never fall from trees – even when they die?
...can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes while swimming underwater?
...have special neck vertebrae that allow them to rotate their heads 270 degrees?
...digest so slowly that a leaf can take up to a month to pass through their body?
...are perfectly adapted to the slow-paced life of the jungle, where speed would often be a disadvantage?
...have a thick skin that protects them from sunburn by secreting a natural sunblock?
...are bloody bad swimmers and mostly run secretly on the river floor?
...are unexpectedly fast on land with up to 50kmh (and enjoy hiking at night)?
...feed exclusively on plants, almost always on land?
...are threatened with extinction, as there are hardly 150,000 animals left?
...are most closely related to the whale - and by no means to the horse?
...reach a length of five meters, plus half a meter of tail?
...with up to 4.5 tons on the scales can only be beaten by an elephant?
...once resided on the Rhine - even though it‘s a 100.000 years ago?
...their favourite hobby is sleeping and they like to dive in and out meanwhile?
...their roar can be heard up to 8 kilometres away?
...males can weigh up to 250 kg, making them the heaviest big cats in Africa?
...females are responsible for hunting, while males defend the pride?
...the pride can consist of up to 30 members, including several females, cubs, and one or two males?
...they sleep an average of 20 hours a day, making them one of the laziest hunters in the animal kingdom?
...they can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h, but can only maintain this speed for short distances?
...males develop their manes at around two years of age, and the colour of the mane signals the age and strength of the animal?
...in the wild they have a lifespan of about 10 to 14 years, while in captivity they can live up to 20 years?
...they usually hunt their prey at night to avoid the heat of the day?
...they only successfully complete about one in four to six hunts, making them surprisingly inefficient hunters?
...have extremely large eyes that help them see even in complete darkness?
...are able to jump over five meters to move from tree to tree.?
...possess highly developed hearing that aids them in locating prey and avoiding predators?
...often leave their young in safe hiding places while they search for foodß
...can turn their heads almost 180 degrees to better observe their surroundings?
...have an amazing ability to self-heal and quickly regenerate small injuries?
...live in social groups but are still very territorial animals?
...can produce high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to the human ear?
...regularly groom their fur with their teeth to keep parasites away?
...are among the oldest mammals in Africa and have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years?
...have extremely powerful jaws capable of crushing bones?
...emit terrifying screams when threatened, reminiscent of demons?
...carry their young in a pouch, similar to kangaroos?
...are naturally solitary but can also appear in groups when foraging for food?
...often fight over food, with their aggressive noises helping to intimidate rivals?
...are considered endangered due to a contagious facial cancer that has drastically reduced their population?
...are surprisingly good swimmers and can easily cross rivers and lakes?
...have developed unique immunity to many diseases to survive in the wild?
...are specialised scavengers but also prey on small animals such as birds and insects?
...have a relatively short lifespan of only about five to seven years in the wild?
...are considered masters of camouflage and can blend perfectly into their rocky surroundings?
...can leap up to 15 metres in a single bound to catch their prey?
...have an extremely dense coat that protects them from the icy temperatures of their mountainous home?
...do not roar loudly like other big cats but instead purr and hiss?
...have tails up to six metres long that help them balance on steep cliffs?
...live at altitudes of up to 6000 metres and thrive in these extreme conditions?
...are one of the most endangered big cats in the world, with fewer than 7000 individuals left in the wild?
...have a highly varied diet and sometimes eat plants and fruits in addition to prey?
...can pinpoint even the smallest sounds of prey thanks to their excellent hearing?
...are solitary animals and only come together with others during mating season?
...have a natural sunshade in the form of their large ears, which also help to cool them down?
...perform mysterious sand dances at sunset to confuse their prey?
...dig their burrows in the shape of labyrinths to confuse intruders?
...hide their food for the drought periods in tiny sand vaults that only they can find?
...surf on sand dunes by moonlight to move faster?
...can absorb moisture from the air with a single blink?
...are able to bury themselves so deeply in the sand that they become invisible?
...have tiny weather stations in their ears to predict storms?
...leave secret messages in the sand with their paws that only other desert foxes can read?
...appear invisible in the morning due to their fur colour and like ghosts in the evening?
...have a unique laugh that reflects their social status and emotions?
...female hyenas are larger and more dominant than males, which is rare in the animal kingdom?
...possess an exceptionally strong jaw, allowing them to crush bones effortlessly?
...live in clans of up to 80 members, led by an alpha female?
...both hunt and scavenge, playing a key role in the ecosystem as "clean-up" crews?
...recognise each other by their scents, as every hyena has a unique smell?
...give birth to their young in underground dens that offer protection from predators?
...can cover exceptionally long distances in search of food, tracking their prey with endurance?
...often hunt alone but can take down larger animals like buffalo or wildebeest in groups?
...have a long gestation period of around 110 days, with the young being born with fully developed teeth?
...they are actually more closely related to raccoons than to giant pandas?
...they got their name from their reddish fur and their resemblance to pandas?
...they mainly live in the cool mountain forests of the Himalayas and southwest China?
...they are excellent climbers and often sleep in trees to protect themselves from predators?
...they predominantly eat bamboo, although they also don’t shy away from berries, fruits, and insects?
...they have a "thumb" that is actually an elongated bone to help them grasp bamboo better?
...in the wild, they rarely live more than 10 years, but in captivity, they can live up to 15 years?
...they keep warm with the help of their bushy tails, wrapping themselves up in them during cold nights?
...they live as solitary animals and only seek social interactions during the mating season?
...they are considered critically endangered due to their habitats being threatened by deforestation and human activities?
...have particularly dense fur, with over 20,000 hairs per square centimetre, which protects them from the cold?
...must never get wet, as their dense fur structure makes drying difficult and can lead to skin infections?
...clean themselves not with water but with sand baths to keep their fur clean and healthy?
...can live up to 15 years, with some even reaching up to 20 years in captivity?
...are excellent jumpers and can leap up to 1.8 metres high?
...originally come from the Andes in South America, where they live at high altitudes?
...are crepuscular animals, most active at dawn and dusk?
...live in the wild in groups of up to 100 animals to protect themselves from predators?
...are very social creatures and prefer the company of other chinchillas?
...have teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives, so they always need something to gnaw on to wear down their teeth?
...change their fur colour depending on the season, from white in winter to brown or grey in summer?
...can adapt to temperatures of up to -70°C thanks to their dense fur?
...have an exceptionally keen sense of smell to locate prey even beneath the snow?
...are capable of migrating up to 1,500 km in search of food?
...can build up a fat layer of up to 50% of their body weight to survive long periods without food?
...are one of the few animals that dig burrows under the snow to protect themselves from the cold?
...have unique paws covered in thick fur for better grip on ice and snow?
...possess very acute hearing, allowing them to detect the sounds of prey beneath a thick layer of snow?
...remain very active in winter, often playing or hunting in the snow?
...raise their young in warm, underground dens lined with grass and moss?
...some animals of the water world use fascinating communication techniques?
...are the second-largest predators of the world's oceans?
...live in complex social structures, similar to humans?
...have their own "language" with dialects within their groups?
...use coordinated hunting techniques to catch prey?
...can be found in all the world's oceans, from the tropics to the polar regions?
...can even hunt and eat large sharks, including the Great White Shark?
...mothers accompany and teach their young for many years?
...have extremely developed hearing and echolocation for communication and hunting?
...are revered as sacred or spiritual animals in various cultures?
...can live more than 50 years, and in rare cases, over 90 years?
...have a thick layer of blubber that protects them from the icy cold?
...are born with a soft, white fur that camouflages them?
...learn to swim astonishingly fast, often within a few weeks of birth?
...feed exclusively on their mother's extremely fatty milk during their first weeks of life?
...stay in groups to protect each other from predators?
...have impressively good hearing that helps them locate their mothers among many other seals?
...are often born in dangerous areas such as on ice floes or near predators?
...despite their clumsy appearance on land, are surprisingly agile and nimble?
...exhibit strong social behaviour and enjoy playing with each other from a young age?
...are naturally curious and like to explore their surroundings?
... can regenerate their limbs, spinal cord, and even parts of their brain?
... never grow up because they remain in the larval stage their entire life?
... develop lungs but mostly breathe through their gills and skin?
... have a broad grin that looks like they are always smiling?
... are capable of reproducing sexually without ever leaving the larval stage?
... are nearly extinct in the wild but thrive in aquariums around the world?
... can vary in colour from wild brown to albino white and gold?
... suck in their prey while feeding, rather than biting or chewing?
... were considered a symbol of rebirth and immortality by the Aztecs?
... sometimes snack on their own limbs, which then simply regrow?
...can live up to 70 years?
...can reach speeds of up to 56 km/h while hunting?
...lose and replace over 3000 teeth in their lifetime?
...can remember their birthplace and return there to give birth?
...can open their mouth involuntarily when snapping at their prey?
...are capable of detecting tiny electrical fields emitted by their prey?
...can smell blood in the water from a distance of 5 kilometres?
...sometimes dive as deep as 1200 metres to hunt for prey?
...can consume more than 300 kilograms of food at once?
...are particularly flexible and agile in the water due to their cartilaginous skeletons?
...use stones as tools to crack open shellfish?
...hold each other's paws while sleeping in the water to avoid drifting apart?
...have one of the densest fur coats in the animal kingdom, with up to 150,000 hairs per square centimetre?
...are extremely playful and often slide around in rivers and lakes just for fun?
...have strong social bonds with their families and often live in groups?
...are very skilled at fishing and use their long whiskers for orientation?
...sometimes hunt larger animals like crabs or even small mammals?
...spend up to 8 hours a day foraging for food?
...are considered symbols of good luck in some cultures?
...play a crucial role in their habitats by keeping fish populations in balance?
...are capable of increasing their volume by up to 2.5 times by swallowing water or air?
...contain a potent neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin in their organs, which is 1,200 times more lethal than cyanide?
...some species have the ability to glow under UV light, helping them communicate in the dark depths?
...have perfected their unique movement style by using both their pectoral fins and tail fins?
...possess such sophisticated jaws that they can crack open even the toughest shells of clams and crabs?
...have microscopic spines in their skin that make them appear even more dangerous when inflated?
...exhibit remarkable memory skills, being able to remember places and events?
...are capable of creating impressive patterns on the seabed during courtship displays to attract a mate?
...are considered a delicacy despite their danger, especially in Japan, where only specially trained chefs are allowed to prepare them?
...are not all toxic; some species are completely harmless and only use their inflation ability to deter predators?
...are highly intelligent and possess complex problem-solving abilities?
...communicate with each other using an intricate language of whistles and clicks?
...exhibit strong social behaviour and live in groups?
...are capable of recognising themselves in a mirror, a sign of self-awareness?
...can rest one half of their brain while sleeping so they can continue breathing?
...can swim at speeds of up to 60 km/h, making them some of the fastest marine mammals?
...sometimes stun fish with their tails to make them easier to catch?
...can form close bonds with humans and are sometimes used as therapy animals?
...have special skin that regenerates quickly and heals injuries?
...regularly use "tools" like sponges to protect themselves while foraging?
...can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes without breathing?
...can swim up to 40 km/h in the water thanks to their streamlined bodies?
...have special ears that close while diving to keep water out?
...form exceptionally strong bonds with their fellow sea lions and live in large colonies?
...can detect vibrations in the water with their long whiskers, helping them locate prey?
...display complex social behaviour and often play with other sea lions?
...can walk on their front flippers and move around on land?
...hunt in groups and work together tactically to catch their prey?
...communicate with each other through sounds like barking and roaring?
...can return to their birthplaces over long distances to give birth?
...can live for over 100 years?
...can find their way back to their birthplace over thousands of miles?
...can stay underwater for up to 10 hours without oxygen?
...despite their slow movement on land, are surprisingly fast in the water?
...can determine their exact location by the taste of sand?
...can get disoriented by light pollution on their way to the sea?
...use different ocean currents to efficiently cover large distances?
...can absorb oxygen through their skin, allowing them to survive longer underwater?
...have existed for over 100 million years, making them older than dinosaurs?
...can influence the sex of their offspring depending on the water temperature?
...neither have a brain nor a heart, yet they can still survive?
...some species of jellyfish are immortal because they can reset their life cycle?
...can move by pulsating movements without having muscles?
...are composed of up to 98% water and still have a functioning nervous system?
...have been populating the oceans for over 500 million years, making them older than dinosaurs?
...possess one of the most potent toxins in the animal kingdom, which can be deadly to humans?
...are found in all the world's oceans, including the deep sea and Arctic waters?
...are almost invisible in the water due to their transparent bodies, making it easy for them to catch prey?
...can reproduce asexually through a process called budding?
...play a special role in evolution, as their simple body structures provide the basis for more complex organisms?
...some animals in the forest cleverly disguise their tracks, so even experienced hunters often walk right past them?
...can communicate through various sounds and body language?
...are found in almost every region of the world, except Antarctica?
...live monogamously and often have the same partner for life?
...have an excellent sense of hearing, allowing them to locate prey underground?
...are highly adaptable and can easily adjust to different habitats and food sources?
...include over 28 different species, including the well-known red fox and the Arctic fox?
...use their tail, also known as a "brush," as a heat blanket and balance aid?
...are known for being especially active at dusk and during the night?
...bury their prey for times of scarcity, so they can rely on it later?
...often live near human settlements and can even thrive in urban areas?
...have an excellent memory and can remember hundreds of hiding spots for their nuts?
...can make nearly 200 different sounds to communicate and warn their fellow squirrels?
...never stop growing their front teeth, which helps them crack hard nuts and bark?
...can make incredible leaps of up to 3 metres in the air to travel from tree to tree?
...are able to use their tail like a parachute to land safely from high places?
...have the ability to swim, although they rarely do?
...use a special "fake food hiding" tactic, where they pretend to bury nuts to mislead predators?
...can find their food even in winter, even if it's buried under a thick layer of snow?
...have large eyes that give them a wide field of view, helping them quickly spot potential dangers?
...are particularly adaptable in urban areas and often steal human foods like bread and biscuits?
...can walk backwards due to their flexible spine?
...are primarily carnivores in the wild and hunt small prey?
...have a very developed sense of smell that helps them explore their surroundings?
...have been domesticated for over 2,500 years and were originally used for rabbit hunting?
...can sleep for up to 18 hours a day to conserve their energy?
...are very social animals and often live in groups called a "business"?
...enjoy exploring their environment and will crawl through narrow holes and tunnels?
...have a lifespan of around 6 to 10 years?
...are considered exotic pets in some countries and require special care?
...perform a special dance called the "war dance" when they are particularly excited?
...can run at speeds of up to 70 km/h and outrun fast predators?
...are excellent swimmers and can even cross rivers when in danger?
...can move their ears independently to better locate sounds?
...have a 360-degree field of vision, allowing them to detect enemies early?
...are most active at dawn and dusk because their eyes are adapted to low light?
...are herbivores and can consume up to a kilogram of food per day?
...in the wild often have short lifespans as they are popular prey for many predators?
...do not build nests but instead give birth to their young in shallow depressions in the grass?
...can jump several meters with their powerful hind legs?
...are considered symbols of fertility and rebirth in many cultures?
...often dip their food in water before eating it?
...are extremely skilled with their paws and can even open doors?
...are excellent climbers and can easily scale trees or rooftops?
...have an excellent memory and can remember details for up to three years?
...are true survivors and can easily adapt to different habitats?
...are most active at night and can be surprisingly quiet while doing so?
...are very social animals and live in groups known as "car pools"?
...can make up to 20 different sounds to communicate with each other?
...originally come from North America but are now found in many parts of the world?
...are often called "masked bandits" due to their clever and curious nature?
...catch their prey with lightning-fast reflexes that occur in a fraction of a second?
...possess three-dimensional vision that allows them to accurately gauge distances?
...exhibit cannibalistic behaviour during mating, with the female often eating the male?
...can rotate their heads more than 180 degrees to keep a precise eye on their surroundings?
...can perfectly blend into their environment, making them nearly invisible to their predators?
...are capable of capturing birds and small reptiles, even though they are only a few centimetres in size?
...sometimes attempt to flee quickly after mating to avoid being eaten by the female?
...are revered in many cultures as symbols of patience and precision?
...include over 2,400 different species worldwide, varying greatly in shape and colour?
...shed their skin multiple times throughout their life to grow and develop?
...can gather and transport several kilograms of nuts and seeds for the winter in their cheek pouches?
...have an amazing memory that allows them to know exactly where they’ve hidden their supplies?
...use their tails as umbrellas to protect themselves from the rain?
...can build up to 150 nests to distribute their supplies and minimise the risk of other animals finding them?
...use a variety of sounds to communicate with other chipmunks and warn of danger?
...can run up to 50 kilometres per hour to escape predators?
...usually live alone and are only found in the company of other chipmunks during mating season?
...have a lifespan of up to eight years if they avoid the dangers of the forest?
...hibernate, during which they drastically lower their body temperature to save energy?
...can be easily distinguished from other small rodents by their upright posture and distinctive tail flicks?
...can spray their foul smell as a weapon up to six metres away?
...can control their stink glands precisely to use the smell either as a warning or as a serious defence?
...are actually very clean animals, regularly grooming their fur despite their bad reputation?
...confuse enemies with their characteristic zigzag running pattern before launching their scent attack?
...are particularly active at night and use their exceptional night vision to hunt insects, berries, and small animals?
...can aim their spray precisely at the eyes of their attackers, often causing temporary blindness?
...often stand on their front legs and kick with their back legs into the air before spraying in a threatening situation?
...produce one of the strongest smells in the animal kingdom, which can last for months if not removed?
...are avoided by many predators because their smell is so unpleasant that it even spoils their appetite?
...have such a strong immune system that they are resistant to the venom of snakes like rattlesnakes?
...can have up to 15,000 spines, which they can raise when they feel threatened?
...are excellent swimmers and climbers, despite appearing clumsy at first glance?
...go into hibernation during colder temperatures, which can last several months?
...are capable of neutralising poisons like snake venom, making them particularly resilient?
...are primarily nocturnal and find their food in the darkness?
...are insectivores who enjoy eating beetles, worms, and snails, but may also nibble on fruit?
...roll into a spiky ball when in danger to ward off predators?
...have an astonishingly good memory and can remember pathways and food sources?
...raise their young, known as "hoglets," in underground nests?
...grow a new layer of spines each year as the old ones regularly fall out?
...can live for over 150 years, making them some of the longest-lived animals in the world?
...have an amazingly good memory and can remember routes and locations?
...can cover surprisingly long distances despite their slow movement?
...navigate with the help of the sun and even have their own internal compass?
...can store up to 30% of their body water in their shells to survive dry periods?
...are incredibly adept at camouflage in their natural environment, deceiving predators?
...are considered symbols of wisdom, longevity, and steadfastness in many cultures?
...have existed on Earth for over 200 million years, outliving the dinosaurs?
...can develop very different shell shapes and colours depending on their species and habitat?
...are able to efficiently extract nutrients from highly fibrous food due to their special digestion?
...can dig underground tunnel networks up to 200 metres in length?
...have an extraordinarily sensitive snout, enabling them to detect tiny vibrations in the ground?
...despite their tiny eyes, have excellent orientation in complete darkness?
...can consume up to their own body weight in insects and worms in a single night?
...use their tunnels both as a food source and as traps for prey?
...do not hibernate but remain active throughout the year?
...have an incredibly high metabolism, which forces them to eat almost constantly?
...can dig at lightning speed thanks to their specialised claws and strong forelimbs?
...are naturally solitary creatures and avoid territorial conflicts with other moles?
...have the ability to create large mounds of earth, known as "molehills," in a very short time?
...are extremely adaptable and can survive in both forests and urban areas?
...are capable of swimming across large rivers?
...have an excellent sense of smell that helps them find food deep underground?
...live in groups called sounders and exhibit a strong social structure?
...are able to reach speeds of up to 50 km/h?
...usually give birth to their young in protected nests, which they carefully build from leaves and branches?
...have a broad diet and, as omnivores, eat both plants and small animals?
...possess impressively sharp tusks, which are useful for both defence and digging?
...are crucial for the ecosystem in some parts of Europe, as they loosen the soil and renew vegetation?
...have a strong memory and can remember places where they found food for a long time?
...warn each other of danger by whistling loudly?
...spend up to seven months hibernating during the winter?
...gain up to 80% of their body weight before hibernation?
...have a complex social structure with clear hierarchies?
...spend their entire lives in underground burrows?
...are excellent diggers, creating tunnels up to 10 metres long?
...can live up to 15 years in the wild?
...are highly territorial and vigorously defend their territories?
...are vegetarians, primarily eating grasses and herbs?
...are excellent climbers, often escaping predators by climbing trees?
...are surprisingly good swimmers and can even navigate in the water?
...their teeth grow throughout their lives, which is why they constantly need to gnaw?
...use over 200 different sounds to communicate with each other?
...have such a keen sense of smell that they can detect explosives and diseases?
...are excellent at remembering and can recall paths in mazes for a long time?
...are social creatures and enjoy living in groups to support one another?
...can sense even the smallest air movements and obstacles with their whiskers?
...can have more than 50 offspring per year, making them very effective breeders?
...can squeeze through the tightest gaps and cracks due to their extremely flexible skeletons?
...don’t see colours well, but are excellent at detecting movement and contrasts?
...have astonishingly strong digging abilities and can dig tunnels up to 10 metres long?
...are often considered loners but actually live in complex family groups known as "clans"?
...can defend themselves against larger predators like wolves or bears by using their sharp claws and powerful teeth?
...are very clean animals and use specific areas in their burrows as "toilets"?
...are well protected against bee stings and other insect bites thanks to their thick skin and dense fur?
...have an impressive lifespan and can live up to 15 years in the wild?
...emit a foul-smelling liquid from their anal glands when threatened to deter enemies?
...create multiple chambers in their burrows for different purposes, including sleeping and storage chambers?
...are symbols of determination and courage in many cultures and stories?
...have the ability to regenerate quickly and heal injuries remarkably well?
...are remarkably skilled climbers and can easily scale vertical walls?
...primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and insects, but are also known to eat fruit and berries?
...are extremely territorial and vigorously defend their territory against intruders?
...despite their size, have incredible jumping ability and can leap up to two metres?
...often seek shelter in attics or cars in urban areas, which can lead to significant damage?
...are very shy and nocturnal, making them rarely seen by people?
...are distinguished by their high intelligence and adaptability, which helps them survive in various habitats?
...are able to squeeze through narrow gaps and holes that appear much smaller than themselves?
...often build multiple nests or resting places, using them alternately to avoid predators?
...are extremely loud and active during the mating season, which can be especially noticeable in densely populated areas?
...use ultrasound to navigate and can precisely avoid obstacles?
...are the only mammals that can actively fly, not just glide?
...consume thousands of insects in a single night, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem?
...in tropical regions, some species drink nectar and pollinate plants, similar to bees?
...have an astonishing lifespan that is impressively long compared to their body size?
...despite their poor eyesight, can perceive and navigate their surroundings exceptionally well?
...can slow their heart rate to just a few beats per minute during hibernation to conserve energy?
...hang their young upside down on their bodies to protect them from falling?
...can live in huge colonies consisting of hundreds of thousands of individuals?
...are of great scientific interest due to their highly resilient immune system?
...some birds in the animal kingdom possess fascinating navigational skills?
...only male peafowls have long, shimmering tail feathers, which they use for courtship rituals?
...lose their magnificent plumage each year after the breeding season and grow it back?
...can have feathers that make up to 60 per cent of their total body length?
...sleep on the ground but fly up into trees at night to protect themselves from predators?
...attract attention with their loud, shrill cries and can even mimic human voices?
...are capable of developing more than 200 distinct eye spots in their plumage to impress enemies?
...have been regarded as symbols of beauty, pride, and power in various cultures for centuries?
...originate from the Indian subcontinent, where they are considered sacred?
...are vegetarians, mainly living on seeds, berries, and leaves?
...perform quick and unexpected escape manoeuvres when threatened to evade predators?
...search for their food primarily by touch and smell, as they have very poor eyesight?
...are the only birds with nostrils at the tip of their beaks?
...have the largest eggs relative to their body size of any bird?
...can live up to six years before they start breeding?
...have highly reduced wings and are therefore unable to fly?
...mainly eat invertebrates, seeds, and berries?
...are considered national symbols in New Zealand?
...are nocturnal and spend the day in burrows or dense undergrowth?
...choose lifelong partners and form extremely loyal pairs?
...are endangered and receive intensive protection?
...can move their eyes independently of each other?
...are able to remember who has helped or harmed them?
...can live up to 30 years, depending on the species and living conditions?
...have feet with no nerve endings, allowing them to walk on very cold surfaces?
...ducklings can swim and dive shortly after hatching?
...duck feathers are extremely water-resistant due to a special oil layer they regularly apply?
...form complex social structures and bonds within their groups?
...some species of ducks can fly over 4800 kilometres non-stop during migration?
...ducks have different calls and "dialects" depending on their region and species?
...are capable of navigating in complete darkness thanks to their excellent night vision?
...can achieve an impressive wingspan of up to 2.5 metres?
...can reach speeds of over 70 km/h during their hunting flights?
...have the ability to snatch fish directly from the water?
...are monogamous animals and often keep the same partner for life?
...build their nests at great heights and expand them over the years?
...have an exceptionally sharp vision, allowing them to spot prey from a great distance?
...can live up to 20 years in the wild?
...are among the largest birds of prey in Europe?
...also eat carrion when fresh prey is scarce?
...are revered in some cultures as symbols of strength and freedom?
...are excellent swimmers and can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h?
...some penguin species can stay underwater for over 20 minutes?
...recognise their partners by unique calls, helping them find each other in massive colonies?
...can survive in Antarctica in temperatures as low as -60°C?
...Emperor and Adélie penguins incubate their eggs on their feet to keep them warm?
...cannot fly, but use their wings as flippers for swimming?
...have a layer of fat and dense feathers to protect themselves from the cold?
...can drink saltwater because they have special glands to excrete the salt?
...migrate over 100 kilometres to their breeding grounds each year?
...live in colonies that sometimes comprise millions of birds?
...live in arctic regions and are perfectly adapted to extreme cold?
...have an almost silent flight to surprise their prey?
...are partially brown in summer to better camouflage themselves in the tundra?
...can reach a wingspan of up to 1.5 metres?
...have impressive stamina and can fly long distances?
...primarily feed on lemmings and other small mammals?
...have large eyes that provide excellent night vision?
...build their nests directly on the ground and defend them aggressively?
...sometimes migrate to more southern regions in winter to find food?
...have exceptional hearing to detect prey even under a thick layer of snow?
...have extremely long beaks that make up almost a third of their body length?
...are surprisingly light despite their large beak, as it is made of hollow, bony structures?
...are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America?
...use their colourful plumage for camouflage in the dense treetops?
...live in small groups or pairs and usually nest in tree cavities?
...have a tongue that can be up to 15 centimetres long, covered with fine, hair-like structures that help them catch insects and fruits?
...count fruits, small insects, and even other birds' eggs among their food?
...have a distinctive, croaking call that can be heard far and wide in the tropical forests?
...appear rather clumsy when flying, as they mostly move from branch to branch by hopping?
...play a role in many indigenous myths and legends as messengers or spirits?
...can recognise and distinguish human faces?
...have the ability to remember visual patterns and perform complex tasks?
...possess extraordinary navigation skills and can find their way back over hundreds of miles?
...were used as messengers in ancient Egypt to transport messages over long distances?
...are capable of seeing ultraviolet light, which is invisible to humans?
...are native to every continent except Antarctica?
...live monogamously in pairs and often form lifelong partnerships?
...can recognise themselves in a mirror, a sign of self-awareness?
...are important religious and cultural symbols in many cultures around the world?
...are extremely adaptable and can survive in both urban and rural environments?
...get their pink feathers from food rich in carotenoids?
...sleep on one leg to conserve warmth and relieve the other leg?
...can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h when flying?
...live in massive colonies that can number up to a million birds?
...filter their food from water by turning their heads upside down and swishing them back and forth?
...impress potential mates with their distinctive "flamingo dance"?
...hatch with grey feathers that gradually turn pink?
...have special glands that remove excess salt from their bodies?
...build their nests from mud and plant material, which resemble small mounds?
...can swim and fly short distances just a few days after hatching?
...are extremely intelligent and can solve problems that even humans find challenging?
...have the ability to use and make tools?
...possess complex social structures and live in large groups?
...can remember human faces and distinguish between friend and foe?
...communicate with other ravens to share or defend food caches?
...are able to empathise with other animals to predict their behaviour?
...are playful and often perform acrobatic tricks in the air?
...have the ability to plan for future events, such as hiding food?
...mourning ravens honour their dead peers with "mourning rituals"?
...have an exceptionally long lifespan for birds, living up to 30 years?
...some pets know how to recognise and respond to their owners' moods?
...are among the most intelligent dog breeds in the world and can understand complex commands?
...have astonishing endurance and can run up to 80 kilometres a day?
...were originally bred as herding dogs and are still considered among the best of their kind?
...regularly achieve top positions in agility, obedience, and flyball competitions?
...have an excellent memory and can remember over 1,000 different words?
...are capable of reading their owner's facial expressions and responding accordingly?
...form a strong bond with their family and are very loyal?
...possess an extraordinary ability to solve problems and often find creative ways to accomplish tasks?
...require daily mental and physical challenges due to their high energy and intelligence?
...are able to herd sheep on their own by perfectly coordinating their movements?
...are small, social animals that prefer to live in groups?
...have a very keen sense of communication and use over 20 different sounds?
...are not actually pigs, but rodents?
...need to get their Vitamin C from their diet, as they can't produce it themselves?
...originate from the Andes in South America?
...require regular gnawing to wear down their constantly growing teeth?
...can have a lifespan of up to eight years?
...can see almost 340 degrees around them without moving their heads?
...are true gourmets and love fresh vegetables above all else?
...warn their companions of danger with a high-pitched whistle?
...are a rare and particularly sought-after colour variation among cats?
...have a deep brown coat colour reminiscent of chocolate due to their unique gene?
...are often described as especially charming and affectionate?
...develop a warm, almost reddish shimmer to their coat in the sunlight?
...are more commonly found in certain breeds like the British Shorthair and the Persian cat?
...are considered to bring good luck in some cultures, especially in Japan?
...appear even more elegant due to their soft, copper-coloured eyes?
...are said to have a calming effect on their owners?
...are particularly photogenic and often used as models for cat photography?
...are just as playful and curious as other cats despite their elegant appearance?
...excitedly chatter and quietly murmur when they are content?
...can recognise and distinguish colours in their surroundings?
...can mimic up to 150 different sounds and words?
...can turn their heads 180 degrees to keep a better watch on their surroundings?
...can live up to 10 years if well cared for?
...form a strong bond with their partner and remain faithful for life?
...can even see in the dark because they have an additional light receptor organ?
...show they are comfortable by clicking their tongues and grinding their beaks?
...love small, colourful toys and regularly rearrange them?
...can fly up to 50 km a day in their cage with proper care?
...are extremely resilient to extreme temperatures and can even survive in conditions as cold as -50°C without any issues?
...have incredible endurance and can run up to 150 kilometres at a stretch?
...have two layers of fur to protect them from the cold: a soft undercoat and a water-resistant outer coat?
...possess an innate pack instinct and strongly crave social interaction?
...have ice-blue eyes that are not only beautiful but also perfectly adapted to their environment?
...are known for their loud howling, mimicking their ancestors, the wolves?
...have a special ability to regulate their body temperature by constricting the blood vessels in their paws?
...are often used as sled dogs in challenging races like the Iditarod due to their high intelligence?
...draw their energy and playfulness from long, daily runs, making them active companions?
...have an astonishing ability to find their way home, even over great distances?
...have the ability to purr up to six times per minute, which has a calming effect on themselves and their surroundings?
...can navigate exceptionally well in the dark because they have six times more rods in their eyes than humans?
...are born with blue eyes, but their final eye colour develops only after a few weeks?
...have an incredibly well-developed sense of balance, which is why they usually land on their feet when they fall?
...have over 100 different vocalisations to communicate with humans, including the well-known meow?
...instinctively retain their hunting skills, even when domesticated, and often hunt prey for fun?
...can sprint up to 50 km/h, making them extremely skilled hunters?
...have a special scent gland in their face, which they use to mark humans and objects by rubbing against them?
...can clean both their fur and wounds with their tongue, thanks to its unique structure?
...sleep up to 16 hours a day, making them one of the most sleep-dependent animals in the world?
... have a long tradition as farm and working dogs in Switzerland?
... are particularly gentle and family-friendly?
... have a tri-coloured, dense coat that protects them from the cold?
... are known for their loyalty and strong bond with their owners?
... are considered very intelligent and easy to train?
... have an average lifespan of around 7 to 10 years?
... were originally used as draft and herding dogs?
... get along particularly well with children and other pets?
... can reach an impressive height of up to 70 cm at the shoulder?
... need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy?
...have particularly good eyesight in low light conditions?
...store food supplies and can carry up to 15% of their body weight in their cheek pouches?
...live only two to three years on average?
...are solitary animals and only meet for mating?
...originate from dry desert regions and therefore need very little water?
...possess high levels of energy and can cover up to 9 km per night on a wheel?
...have teeth that continuously grow and need to gnaw regularly?
...can adapt to new environments within a few weeks?
...have an excellent memory and can remember routes and hiding spots well?
...tend to live in underground burrows that they dig themselves in the wild?
...are one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world, with males weighing up to 9kg or more?
...are known for their friendly and gentle nature, which is why they are often called "gentle giants"?
...have a distinctive, dense, and water-repellent coat that makes them perfectly suited for cold climates?
...have a fascinating history that partly stems from seafaring legends, where they were said to have accompanied sailors on ships?
...are particularly intelligent cats that can quickly learn tricks and even fetch?
...often have a bushy, long-haired tail that is almost as large as their body, helping to keep them warm in winter?
...are known for their loud and communicative nature, often with a unique, "talking" voice?
...get along well with other pets, including dogs, due to their social and adaptable personality?
...are more water-loving than other cat breeds and sometimes even enjoy bathing or playing with water?
...are especially long-lived, with a lifespan of up to 15 years or more with proper care?
…some animals on the farm can form particularly close friendships with other animals?
...are incredibly intelligent animals and can even reach the cognitive level of a three-year-old child?
...have an excellent memory and can remember places and people for years?
...use more than 20 different grunts to communicate with each other?
...can recognise their own names and respond when called?
...can dream just like humans, showing rapid eye movements during sleep?
...are capable of solving complex problems, similar to chimpanzees?
...are naturally very clean animals and would never soil their sleeping area?
...have the ability to experience emotions such as joy, sadness, and even empathy?
...exhibit very strong social behaviour and can form close friendships with other pigs?
...have a better sense of smell than dogs and are therefore used for truffle hunting in some countries?
...donkeys have excellent memories and can remember paths and places for years?
...they are very social animals and form strong bonds with their peers?
...they are capable of making extremely loud noises in danger to warn their herd?
...they possess remarkable endurance and can trek for hours through difficult terrain?
...they are highly resilient to diseases and can survive in harsh environments?
...they have excellent hearing, which helps them detect potential threats early?
...they make significantly better decisions in dangerous situations compared to horses?
...they are often underestimated, even though they are very intelligent and capable of learning?
...they have a strong natural defence against predators, thanks to their sturdy hooves and determination?
...they can go longer without water than many other pack animals, making them ideal for arid regions?
...have horns that continue to grow throughout their lives?
...can develop horns up to 1.5 metres long?
...are extremely adaptable and can live in various climates?
...develop a social hierarchy within their herd?
...mainly feed on grasses, leaves, and herbs?
...use their horns for protection when threatened?
...are remarkably agile in steep and rocky terrain?
...can cover large distances in search of food?
...can give birth to multiple kids at once?
...have a lifespan of up to 15 years?
...are extremely resilient to adverse weather conditions?
...have dense, long hair that protects them from the cold?
...can thrive particularly well on sparse and nutrient-poor soils?
...are very calm and friendly with people?
...are valued for their meat, which is lean and highly flavourful?
...display unique social behaviour and form close bonds within their herd?
...are native to Scotland but can adapt to various climates worldwide?
...have a longer lifespan compared to other cattle breeds?
...are often used in landscape management due to their impressive horns and robust stature?
...are surprisingly nimble and agile despite their size?
...can communicate with their mothers directly after hatching?
...start recognising sounds and voices while still in the egg?
...help each other hatch from the egg?
...have a well-developed sense of direction to help them find their mother?
...can distinguish between different shades of colour in their first weeks of life?
...can remember and be comforted by their mother's heartbeat?
...cannot yet regulate their body temperature and therefore need sources of warmth?
...are very curious and playful, which helps them learn?
...can become accustomed to their owner within just a few hours?
...begin making small, short flights after just one week?
...are able to recognise human emotions such as joy and sadness?
...can remember up to 200 different faces and locations?
...in the wild can cover up to 25 kilometres a day searching for food?
...have a keen sense of time and prefer routines?
...can gallop at speeds of up to 88 km/h?
...are capable of hearing lower frequencies than humans, which helps them detect predators?
...almost have a 360-degree field of vision due to the position of their eyes?
...can recognise their foal by its unique whinny?
...are social animals that form strong bonds with their herd members?
...have a remarkable sense of direction and can find their way home even after years?