Are you teaching students about animals that can be found on the continent of Africa? From zebras, lions, hippos, to elephants, giraffes, and more – there are tons of fun facts you can share about the wildlife that roams the lands of Northern, Central, and Southern Africa. Need help planning a lesson on animal populations, conservation, or endangered species? Keep reading! We’ve included fun facts, teaching tips, and drawing templates below.
In this post:
- 5 Tips to Teach Your Class About Animals
- Fun Facts About African Safari Animals
- 3 Free Drawing Templates to Share With Your Class
5 Tips to Teach Your Class About Animals
Are you teaching a lesson on animal kingdoms? Whether talking about land animals, migratory species, or how human settlements have impacted animal habitats, you’ll need to know the right approach to reach your students.
Need advice for teaching about animals? Keep reading for 5 tips to incorporate into your next lesson.
- Begin by thoroughly explaining the concept of animal species and how scientists have classified them. Explain how different animal species are found in various places on the Earth.
- Use visual aids such as diagrams, Clipart images, photographs or drawings to help students develop a deeper understanding of animal classification and the food chains.
- Provide supplemental learning resources such as videos, books, and websites that students can access to learn more about animal kingdoms.
- Encourage students to participate in class discussions and think critically about animals and the ways humans have impacted their habitats.
- Provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on learning experiences by creating detailed diagrams or organizing a trip to a local museum or zoological park.
Fun Facts About African Safari Animals
Want some quick facts to share about African safari animals? Read the facts below and share them with your students!
Lions
- Lions are considered to be the second largest cat in the world
- Lions are apex predators, putting them at the top of the food chain.
- Lions are social creatures that live in groups called prides.
- Lions are found in the grassy plains and savannas of Africa and India.
- Lions are threatened by habitat loss and considered to be vulnerable creatures according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Giraffes
- Giraffes are the tallest land animals in the world.
- Giraffes have exceptionally long necks that help them reach high into trees to retrieve leaves and plant matter.
- Giraffes are social creatures that thrive in groups called towers.
- Giraffes can be found in the savannas, woodlands, and grasslands of Africa.
- Giraffes are threatened by habitat loss, poaching by humans and considered to be vulnerable by conservation groups.
Elephants
- Elephants are intelligent, social creatures that live in groups known as herds, which are typically matriarchal in structure.
- Elephants are known for having exceptional memories and expressing emotions such as grief.
- Elephants are herbivores that consume plant matter.
- Elephants can be found in Africa and Asia in various habitats including savannas, forests, and grasslands.
- African elephants are known for having bigger ears than Asian elephants. Both specifies play a vital role in their ecosystem.
Hippos
- Hippos, or hippopotamuses, are semi-acquatic herbivores found in Africa.
- Hippos are a smaller than elephants but still considered to be the third largest land animals on the planet.
- Hippos are social creatures that live in animal groups called pods.
- Hippos can produce a variety of sounds including grunting, snorting, bellowing.
- Hippos spend most of their time in lakes and rivers, avoiding the heat of the sun.
Zebras
- Zebras are known for their black-and-white stripes.
- Zebras are herbivores that live in groups called herds.
- Zebras are prey for other animals such as lions, hyenas, and even crocodiles.
- Zebras are found throughout Africa and can exist in a variety of habitats including grasslands, savannas, and woodlands.
- Zebras come in three species: Plains Zebra, Mountain Zebra and Grevy’s Zebra.
3 Free Drawing Templates to Share With Your Class
FREE DOWNLOAD
Lion Drawing Template
FREE DOWNLOAD
Giraffe Drawing Template
FREE DOWNLOAD
Elephant Drawing Template
