Lions are a well-known species of large cats that roam Tanzania. Carnivorous in nature, lions devour other animals such as gazelles and antelopes, and they often travel in groups, or prides. Female lions look more like other cats, while male lions have a mane of hair that surrounds their face. Male lions typically weigh more and are longer than their female counterparts.
Now considered critically endangered, the black rhinoceros can weigh up to 3,000 lbs. Black rhinos are versatile creatures, as they can survive in both the driest and wettest areas of Tanzania, but they are few in number largely due to hunting. Black rhinos are very sensitive, and they may become angry and attack over sounds, smells or sights they find discomforting.
African elephants have become endangered in large part because of hunting, though they remain popular attractions in captivity. African elephants stand over 10 feet tall and weigh over 11,000 lbs., making them one of the largest mammals on earth. Despite their size, African elephants are also adept at running and swimming, which allows them to adapt to different environments.
Cheetahs are large, lean cats known for their spotted coat. One of the fastest animals in the world, cheetahs routinely run at speeds around 70 mph. Because of their speed and carnivorous appetite, cheetahs can easily capture other animals such as gazelles and antelopes.
Known largely for their distinctive voice that sounds like a laugh, hyenas are scavengers who usually wait for other predatory animals to kill their prey and then eat what is left behind. Because they are smaller than other African cats, hyenas often work with one another when they kill their own meals.
Zebras are horse-like animals with a black and white stripe pattern that helps them to hide from predators in the wild. Seen in large groups across Tanzania, zebras are very fleet afoot and can live around 25 years in their natural environment.
