Rhea: The Darwin's rhea is the endangered cousin to the common rhea, also found in South America. Both species are large flightless birds that look something like a small ostrich. They spend a great deal of time searching for insects in the long grass of their habitat.

Llama: Llamas have been domesticated and used by humans for many purposes. Their hides and fur are used for clothing and rugs. They are also used as pack animals, which is particularly useful in mountainous areas because they are very sure-footed.

Jaguar: These handsome cats are sisters, born in the Wildlife World Zoo outside of Phoenix. Most animals in zoos today have been bred in captivity and shared with other zoos to allow visitors the privilege of seeing such rare species.

Aviary: A varied collection of South American birds are exhibited in this walk-through aviary. Each is identified on the "star-wheel' graphics. The separate partitioned area of the aviary displays species that might be too aggressive to house with the rest of the collection.

Caiman: The caiman is a small relative of mighty alligators and crocodiles. These dwarf caiman are nearly full grown. Unlike mammals, reptiles continue to grow, at a very slow rate, all throughout their lives. These animals arrived at the Reid Park Zoo in 1995 as youngsters. They grew quickly until reaching maturity, and now growth rate is barely perceptible.

Macaw: These gorgeous macaws are breathtaking here in the sun. Their bright colors and raucous calls serve to keep troops together in the wild. Many people think these birds make good pets, but try to imagine what that incredible call might sound like in your home before buying one.

Anteater: Although the giant anteater eats many ants and termites in the wild, they only feed at each nest for a short while. That way, they ensure there will be a supply of tasty insects for the next meal!

Spectacled Bear: Spectacled bears are known for their climbing ability; you may find them at the top of the tallest trees in this exhibit. The only bear found in South America, they are primarily mountain dwellers, eating fruits, insects, and vegetable material. They stay active here at the zoo by swimming, climbing, and searching their exhibit for treats hidden by the zoo keepers.

Gibbon: How can you tell a monkey from an ape? The difference is in the tail; monkeys have them, apes don't! These gibbons are the smallest of the apes, and live in large groups. They have a wonderful singing call that serves to keep the troops together.

Bears of Asia: All Asian bear species are threatened with extinction. Sun bears are poached for their gall bladders for use in traditional medicine. Reid Park Zoo is actively involved in conservation projects to help protect all bear species.

Tiger: Tigers are one of only a few species of cats that enjoy water. You may see a tiger in the pool during the hottest part of the day. Reid Park Zoo cooperates with other zoos in a Species Survival Plan for this endangered species. When you see the SSP symbol on an identification sign, you know that zoos are working together to try to save that species.

Elephant: African and Asian elephants are housed together at Reid Park Zoo. See if you can tell which is which. Both of these animals would eat all day, browsing on shrubs and trees, if they lived in their natural habitat. Zoo keepers feed these elephants over 100 pounds of food each day.

Grevy's Zebra: Can you imagine that the bright black and white stripes of the Grevy's zebra actually act as camouflage? In the grasslands of Africa, a herd of zebra in a sea of stripes makes it difficult for a predator to distinguish an individual animal.

Crowned Crane: Why do you think these birds are called CROWNED cranes? Unlike most cranes they live in family groups rather than large flocks. During breeding season, the birds perform intricate courtship rituals, leaping and dancing to attract potential mates.

Lion: These big cats, known as the king of the beasts, spend most of their time napping. They live in social groups called prides, consisting of one adult male and several females with youngsters. As the young animals grow up, the males must leave the group, wandering until they can form a pride of their own.

Mandrill: The male mandrill baboon is special because of the beautiful bright colors on his face. The colors help attract female baboons. These exotic animals are from the rain forests of Africa. Like all primates, they use facial expressions and gestures to communicate with each other.

Giraffe: Giraffe are the tallest of mammals, able to eat the tastiest leaves from the highest branches of the trees. These graceful pacers can run up to 35 miles an hour, and can defend themselves and their young from predators with a single kick.

Marabou Stork: In the wild, these distinguished looking birds assist with a very important function: cleaning up the remains of dead animals! Not having feathers on their head makes tidying up after a meal a much easier job. The marabou stork spends a great deal of time watching from the top of the rock in this habitat.