Hanekom Family in Wellington New Zealand
Unlike most sea anemones which remains stationary; the wandering or swimming anemone (Phlyctenactis tuberculosa) travels.
One of its common names is baked beans anemone in reference to the bean shaped vesicles which are filled with nematocysts (stinging cells).
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Both sexes of the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) have prominent horn-like structures called ossicones, which are formed from ossified cartilage.
Unlike most other horned animals, where the horns only start to grow some time after birth, the giraffe’s occicones are already well formed at birth. They lie flat against the head during birth and become erect during the first week after birth.
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The Little penguin or blue penguin in New Zealand (Eudyptula minor) is the smallest penguins in the world at just 35-43cm tall.
They weigh between 1 and 1.5kg
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Crocodiles have salt secretion glands to get rid of excess salt. This allow crocodiles to inhabit saltwater (something alligators can’t do).
The most salt tolerant of all crocodiles is the Indo-Pacific crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) with the apt Australian common name “saltie”.
It is also the world’s largest croc.
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New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri), of the eared seal family, have visible ears and no blubber layer to keep them warm. Instead they have dual layer fur, with a stiffer outer layer of silvery brown hair (when dry) and an inner layer of soft water proof reddish brown hair.
This fur was highly sought after in the early 19th century for clothing and seals were slaughtered by their thousands. In the early 19th century more than 45,000 skins were taken every year.
Fur seals are currently fully protected and numbers are increasing steadily.
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