In  celebration of the Olympics this year, Flamingo Land Education Team will be running daily activities throughout the summer, related to the record breakers of the animal world. Just like Olympian athletes, the world’s wildlife demonstrate athletic abilities every day.

Whereas Olympians compete to be the best in their chosen event and break world records, animals have to compete on a daily basis to ensure their survival in the wild. Different species have adapted different abilities in order to succeed in the environment they live in, therefore making some of them nature’s record breakers.

Many a time we hear about the extreme records animals reach –  but how do we humans measure up? The fastest human, Usain Bolt reached top speeds of 27.8mph, running the 100 meter race in just 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, beating the world record by 0.11 seconds. In comparison, the average domestic cat is able to reach 30mph, and the fastest animal in the world is the cheetah reaching up to 70mph.

The adults of any species will of course achieve higher records, but the youngsters don’t fail to impress! Many of the ungulates (hooved animals) being able to stand and keep up with the rest of the herd the same day they are born. Zebras, for example are up on their hooves within as little as 20 minutes of being born, and are seen running in the wild just an hour later, keeping up with their mum at nearly 35mph! Here’s a picture of our Grevy’s zebra foal from last year.
The average adult human sprints at a speed of 10-15mph, which is about the same speed as a gray squirrel.

Whilst our human skill set may be stronger in other areas, comparing ourselves to the abilities of animals is always a fun and educational event. Our visitors will have the chance to find out how they measure up to animals by taking part in our Zoolympic Challenges this summer, and earn their badges for Speed and Agility or Strength and Endurance.

Can you flap as fast as a pigeon or shout as loud as a baboon?