Mammals

The loudest voices in the ocean may be the gregarious sea lion. Though clumsy on land, this marine mammal is a strong swimmer and diver, aided by its oar-like flippers and torpedo-shaped body. Sea lions are considered “pinnipeds,” which means “fin-footed” and refers to their long, flat hands and feet.

The hearty polar bear is the largest land carnivore in the world. Because they live on the ice-caps and not typically on land masses, these bears are considered to be marine mammals. Thick layers of blubber and dense, waterproof coats help them survive the harsh Arctic winter. Their oar-like feet act as flippers in the water and snowshoes on land, and insulating, hairy soles allow the bears to walk atop snow and ice.

Red pandas have gone by many names over the years, including firefox, red cat-bear, and bright panda. In fact, these bushy-tailed mammals are most closely related to raccoons and skunks. Red pandas live throughout the foothills of the Himalayas.

This distinctive primate with a bright red face is an Old World monkey from Japan. Also known as Japanese macaques, snow monkeys are adaptable creatures with a penchant for water. They endure cold, snowy winters by soaking in natural hot springs and take refuge from the summer heat by plunging into cold pools.