Animal Encyclopedia

  In a vibrant forest, there lived a wise old tortoise and a curious rabbit. The tortoise was known far and wide for his wisdom, while the rabbit was always full of questions. One sunny morning, as they sat by a babbling brook, the rabbit looked up at the birds flying high and asked, "Why can't we fly like them?" The tortoise, with a knowing smile, replied, "Well, my friend, we may not have wings, but we have our own special gifts. Allow me to share a story." He began to recount a tale about a grand race in the forest. The animals were to race to the tallest tree to reach a delicious fruit at its very top. The rabbit listened intently as the tortoise continued, "The animals gathered, and the race began. The deer dashed ahead, and the squirrel climbed the tree with ease. The monkey swung from branch to branch. But as they got closer to the top, they realized the fruit was too high to reach." The rabbit looked puzzled, "What happened next?" The

    INFORMATION Scimitar-horned Oryx are unique desert antelopes. They're famous for their long, curved horns that resemble old-fashioned swords. These horns can be very impressive, sometimes growing as long as a tall grown-up! They're specially built for desert life. Their light-colored coat helps them blend into the sandy surroundings, and they have hooves that are just right for moving around in the desert sand. These oryx like to be with their friends. They often gather in groups, looking out for food and keeping an eye out for any dangers nearby. Sadly, you won't find them in the wild anymore. They're extinct in their natural homes. But people are working hard to help them have a safe place to live again. FUN FACTS Scimitar-horned Oryx are skilled at finding cooler ground in the desert by digging holes in the sand. They're incredibly fast, reaching speeds of up to 32 miles per hour (51 kilometers per hour) when needed. In the past, they could survive for months