The African elephant, lion and leopard, Cape buffalo and the rhino (black or white) make up what is commonly known as 'The Big Five' or as I am calling it today 'A Big High Five'.
A fitting name, especially for the African elephant, which is the largest and heaviest land animal in the world and can be found in more than 37 sub-Saharan countries! Did you know that the African elephant can consume up to 50 gallons of water every day? That is a lot of water, and is enough to fill a small bath tub!
The African lion is the second largest cat in the world, (the first being the tiger) and can sleep for up to 20 hours a day! They do most of their hunting at night, so if you go on a safari during daylight, you will likely see them having a snooze!
The African leopard is the most mysterious member of our 'High Five'. Their abilities to run at speeds of over 35 miles per hour, make them excellent hunters and means they could travel from our studio in Ormskirk, all the way to Chester Zoo in just over an hour!
The Cape buffalo has a reputation as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa! They have a set of deadly horns which they use in defense when feeling threatened. A male buffalo can weigh up to 920 kilograms which is roughly the same weight as 150 bowling balls!
There are two species of rhino in Africa, the black rhino and the white rhino. Both species are at risk of extinction and experts have estimated that there are only 5,000 black rhinos and 20,000 white rhinos left in the wild. It is thought that rhinos have roamed the grounds of Africa for 50 million years!
The Big Five are certainly extraordinary animals.... made up of speed, beauty and power, let's hope these beautiful animals are around for many years to come! So here is 'A Big High Five' to The Big Five!