Ages 7–9Thursday, 8 October 2026

South African animals of the bushveld

Speed, Spots and Secrets of the Bushveld

Racing cheetahs, roaring lions, tree-climbing leopards and hippos that can't swim: amazing facts from South Africa's bushveld.

Play

0:00−2:19

The facts

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1. The cheetah is the fastest land mammal and can run at up to about 112 kilometres per hour.

   Source

   • Cheetah — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (opens in a new tab)

2. Cheetahs are the only cats with black "tear marks" on their faces.

   Source

   • Cheetah — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (opens in a new tab)

3. Lions are the only cats that live in large social groups called prides.

   Source

   • Lion — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (opens in a new tab)

4. A lion's roar can be heard up to 4.8 kilometres away.

   Source

   • Lion — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (opens in a new tab)

5. Leopards often store their kill high up in trees so lions and hyenas can't take it.

   Source

   • Leopard — African Wildlife Foundation (opens in a new tab)

6. Hippos can't swim or even float; they walk or push off along the bottom of the river.

   Source

   • Hippo — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (opens in a new tab)

7. Hippos make a reddish "blood sweat" that protects their skin from sunburn.

   Source

   • Hippo — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (opens in a new tab)