Hoofed and Toed Animals
Discover the fascinating world of Hoofed and Toed Animals at our zoo! Meet impressive species like the graceful zebra and the charming alpaca. Each animal has its own unique characteristics, from the sturdy water buffalo to the exotic zebu. Don’t forget to visit the playful warthogs and majestic camels that round out this incredible collection. Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable day of wildlife education and fun!
Zebra
Just as every person has a unique fingerprint, every zebra has a unique black and white stripe pattern. In the wild zebras form herds. Their stripes blend together when grouped in a herd, appearing to predators as one large object, making it difficult to target one specific animal. Monterey Zoo houses two sub-species of zebra, the Damara (with a lighter shadow strip next to the black stripe) and the Grants with individual bold black stripes.
Miniature Donkey & Zedonk
All part of our education program, Dominic and Elsie are a fine example of a mixed species exhibit as they all coexist wonderfully together. Elsie is half zebra and half donkey – a Zedonk! It wasn’t something we did or promote the breeding of but she badly needed a home when we found her and had a home to offer her. Dominic is a miniature Donkey which unlike most miniature breeds, is not a bred-down version of a larger donkey. Their small size is natural.
Alpaca and Llama
Alpacas are a domesticated species of the South American camelid. They look at lot like small llamas but their fleece is much finer and similar to wool – but a lot softer. Alpacas are curious and full of personality, which they often display at Monterey Zoo every day.
Llamas are larger and known to be pack animals, popular amongst professional hikers. They are also used for guarding livestock. Their fleece is much courser and often used for rugs and ropes. The llamas and alpacas at Monterey Zoo are all animals rescued from unfortunate circumstances and in need of a home.
Camel
There are two types of camels: Dromedary and Bactrian. Dromedaries have one hump, while Bactrians camels have two humps. You can see both types at the Monterey Zoo.
Water Buffalo
Water Buffalo are known to be one of the longest species of domesticated cattle in the world. Two types of water buffalo are recognized today, a swamp buffalo and a river buffalo. Monterey Zoo houses one of each that came to our facility together and remain the best of friends today. They share their exhibit with our zebra and rhino, and incredible mixed species habitat that is very often fascinating to observe.
Wildebeest
Monterey Zoo is home to three male Blue Wildebeest named Larry, Mo and Curley. Wildebeest, also known as Gnu, are a large African antelope that can reach 8 feet in length and weigh up to 600 pounds. Larry, Mo and Curley were bred in a zoo in Texas before coming to Monterey Zoo where they share a five-acre habitat with the zoo’s rhinos, zebras and water buffalo. All coexist beautifully together.
Warthog
Warthogs are members of the same family as domestic pigs, and became very popular with kids after the release of The Lion King. While not the prettiest animal, the animated Lion King character Pumbaa made the warthog lovable. Our warthog Harley came to Monterey Zoo to join our education program. An unusual animal to keep friendly and manageable but the keepers did so as long as possible before introducing Harley to his habitat mate, Fiona. Today, Harley and Fiona only have eyes for each other. Check out Harley and Fiona’s new digs: a new exhibit complete with a pool, waterfall, digging area, heated barn and much more!
Zebu & Miniature Zebu
The zebu is a species of cattle that is native to the jungles of South Asia. The zebu is also known as the humped cattle as it has a very distinctive hump on its upper back – very unusual! Elmo is a miniature zebu, an Indian cattle that was bred in the united states in 1991.
Hoofed and Toed Habitat
Discover the wonders of the animal kingdom in our Hoofed and Toed Habitat! This section of our zoo showcases an active community of water buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, and warthogs, all living and playing together in a vibrant atmosphere. It’s an excellent opportunity for visitors to witness their unique behaviors and social interactions. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this extraordinary world of hoofed animals, where fun and education go hand-in-hand for an unforgettable zoo experience. Be sure to check out our continuing Habitat Improvements also!
Zoo Map