Animal Camouflage

“ Good morning, class, ” Mr. Zimmer said. “ Ready for our zoo tour?” “ Yes! ” called the kids. “ I hope we see cheetahs! ” Rosa thought. “ Today we will visit animals with something in common, ” said Mr. Zimmer. “ These animals use their colors or patterns to hide. This is called camouflage. ”

“ You mean like military clothing?” Frank asked. “ Yes, ” said Mr. Zimmer. Camouflage clothing protects soldiers. They can blend in with their surroundings. Animals use camouflage for protection too. The class walked to a hut. A sign read Reptiles and Amphibians.

“ Many reptiles use camouflage to hide from their enemies. Look at this lizard, ” Mr. Zimmer said. It was hard to see the lizard. Its skin was the same color as the rock. “ Mr. Zimmer?” Rosa asked. “ Can camouflage help animals hunt too?” “ That’s a great question, Rosa! ” Mr. Zimmer said.

He pointed to a bullfrog. This bullfrog uses color to hide while it waits for food. It is the same color as grass and leaves. “ It can trick its prey! ” said Olivia. “ Where are we going next?” Frank asked. “ To see the owls, ” Mr. Zimmer said. The class stopped in front of the Owl House.

“ Where are they?” Olivia asked. “ Owls use pattern camouflage, ” Mr. Zimmer said. “ See if you can find one. ” Rosa looked closely at the tree. “ I see an owl! ” she said. “ Its feathers are the same pattern as tree bark! ” “ Right. The cheetahs are next, ” said Mr. Zimmer.

“ Yes! ” cried Rosa. The class walked to a large grassy area. Rosa looked at the cheetahs’ spots. “ How are cheetah spots camouflage?” “ Well, ” said Mr. Zimmer. “ The spots help cheetahs blend in with shadows in the grass. This helps cheetahs when they hunt. And it keeps cheetah cubs safe from other big cats. ”