• Elephants can recognize themselves in mirrors, showing they are very smart and have self-awareness.

  • Koalas can sleep up to 22 hours a day because their favorite food, eucalyptus leaves, takes a lot of energy to digest.

  • Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, running up to 113 km/h (70 mph) in short bursts.

  • Giraffes have the same number of neck bones as humans—just seven!—but their bones are much bigger.

  • Polar bears have black skin under their white, see-through hair. Their unique fur helps them stay warm in cold weather.

  • A group of zebras is called a "dazzle," and when they stand together, their stripes make them look confusing to predators.

  • Kangaroos can't walk backwards, thanks to their muscular tails and strong body structure.

  • Octopuses have three hearts and blue blood, which helps them survive deep in the ocean waters.

  • The pistol shrimp, just 2 cm long, creates a sound louder than a jet engine by snapping its claw rapidly.

  • Tardigrades (tiny animals) can survive in space, extreme heat, and freezing cold, and can go for more than 10 years without eating.