Making a Splash

Dive in and find out all about life in the wetlands.

Two thirds of the earth's surface is covered in the wet stuff. But there's more to waterworld than just the fish in the sea. Take a look at the world's lakes, rivers, oceans and pools and you will find all sorts of animals, who spend their time splashing about.

Californian Sealions

Found - North and South America, West Coast

Threats - Their food supply is threatened by over-fishing

At the Zoo - Our group is probably one of the most important breeding colonies in Britain

Did you know? - Amazingly, each sealion gives birth on exactly the same day each year.

Red Eared Terrapin

Found - USA and Mexico. In swamps, lakes and slow rivers.

Threats - They are farmed for the pet trade. Many die as they are transported.

At the Zoo - They live in the waterfowl lake. During winter they hibernate under the mud.

Did you know? - The young eat leaves, fruit, small fish and insect larvae but adults are mostly vegetarian. They can grow to be about 20 centimetres long.

Otter

Found - Across Europe and Asia, around rivers, lakes and coasts, including Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Southwest England

Threats - Vulnerable. Hunted for fur, as a pest and for sport. Water pollution is also a threat

At the Zoo - Our pair of otters' antics are much enjoyed by our visitors

Did you know? - Their fur is coated with oil which keeps it waterproof. Otters can swim underwater for at least 400 metres at a time.

How Can You Help?

* Do not contribute to water pollution (i.e. don't use fertilisers or pesticides in the garden, and never pour oil down drains) and conserve water.

Quick Facts !

* Annual rainfall - Varies

* Temperature - Frozen at 0 degrees C to -34 degrees C in tropical climates

* Total area of planet covered - 66%

* Total area covered 100 years ago - 62%

* World importance - Fresh water supply for many of the world's plants and animals

* Threats - Water pollution is the greatest threat, with most countries of the world using these areas as dumping grounds for their waste and hazardous chemicals

* Amazing fact - The human body is made up of 92% water.