zorilla facts for kids

Also known as the African Skunk, African polecat, Cape Pole Cat.

  • A black and white mammal that look a lot like skunks.
  • Zorillas may look like a skunk, but they are a type of weasel.
  • Zorillas live all around Africa. They can live in most habits, including open grassland, woodland, rocky areas, forests, and deserts.
  • Zorillas have small stomach, so they have to eat often.
  • Zorillas have scent glands under the tail; when it is alarmed, it sprays a strong-smelling liquid.
  • They are nocturnal animals (they hunt at night) and rest in a hollow tree or a rock crevice during the day.
  • Zorillas are fine swimmers but rarely climb trees. They have a life span of 5 years in captivity.

zorilla facts for children

  • Zorillas have long, thick black fur with white stripes.
  • They are are about 13 to 15 inches (33-38 cm) long plus a white, bushy tail that is 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) long.
  • They weigh 2 to 3 pounds (1 kg). The snout is long, the legs are short, and the feet have long, sturdy claws.
  • Zorillas are carnivores (meat-eaters).
  • Their faces have a unique face mask colouring, and often includes a white spot on their head, and white ears.
  • Zorillas have long claws adapted for digging in the dirt.
  • Although skunks’ spray is infamous for its horrible smell, zorrillas’ spray may be stronger — they are widely considered the world’s smelliest animals.