SAFE Kids – Ask Riley and Max questions

Ask Riley and Max!

Check out the cool questions kids everywhere are asking Riley and Max!

Have a different question? Feel free to reach out to us and we’ll add it here.

Various factors determine intelligence. Wildlife scientists around the world often name dolphins, chimpanzees, elephants, and even certain bird species like crows, as some of the most intelligent animals, using tools and showing deep emotions.

Aaliyah wants to know…

What's the smartest animal on the planet?

Giraffes’ necks got long over many, many years because the ones with longer necks could reach more food in tall trees. They were healthier and had more babies, who also had longer necks. This happened over lots of time and the process is called evolution.

Costa asked…

Why are giraffe's necks so long?

The ocean is salty because it collects tiny bits of salt from rocks on land. When it rains or rivers flow into the ocean, they bring along these salty bits. Over a really long time, all this salt adds up, making the ocean taste salty!

Jonas was curious as to…

Why are our ocean's so salty?

Birds can fly because their bodies are made for it! Their wings are shaped perfectly to help them glide through the air, so they can find new places to eat and nest. They have light bones and strong muscles that give them the power to flap their wings and lift off the ground.

Gwynn queried…

Why and how do birds fly?

Polar bear fur may look white, but it's actually clear and acts like tiny mirrors reflecting the snow around them! It helps them hide so that it's easier for them to sneak up on seals, without being seen. It also keeps them safe from predators by blending in with their surroundings.

Angelique wondered…

Why are polar bears white?

Why do some animals live in groups while others live alone?

Poaching is when people illegally hunt or capture animals, often for their skin, fur, tusks, or other body parts. This is against the law because it harms animals and can make them endangered or extinct. Animals impacted are tigers, elephants, rhinos, and turtles, to name just a few.

Cain asked…

What is poaching and what animals are affected?

Scientists help by studying the animals and their habitats, tracking their numbers, and figuring out what they need to survive. They also create programs to protect them, like setting up safe areas where they can live without being disturbed.

Josh asked…

How do scientists help save many endangered animals?

Animals need their habitats to find food, water, and shelter. When we destroy their homes, it makes it hard for them to survive. Protecting habitats helps keep animals safe and makes sure they have everything they need to live.

Ying inquired…

Why is it important to protect the habitats where animals live?

Look for labels like “cruelty-free,” “eco-friendly,” reef-SAFE (sunscreen), or “organic.” These labels mean that the product was made in a way that is kind to animals and the planet. You can also ask your parents to help you find more information about the products you use.

Fatma wants to know…

How can I tell if a product I’m buying is safe for animals and the environment?

Animals in cold places have special ways to stay warm. For example, polar bears have thick fur and a layer of fat under their skin. Penguins huddle together to share body heat, and some animals grow extra fur or feathers during the winter.

Eric asked…

How do animals stay warm in cold places like the Arctic?

Francisco pondered…

Why is it important to protect the habitats where animals live?

Some animals, like wolves and elephants, live in groups because it helps them find food and protect each other. Other animals, like tigers and bears, prefer to live alone so they don’t have to share their food or space.

Taylor asked…

Why do some animals live in groups while others live alone?

Some animals are endangered because their homes are being destroyed, they are being hunted too much, or they can’t find enough food. We can help them by protecting their habitats, supporting laws that keep them safe, and not buying products that hurt them or their homes.

Sunita inquired…

Why are some animals endangered, and what can we do to help them?

Chameleons and some other animals change color to hide from predators, communicate with other chameleons, or control their body temperature. It’s like their way of sending messages or staying safe.

Francisco wants to know…

Why do some animals, like chameleons, change color?

This saying means that sometimes being too curious can get you into trouble. Cats like to explore and sometimes get into dangerous places. It's like when you are told not to touch something hot because you could get hurt. It's a reminder to be careful and safe.

Ruth wants to know…

Why do they say ‘curiosity killed the cat'?

Some people believe that these animal parts have special powers or can be used to make medicines, even though this isn’t true. Others like to have them as decorations or trophies. Sadly, this has made these animals endangered because too many are hunted.

Kelly was curious …

Why do some people value sharks’ fins, pangolin scales, and rhinoceros horns?

Painted wolves and wild dogs are actually the same animal! They have beautiful fur with lots of different colors, like a painting. They live in packs and hunt together. They are different from dogs and can't live with people as pets. Painted wolves live in Sub-Sahara Africa and are critically endangered.

Zelda wanted to know…

What is the difference between a painted wolf and a wild dog?

Sometimes, veterinarians (animal doctors) use the same medicines that people take, but they use special doses made just for animals. They make sure the medicine is safe for the animal and helps them get better. As an example, human medication to treat epilepsy can be used for dogs with epilepsy.

Gavin inquired…

Do veterinarians use human medications on animals?

Dinosaurs lived a long time ago, even before there were people. Scientists think that a big asteroid hit the Earth and changed the climate, making it hard for dinosaurs to survive. Over time, they all went extinct, which means they all died out. But some animals, like birds, are related to dinosaurs and still live today!

Kwai asked…

What happened to the dinosaurs?

Some animals are pets because they are friendly and like to live with people. They can be trained and are safe to be around, like dogs and cats. Other animals, like lions or tigers, are wild and can be dangerous. They need to live in their natural homes like jungles or forests where they have the space and food they need.

Francisco pondered…

Why are some animals pets and others are not?

You can help by recycling, using less water and electricity, planting flowers or trees, and not littering. Also, be kind to animals and support products that are safe for the environment. You can find other easy and simple things to do on other KidZone pages.

Sunita inquired…

What are some simple things I can do to help protect animals & the environment?

Animals communicate in many ways. Dogs bark, birds sing, and dolphins use clicks and whistles. Some animals use body language, like when a cat arches its back to look scary or when bees dance to show where flowers are. They may not speak like us, but animals communicate in their own way.

Abdul wants to know…

How do animals communicate with each other?

Plants and animals need each other to survive. Plants provide food and oxygen for animals. In return, animals help plants by spreading their seeds and pollen. For example, bees get nectar from flowers and help plants make new seeds by moving pollen around.

George posed the question…

How do plants and animals depend on each other in the wild?

Some animals, like owls and bats, are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. They might do this to avoid predators or because it’s easier to find food. For example, owls can see really well in the dark to catch mice.

Lucy asked…

Why do some animals sleep during the day and come out at night?

Hey there!

We'd love to hear from you

Are you curious about something as it relates to animals or where they live? Send us an email and then check in to find out how we answered your question.

We are excited to hear from you!

Ask Riley and Max!

What's the smartest animal on the planet?

Why are giraffe's necks so long?

Why are our ocean's so salty?

Why and how do birds fly?

Why are polar bears white?

What is poaching and what animals are affected?

How do scientists help save many endangered animals?

Why is it important to protect the habitats where animals live?

How can I tell if a product I’m buying is safe for animals and the environment?

How do animals stay warm in cold places like the Arctic?

Why is it important to protect the habitats where animals live?

Why do some animals live in groups while others live alone?

Why are some animals endangered, and what can we do to help them?

Why do some animals, like chameleons, change color?

Why do they say ‘curiosity killed the cat'?

Why do some people value sharks’ fins, pangolin scales, and rhinoceros horns?

What is the difference between a painted wolf and a wild dog?

Do veterinarians use human medications on animals?

What happened to the dinosaurs?

Why are some animals pets and others are not?

What are some simple things I can do to help protect animals & the environment?

How do animals communicate with each other?

How do plants and animals depend on each other in the wild?

Why do some animals sleep during the day and come out at night?

Hey there!

We'd love to hear from you

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