Planet Zoo

The American standard donkey (or Equus africanus asinus) is a type of North American donkey that is domesticated. North American donkeys are classified by their size rather than their pedigree in order to determine their type (as opposed to a specific breed) due to the diverse genetic influences of their ancestors – donkeys that were imported to the Americas from all over the Old World from the fifteenth century onward. The American standard donkey is 1.2m to 1.4m tall at the withers and weighs between 180kg and 227kg.

The Highland is a breed of cattle (or Bos taurus) from Scotland. The name of the breed references the Scottish Highlands, where the breed originated. Highland cattle are best known for their unique, long coats. Their fur is made up of a wavy outer layer of long guard hairs, which protects the animals from the elements, and a downy undercoat keeping them warm. Most Highlands have rusty red fur, though they may also be blonde, brown, or black in colour. The Highland’s head sports a characteristic ‘fringe’ over the forehead and two long, angular horns.

The Hill Radnor is a breed of the domestic sheep (or Ovis aries) from the United Kingdom, found in Wales and England. Its name is a reference to its location of origin, the highlands of the historic Welsh county of Radnorshire and surrounding areas. It was likely developed from other native breeds in the area and was first recognised as a breed in 1911. Hill Radnors are a hardy breed of sheep, with broad bodies, and thick, off-white wool. The legs and face are brown to tan in colour and free from wool, and the muzzle is white.

The Tamworth is an English breed of the domestic pig (or Sus domesticus). The exact time and location of its origin are unknown, though it is assumed to have originated at the beginning of the 19th century near the town of Tamworth in England. Wild boars were used in the development of this breed, making the Tamworth a strong and hardy pig. Tamworth pigs have a distinct red colouration uniformly across their body, with no markings. They have a muscular and long body, and relatively long legs.

The Alpine goat is a breed of domestic goat (or Capra hircus) originating in the French Alps, found in France, Italy, and Switzerland. Alpine goats were developed as a dairy breed with a high yield of milk per animal and are adapted to the climatic conditions of their montane pastures. They have a stocky body, with long, thin limbs and neck. The short coat may be a solid brown, black, white, or grey, with black or white markings, or a patterned combination of all base colours. The head is small, with long, straight ears and slightly curved horns.

The alpaca (or Vicugna pacos) is a small, domesticated camelid species originating from the Andes regions of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. It was domesticated thousands of years ago by native South American peoples, who used alpaca fleece to create clothing. Alpacas have a long, slender neck and long legs. Their whole body is covered in thick wool, except for the face, sometimes giving them the appearance of having a ‘hairdo’. The wool may be any shade of white, red, brown, or black. Colouration may be solid or piebald.