The October 2003 questions at a glance:
• How many okapis live in the wild and how long do they live?
• How fast (in mph) can alligators run?
• What is a balanced diet for a sugar glider?
• What is the largest animal?
• How much does a baby beluga whale weigh?
• Where is the best place for dolphin swims for Handicapped/Terminally Ill individuals?
• Have you ever touched an orca whale? If so what did it feel like?
• What job pays more and is most rewarding, being a veterinarian or a marine biologist?
• Is there an animal called a jackalope?
• Are monitor lizards poisonous?

Garett, age 10-15, asks:
Hi Jack,
I was wondering how many okapis live in the wild and how long do they live. I really like your show.
Thanks, Garett

Jack says:
Dear Garett,
Okapis are some of the most extraordinary-looking creatures I have ever seen. Did you know they were only discovered in 1901 and are the only living relatives of the giraffe? They are also the only mammals that can clean their own ears with their tongues! Researchers think they can live for about 30 years, but there is still a lot to learn about them. It is difficult to see them in the dense jungles of Zaire and therefore no one seems to know exactly how many there are in the wild. The IUCN has listed them at Lower Risk/Near Threatened, which means they are not endangered yet, but need to be protected! Thanks for watching my show.
-- Jungle Jack

Faye, age 21-30, asks:
Dear Jungle Jack,
How fast (in mph) can alligators run?
Faye

Jack says:
Dear Faye,
It depends on their size, but I have heard that an adult alligator can run as fast as 35 miles per hour. Fortunately they can only maintain this speed for very short distances. I have never clocked one myself and I don't think I'd like to try!
-- Jungle Jack

Wilbur, age 41-60, asks:
Dear Jack,
What is a balanced diet for a sugar glider?
Thanks, Wilbur

Jack says:
Dear Wilbur,
I know that a balanced diet is important for sugar gliders, and if they are fed properly it will help to keep them from having a strong odor. In the wild, sugar gliders eat sap, nectar, bugs and small animals such as baby birds. If you want to know the best diet for captive sugar gliders, I would check with your vet first and perhaps look at some of the excellent sugar glider websites. Good luck.
-- Jungle Jack

Lollei, under 10 years old, asks:
Dear Jack,
What is the largest animal?
Thanks, Lollei

Jack says:
Dear Lollei,
The largest living animal is the blue whale, which can grow to 110 feet. Even the heart of the blue whale is huge and about the size of a small car. Blue whales are also big when they are born -- the calves weigh about half as much as an African elephant!
-- Jungle Jack

Molly, under 10 years old, asks:
Dear Jack,
How much does a baby beluga whale weigh?
Molly

Jack says:
Dear Molly,
Baby beluga whales weigh between 80-125 pounds and are about 3-5 feet long when they are born. I first got to see a baby beluga in the wild by a little town called Churchill in Canada. It's by the Hudson Bay and it's a favorite place for mother belugas to bring their babies. I saw hundreds of them swimming around my small boat. The babies are very curious and playful. I could have watched them for hours!
-- Jungle Jack

Lisa, age 31-40, asks:
Dear Jack,
Where is the best place for dolphin swims for Handicapped/Terminally Ill individuals in the United States?
Lisa

Jack says:
Dear Lisa,
I would say one of the best places is the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys. They have done this type of work for years and are a good operation. Other places may accommodate, but DRC has special programs and lots of experience.
-- Jungle Jack

Amber, age 10-15, asks:
Dear Jack,
Have you ever touched an orca whale? If so what did it feel like?
Amber

Jack says:
Dear Amber -
Yes, I have touched an orca before at Sea World. Their skin is very soft and smooth, and almost silky to the touch. It was fascinating to see one up close!
-- Jungle Jack

Samantha, age 10-15, asks:
Dear Jack,
Your show is my favorite show, and I'm not joking. My question is, what job pays more and is most rewarding, being a veterinarian or a marine biologist?
Samantha

Jack says:
Dear Samantha,
I'm so glad you enjoy watching my show. There are lots of different types of veterinarians and there are also many different jobs for marine biologists. It is difficult to say what the pay is for each profession, as salaries vary according to jobs. People in the animal business work with animals because they love it and not because of the salary. Both jobs are incredibly rewarding and I don't think one is better than the other. It all depends on your passions and your own ambitions. Good luck.
-- Jungle Jack

Greg, age 10-15, asks:
Dear Jack,
Is there an animal called a jackalope?
Thanks, Greg

Jack says:
Dear Greg,
If you would like to see a picture of a jackalope, you can search on the Internet and you will find several! The name came about because people believe this fictional animal looks like a cross between a jackrabbit and an antelope. They are not alive today... or at least, I have never seen one!!
-- Jungle Jack

Sheila, age 31-40, asks:
Dear Jack,
Are monitor lizards poisonous?
From, Sheila

Jack says:
Dear Sheila,
There are several different kinds of monitor lizards, but none of them are poisonous. They range in size from some that are less than a foot long to the Komodo dragons which can grow to weigh up to 360 pounds! Although they are not poisonous, they have jaws which are incredibly strong and a long powerful tail, both of which can do serious damage.
-- Jungle Jack