The November 2003 questions at a glance:
• I would like to know more about barn owls in the US.
• How does a possum sleep?
• Do white tigers exist in the wild?
• What kind of food do the lions eat?
• Which oceans do orcas live in?
• Which animals naturally live in matriarchies?
• In what country would you find the most animals?
• What channel is your show on?
• How old can a cheetah get?
• In what state or country do moose live in?

David, age 31-40, asks:
Dear Jack,
I would like to know more about barn owls in the US.
Dave

Jack says:
Dear Dave,
Barn Owls are birds of prey and are in the family Tytonidae. As with other owls, the plumage of barn owls makes their flight nearly soundless. This helps them to sneak up and capture unsuspecting prey, like small rodents. Barn owls hunt at night and roost in dark trees and farm buildings during the day. If you want to find an owl you can search the ground for small pellets of fur and bone which owls regurgitate. They usually leave the pellets below a nest or a roost. Their call sounds like a raspy hissing screech. Unfortunately barn owls are becoming more and more uncommon.
-- Jungle Jack

Holly, age 21-30, asks:
Dear Jungle Jack,
How does a possum sleep?
Thanks, Holly

Jack says:
Dear Holly,
There are different kinds of possums, but the common Virginia Opossum is nocturnal and solitary. It sleeps during the day in a nest made from leaves. It usually builds its nest in hollow logs, fallen trees, burrows or abandoned sheltered areas. Opossums can be aggressive so never get too close to one in the wild.
-- Jungle Jack

Laura, age 31-40, asks:
Dear Jack,
Recently the White Tiger, Neela, at the Fort Worth Zoo had to be put to sleep. She was 18 years old. A journalist on the local news made the comment that there are no wild white tigers--they are all held in captivity. It had something to do with their camouflage. Can you tell me more about this?
Laura

Jack says:
Dear Laura,
White tigers are extremely rare and it is estimated that only 1 in every 10,000 tigers is white. There have been very few white tigers to survive in the wild because of their coloration. A tiger depends on camouflage to hide, as well as to allow it sneak up on prey. It would be difficult for a white tiger to hide from hunters and to catch prey successfully. Some people say they still see the odd white tiger in the wild, but tigers are extremely elusive and this is difficult to prove.
-- Jungle Jack

Veronica, age 10-15, asks:
Dear Jungle Jack,
What kind of food do the lions eat?
Thank you. Veronica

Jack says:
Dear Veronica,
Lions eat a variety of large and medium sized mammals. Some of their favorite meals include giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and warthog, but they will also eat smaller prey as well. They are opportunistic feeders and will usually eat whatever meat is available to them.
-- Jungle Jack

Nicole, age 10-15, asks:
Dear Jack,
Which oceans do orcas live in?
Thanks, Nicole

Jack says:
Dear Nicole,
Orcas are one of the most wide-ranging mammals on earth. They can be found in oceans all over the world, but they particularly like the polar regions. They generally prefer deep water but they can also be spotted in shallow bays.
-- Jungle Jack

Karen, age 10-15, asks:
Dear Jack,
Which animals naturally live in matriarchies?
Karen

Jack says:
Dear Karen,
Good question. Two of the best known animals where the female takes the lead role are elephants and hyenas. I am going to Africa in a few days and hope to film both of these species. I'm glad you brought this subject up in a question. I may try to do a segment on this in Africa!
-- Jungle Jack

Jaymie, age 16-20, asks:
Dear Jungle Jack,
In what country would you find the most animals?
Jaymie

Jack says:
Dear Jaymie,
That's a great question. Every country has at least a few animals and some countries seem to have climates and conditions that can sustain hundreds of different species. I am going to Kenya in a few days and they have a wealth of animal species, but I would imagine a country like Brazil with its vast rainforests probably has the most species of any other country.
-- Jungle Jack

Ryan, age 10-15, asks:
Dear Jack,
What channel is your show on? I forget. It would be nice if it was on Animal Planet.
Ryan

Jack says:
Dear Ryan,
In order to find out what channel shows Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures in your city, log onto my website and go to the Station Finder page. Then click on your state and you will be able to see what channel airs my show in your area. Thanks for watching!
-- Jungle Jack

Brett, age 10-15, asks:
Dear Jack,
How old can a cheetah get?
Thanks, Brett

Jack says:
Dear Brett,
Cheetahs usually live to about 12 years, however, very few of them make it to that age. Cheetah cubs are extremely vulnerable and in some areas like the Serengeti, only about 5% of cheetah cubs make it to maturity. Lions are one threat and kill about 70% of cheetah cubs in this area. I'm leaving for Africa in a few days and hope to find some cheetahs to film for our new programs next year.
-- Jungle Jack

Briana, age 10-15, asks:
Dear Jack,
In what state or country do moose live in?
Briana

Jack says:
Dear Briana,
Moose are the largest deer in the world and also one of my favorite creatures. They live in forests, swamps, and thickets throughout Canada and also in parts of Utah, Maine, Alaska and Minnesota. They can be found in the Rocky Mountains and I have seen them in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. Be careful if you ever spot one when you are on foot. Moose can be extremely dangerous, especially when they are with their young.
-- Jungle Jack