When it comes to animal facts, most people are familiar with popular creatures like lions, elephants, and dolphins. However, the animal kingdom is vast, and there are many lesser-known creatures that are just as fascinating as their more famous counterparts. From sharks to sloths, here are some amazing animal facts that you probably didn’t know.

1. Sharks can live for 100 years or more.

Sharks are often portrayed as fearsome predators in popular culture, but did you know that some species can live for over 100 years? The Greenland shark, for example, is known to have a lifespan of 400 years, making it the longest-living vertebrate on earth.

2. Sloths only go to the bathroom once a week.

Sloths are known for their slow movements and laid-back attitude, but they also have a unique bathroom habit. Because of their slow metabolism, sloths only need to relieve themselves once a week. When they do, they climb down from the trees where they live and defecate on the ground, which helps to fertilize the soil.

3. A group of flamingos is called a flamboyance.

Flamingos are beautiful creatures known for their distinctive pink feathers and long, thin legs. But did you know that a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance? These birds are social creatures that often gather in large groups to feed and interact with each other.

4. Kangaroos can’t walk backward.

Kangaroos are best known for their hopping movements, which allows them to move quickly across the Australian outback. However, because of the shape of their legs and tail, they are unable to walk backward. This means that if a kangaroo wants to change direction, it needs to hop in a circle to do so.

5. A group of hedgehogs is called a prickle.

Hedgehogs are small, spiky creatures that are found in many parts of the world. When they gather together, they form a prickle, which is the name given to a group of these animals.

6. Sloths are excellent swimmers.

Despite their slow movements on land, sloths are surprisingly good swimmers. They use their long arms to paddle through the water and can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes at a time. In fact, sloths are so good at swimming that they can sometimes move faster through the water than they can on land.

7. The tongue of a blue whale can weigh as much as an elephant.

Blue whales are the largest animals on earth and have tongues that weigh up to 5,400 pounds. To put that in perspective, that’s roughly the same weight as an adult male elephant. These enormous tongues help the whales to scoop up thousands of tiny krill, which they consume each day.

In conclusion, these are just a few of the many amazing animal facts that are lesser-known but no less interesting. From the longevity of sharks to the unique bathroom habits of sloths, these facts demonstrate the incredible diversity and complexity of the animal kingdom. So the next time you encounter an animal, take a moment to appreciate its unique qualities and contributions to our planet.