Illustrated by Lee Christiansen
Animals at the Water Hole
Water holes are often found in Africa and
in the outback of Australia, and in South America. The animals that
come to the water hole to drink are, of course, different depending on
where the water hole exists. In the outback of Australia there might be
kangaroos or koalas. In the Amazon jungle there might be anteaters,
spider monkeys, and perhaps even a toucan. In Kenya, at the water hole
Jane Kurtz and co-author Christopher Kurtz write about in Water Hole Waiting there are elephants, lions, hippopotami, giraffes, vervet monkeys, and a crocodile.
The seasons change the activity at a water hole. During the dry seasons
when there is no rainfall a water hole may dry up. During those periods
of time animals and birds become thirsty and must migrate to where
there is new water - -and food. During dry seasons, the grass also
become dry and the soil becomes dry and hard as well.
When rain returns the grass returns to its green color
and the water holes fill, becoming bigger and deeper. The animals and
birds then return to the water hole area waiting their turn to drink.
What Is a Water Hole?
During the wet season, a low point in the ground fills
with water, providing water for the animals and birds of the area. The
size of the low point determines the size of the water hole. Tiny
animals might drink from holes made with the impression of an
elephant's foot. Some holes might be just a few feet wide, others
several dozen feet across. These water holes are filled with rains.
Other water holes are always filled. These are the holes that are as
big as a pond or even a small lake and are fed by an underground spring.
Other Books About Water Holes
Besides Water Hole Waiting by Jane Kurtz
and Christopher Kurtz which focuses on an African (Kenya) water hole,
author and illustrator Graeme Base has written and illustrated a book
about a water hole in Australia. In his book, The Water Hole
(Harry N. Abrams, 2001), more and more animals visit a water hole and
when they do, the size of the water shrinks until the water hole
completely disappears. Base is known for the hidden pictures and
meanings in each of his illustrations so be sure to look carefully at
each of the illustrations in his book.
Another book about a water hole - -this time another book about an African water hole is Who Comes to the Water Hole? (Cobblehill Books, 1991).
Animals at the Water Hole
You might be interested in reading these books or visiting these websites about animals that might be found at the water hole.
- Africam-- Cameras capture the images of animals visiting an African water hole.
-
Water in Africa-- Learn about the value of water in all parts of Africa.
- African Images-- View African wildlife photos including animals at watering holes.
- James, Ellen Foley. Little Bull: Growing Up in Africa's Elephant Kingdom (Sterling, 1998). A baby elephant growing up in the African plains.
- Padt, Maartje and Mylo Freeman. Shanti (DK, 1998). A small zebra becomes separated from the herd.
- Seregeti Tour Fourth Stop-- Animals at watering holes.
- Van Laan, Nancy. Little Fish, Lost. Lost in an African pond this little fish searches for his mother. Throughout his search he encounters many animals.
