Learn About the Basic Needs of Animals

Basic needs are the things that all animals, plants and humans need to stay alive, healthy and happy. 

Here are the basic needs of animals.

Water - animals need water to drink.  Water is important for animals because it helps them to stay hydrated and cool, especially when it's hot outside.  

Food - animals need food for energy and to keep their bodies strong.  Some animals eat plants like leaves and fruit, while others eat other animals like insects or fish. Eating the right kind of food helps animals to stay healthy and grow big and strong. It also gives them the energy they need to run, swim and play.

Air - animals need air to breathe.  They use their noses or gills to take in oxygen from the air or water.

Shelter - animals need a safe place to live, sleep and raise their babies. This could be a nest in a tree, a burrow underground or a den in the rocks.  Shelter protects animals from bad weather, keeps them safe from predators and gives them a place to sleep if they are tired.

In this activity, you will decide whether something is a need or a want for wild animals.