'No pain, no gain' might be the credo of the athletes participating in the Olympic games, but in the animal world, amazing speed, strength and swimming skills are simply a way of life.The Bronx Zoo wants visitors to see just how animals measure up to humans - with skills that are adaptations for survival in their native habitats - and has come up with an Olympics-themed program that shows off the talents of its many residents.Visitors can learn about the animal's incredible athletic abilities during zookeeper chats. Zoo personnel will be on hand to talk about the astonishing speed of the cheetah, the diving capabilities of the sea lion, the extreme aerodynamics of monkeys, and strength of elephants. In addition to animals demonstrating their skills, there are crafts activities and games. Also, see a presentation by the New York Chinese Dance Company, which performs a traditional Lion Dance in celebration of the powerful creature.
Did you know?

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Cheetahs can run up to 70 mph, reaching a speed of 40 mph in just three strides? The big cats, native to Africa, are truly "born to run." The cheetah is the only cat with semi-retractable claws, which help grip the ground like cleats for running.

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An elephant's trunk is strong enough to haul heavy lumber, yet delicate enough to grasp a grape. Adult ele-phants spend 18-20 hours a day preparing and eating their food, with a sleep period of just 2-4 hours.

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California sea lions belong to a group of marine animals called pinnipeds. They are excellent swimmers and can dive to depths of about 330 feet and can stay underwater for almost 15 minutes.

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Gibbons move faster, more quietly and farther each day than any other forest ape or monkey. They can easily leap a gap of 30 feet from one tree to another.

Events Schedule

Music and Dance

The New York Chinese Cultural Center presents the traditional Lion Dance with an amazing display of strength and agility.12, 2 and 4 p.m.

Keeper Chats/Demonstrations

Learn about the amazing athletic abilities some animals possess. Sea Lions at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Cheetahs at 2 p.m.; Monkeys (at Gibbon Island) at 2 p.m.; Elephants (at Zoo Center) at 2:30 p.m.

Animal Olympic Challenge

Pretend to be an animal in a challenging competition. (How else could a human run faster than a cheetah?) Prizes are awarded. Ongoing challenges from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Face Painting

Be transformed into a record-breaking animal.11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Crafts

Kids can make an animal craft to take home.11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Wildlife Theater

Visit the Wildlife Theater for "The Great Migration Adventure" - a story about the great flight birds make each year in record time.11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Animal Olympics Weekend at The Bronx Zoo

Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 21-22. All activities are free with paid admission. (In case of inclement weather, activities may be limited or canceled.) Bronx River Pkwy. at Fordham Rd. For information and directions, contact (718) 367-1010.