The African penguin is in trouble. Populations of these rare birds have dropped a whopping 90 percent since the beginning of the 20^th Century.

Deforestation has affected our world in many ways. Most of us are now aware of its role in global warming and how it affects our world as a whole – but few think about its impact on even the smallest of creatures. In the dry lowland rainforests of Sumatra, six Sumatran hornbill species have been designated as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN Red List due to the loss of their forest habitat.

Coral reefs not only contribute to the overall beauty of the underwater world, but they are also one of the most dynamically diverse habitats. More than 7,300 species of fish call the Mesoamerican Reef home. These delicate, underwater ecosystems provide food, medicine and inspiration to generations of people as well.

As you and your family are planning for your Thanksgiving dinner, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens animal experts are doing just the same. However, this is something they do all year long -- preparing nutritious and appetizing diets for the thousands of animals who call SeaWorld and Busch Gardens home.

Snails, octopuses and squid are all part of the mollusk family. However, the giant clam takes the prize for being the largest living animal without a backbone.

Here are three more facts about the mighty mollusk.