From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Animal Upon Animal?
English HABA rules, 29-animal base game for two to four players

The person who can balance on one foot like a flamingo for the longest time starts.
Official tie-break or fallback
If the group cannot agree, the youngest player starts by rolling the die.
Rule details
This answer is for the 29-animal base game. HABA's smaller two-player Animal Upon Animal: Small and Yet Great! has a different opening instruction.
Source & edition
- Animal Upon Animal: HABA rulesHABA · Contents; How to Play; PDF pages 2, 3 · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 7, 8
Image: © HABA USA and credited cover artists or photographers · HABA USA
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