In this reference, you will learn about various wild animals, their names, and see interesting animal images to boost your English vocabulary. Whether you’ve recently been on a safari and want to discuss the animals you saw, or you enjoy watching wildlife documentaries, this reference will be beneficial.
Contents
Common Wild Animal Names
- Monkey
- Panda
- Shark
- Zebra
- Gorilla
- Walrus
- Leopard
- Wolf
- Antelope
- Bald eagle
- Jellyfish
- Crab
- Giraffe
- Woodpecker
- Camel
- Starfish
- Koala
- Alligator
- Owl
- Tiger
- Bear
- Blue whale
- Coyote
- Chimpanzee
- Raccoon
- Lion
- Arctic wolf
- Crocodile
- Dolphin
- Elephant
- Squirrel
- Snake
- Kangaroo
- Hippopotamus
- Elk
- Rabbit
- Fox
- Bat
- Hare
- Toad
- Frog
- Deer
- Rat
- Badger
- Lizard
- Mole
- Hedgehog
- Otter
- Reindeer
Wild Animals Names with Pictures
Monkey
Monkeys can be divided into Old World and New World monkeys and include ground-dwelling animals like baboons.
Example: The zoo had a large exhibit with several species of monkeys, which the visitors enjoyed watching.
Panda
Giant pandas are mammals that are only found in the wild in China, namely the Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces.
Example: The panda cub played with its mother in the bamboo forest, rolling around and nibbling on the leaves.
Shark
Whale sharks are the largest type of shark with a length of 40 feet; their mouths are five feet wide, and they give birth to live young.
Example: The surfer paddled out to catch some waves, braving the risk of encountering a shark.
Zebra
Zebras are considered to have white coats with brown or black stripes, but they have black skin under their white coats.
Example: The photographer captured a stunning image of a zebra standing majestically in the golden light of the sunset.
Gorilla
Gorillas are social animals that live in groups numbering from five to ten members. Their leader is a male known as a silverback.
Example: The conservationists worked to protect the endangered gorilla population from poachers and habitat destruction.
Walrus
Walruses can be as long as 11.5 feet and weigh up to 1.5 tons. They use their tusks to pull themselves up onto land or ice from cold waters.
Example: Walruses are social animals and can often be found in large groups called herds.
Leopard
Leopards are large spotted cats that are native to Africa and Asia. There are a total of nine recognized subspecies of leopards.
Example: The leopard is a solitary animal and is most active during the night.
Wolf
Wolves can have hunting territories as large as 1,000 square miles. Their prey includes deer, bison, elk, moose, beavers, hares, and rodents.
Example: The wolf is a wild canine that is found in many parts of the world.
Antelope
Antelope are even-toed hoofed mammals. There are a total of 91 known species referred to as “antelopes”, but they are not taxonomically related.
Example: The safari guide pointed out a herd of antelopes grazing on the grassy plain.
Bald eagle
The Bald Eagle has a wide range that spans from Alaska in the west to Labrador Island in the east, from northern Canada to Northern Mexico.
Example: The hiker spotted a majestic bald eagle soaring high in the sky and watched in awe.
Jellyfish
Jellyfish have bodies that are 95 percent water. They do not have hearts or brains, but have a nervous system that detects light.
(plural: jellyfish)
Example: The artist painted a beautiful portrait of a jellyfish, capturing its unique shape and colors.
Crab
Most of the time, crabs walk from side to side, however, some species (like the common spider crab) can move forward and backward.
Example: The crab scurried across the sand, using its pincers to dig a hole in which to hide.
Giraffe
Adult giraffes can be as tall as 18.7 feet. Giraffes eat 16 to 20 hours a day and can consume up to 30 pounds of food daily.
Example: The giraffe is a tall, long-necked mammal that is found in Africa.
Woodpecker
The term “woodpecker” refers to several different bird species, but their main characteristic is that of a strong bill used to penetrate trees for food.
Example: Woodpeckers are important members of the forest ecosystem, as they help control insect populations and create nesting sites for other birds.
Camel
Camels with one hump are known as Dromedaries, while camels with two humps are known as Bactrian camels.
Example: The camel is a herbivore and feeds on tough desert plants, such as thorny shrubs and dry grasses.
Starfish
Starfish are known to regenerate their limbs if they lose them. Their digestive system extends from a central disc into their arms.
(plural: starfish)
Example: The starfish is a carnivore and feeds on small animals, such as clams, mussels, and snails.
Koala
Koalas are marsupials, meaning that they give birth to underdeveloped live young who live in pouches until they are mature enough to leave.
Example: The koala is a nocturnal animal and spends most of its day sleeping in trees.
Alligator
Alligators are large reptiles that can grow from 8.2 to 11.2 feet in length. Their teeth are lost and replaced throughout their lifetime.
Example: Alligators can live up to 50 years in the wild.
Owl
Owls are nocturnal birds of prey. They can be as large as the Great Horned Owl (900 – 2500 grams) or as small as the Elf Owl (45 grams).
Example: The owl is a bird of prey that is found in many parts of the world.
Tiger
The Bengal Tiger is a tiger native to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India. It is a large tiger, weighing between 308 and 490 pounds.
Example: The tiger is a solitary animal and is most active during the night.
Bear
There are eight species of bear in the world, and they live in habitats ranging from South America to North America, and southern and eastern Asia.
Example: Bears are known for their thick fur and sharp claws, which they use for protection and to catch prey.
Blue whale
The Blue Whale is the largest animal on earth and is considered the largest animal ever to have existed. It is 100 feet long and weighs 200 tons.
Example: Blue whales are truly awe-inspiring creatures and a symbol of the beauty and diversity of life on Earth.
Coyote
Coyotes are a wide-ranging canine species that have a diverse diet, eating anything from moose and bison to lizards and insects.
Example: The coyote is known for its intelligence and adaptability.
Chimpanzee
The chimpanzee is the human being’s closest living relative. 98.8. percent of its DNA is similar to that of humans.
Example: The chimpanzee is one of the closest living relatives to humans.
Raccoon
Raccoons are nocturnal animals that are solitary, except for the months between January and June, their mating season.
Example: Raccoons are very adaptable animals. They can live in a variety of different environments.
Lion
Lion cubs are reared in small groups. They are born with brown spots on their fur, which fade over time.
Example: The lion‘s mane helps protect its neck during fights.
Arctic wolf
The Arctic Wolf is native to the North American Arctic and Greenland. It subsists on elk, musk oxen, and arctic hares.
Example: Arctic wolves have large paws that help them navigate through deep snow and ice.
Crocodile
Crocodiles are cold-blooded aquatic reptiles that live in tropical areas of the Americas, Australia, Africa, and Asia.
Example: Crocodiles have a lifespan of up to 70 years in the wild.
Dolphin
Dolphins are considered to be toothed whales, evolving from mammals that emerged in the fossil record 50 million years ago.
Example: Dolphins are social animals and live in groups called pods.
Elephant
Elephants are the largest living land mammals and are two different species: the African elephant and the Asian elephant.
Example: The African elephant and the Asian elephant are the two main species of elephants.
Squirrel
Squirrels can not digest cellulose, and therefore usually feed on nuts, coniferous cones, and seeds.
Example: Squirrels are active during the day and sleep at night.
Snake
Some of the world’s largest snakes include the Green Anaconda, Burmese Python, and Reticulated Python, growing upwards of 18 feet.
Example: Snakes shed their skin periodically as they grow.
Kangaroo
Kangaroos are native to Australia and frequent the country’s grasslands, plains, beaches, and even golf courses.
Example: Kangaroos are herbivores and eat mostly grasses and leaves.
Hippopotamus
An adult hippopotamus can weigh as much as 9,920 pounds and be 16.5 feet in length.
Example: Hippos can hold their breath for up to five minutes underwater.
Elk
Elk are native to North America, weigh up to 1,100 pounds, and can be larger than five feet tall at the shoulder.
Example: The sound of an elk bugling in the distance is one of the most hauntingly beautiful sounds in nature.
Rabbit
Rabbits sleep on average about 8.4 hours a day and sleep with their eyes open to respond to sudden outside movements.
Example: The cute little rabbit hopped through the garden, nibbling on the fresh green lettuce leaves.
Fox
The fox is an animal that belongs to the canine family; it eats mostly insects, eggs, lizards, and birds.
Example: The sly fox sneaked into the henhouse and stole all the chickens.
Bat
Bats are the only true flying mammals. Their wings are comprised of thin bones and a stretchy skin membrane.
Example: The vampire bat is the only species of bat that feeds on blood, usually from livestock or other animals.
Hare
Hares are different from rabbits in that they have larger ears, live solitary or paired social lives, and are self-sufficient from birth.
Example: The hare ran across the field, its long ears flapping in the wind.
Toad
Toads are not taxonomically different from frogs, because of their appearance they are colloquially referred to as separate types of animals.
Example: Toads are often found near bodies of water, as they need a moist environment to survive.
Frog
Frogs are amphibians of the Anura order of animals. They start life as eggs, then change into tadpoles, and eventually their adult form.
Example: The frog leaped from lily pad to lily pad, enjoying the warm sun on its back.
Deer
Deer are part of the Artiodactyla order of animals. They are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, and have been introduced to Australia.
Example: The sight of a deer bounding through the woods is one of the most beautiful sights in nature.
Rat
The rat is an extremely adaptable animal that is nocturnal in nature. It is most active shortly before dawn and right after dusk.
Example: Rats are notorious for spreading disease and can pose a health risk to humans.
Badger
Badgers are a group of animals that consist of 11 species related to mink and otters. Badgers eat small birds, mammals, insects, and lizards.
Example: I saw a badger crossing the road while driving home from work last night.
Lizard
Lizards are a large group of reptiles that typically have scales, a small head, and short limbs. Some lizards do not have limbs and resemble snakes.
Example: The iguana is a large herbivorous lizard that can grow up to 6 feet in length.
Mole
Moles are burrowing mammals that are capable of digging 15 to 18 feet of tunnels in an hour. They mostly eat earthworms and insects.
Example: Moles are rarely seen above ground, as they spend most of their time underground in their burrows.
Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are animals that are distantly related to shrews. They have spiny backs and can roll into balls when threatened.
Example: Hedgehogs are often found in gardens and hedgerows, where they can hide and nest.
Otter
Otters are part of the Mustelidae family and are related to badgers, minks, weasels, and wolverines. They feed on fish, but also crustaceans.
Example: The otter‘s fur is thick and waterproof, helping it to stay warm and dry in the water.
Reindeer
Reindeer are also known as Caribou, they are native to northern climates and subsist on grass, shrubs, and low-lying parts of trees.
Example: Reindeer are found in the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
Wild Animal Names Video
Learn different types of animals with American English pronunciation.
List of Wild Animals
Top 100+ Wild Animals
- Lion
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- Jaguar
- Elephant
- Giraffe
- Hippopotamus
- Rhinoceros
- Gorilla
- Chimpanzee
- Orangutan
- Bear
- Wolf
- Coyote
- Fox
- Lynx
- Bobcat
- Mountain lion
- Zebra
- Wildebeest
- Gazelle
- Antelope
- Warthog
- Hyena
- Jackal
- Crocodile
- Alligator
- Snapping turtle
- Pythons
- Boa constrictors
- Anaconda
- Komodo dragon
- Rattlesnake
- King cobra
- Kangaroo
- Koala
- Wombat
- Wallaby
- Platypus
- Octopus
- Squid
- Cuttlefish
- Jellyfish
- Starfish
- Crabs
- Lobster
- Shrimp
- Clams
- Oysters
- Snails
- Sea urchins
- Sea horses
- Sea lions
- Walrus
- Seal
- Beluga whale
- Humpback whale
- Orca whale
- Gray whale
- Dolphin
- Porpoise
- Manatee
- Sea turtle
- Terrapin
- Skink
- Lizard
- Gecko
- Chameleon
- Iguana
- Snake
- Python
- Boa constrictor
- Rattlesnake
- King cobra
- Bat
- Raccoon
- Opossum
- Squirrel
- Chipmunk
- Muskrat
- Rat
- Mouse
- Hamster
- Guinea pig
- Ferret
- Rabbit
- Hare
- Badger
- Skunk
- Armadillo
- Porcupine
- Beaver
- Otter
- Skua
- Puffin
- Seagull
- Albatross
- Pelican
- Falcon
- Eagle
- Osprey
- Hawks
- Vulture
- Owl
- Parrot
- Cockatoo
- Toucan
- Macaw
- Heron
- Swans
- Geese
- Ducks
- Peacock
- Ostrich
- Emu
- Camel
- Llama
- Yak
- Deer
- Moose
- Caribou
- Bison
- Buffalo
- Elk
- Grizzly bear
- Polar bear
- Panda
What Are Wild Animals?
Wild animals are animals that are not domesticated; they are animals that do not rely on humans for food, shelter, or water — nor do they interact with humans regularly in a social or agricultural capacity. Wild animals may have habitats that are reserved by humans, but their main characteristic is that they are not tamed to be kept as pets or raised for food.
Types of Wild Animals
Wild animals can be broadly divided into different types according to their taxonomic categories including phylum, class, order, and family. Colloquially, they are divided into categories like invertebrates (those without spinal cords) and vertebrates (those with spinal cords).
Invertebrates consist of animals like insects, worms, crustaceans, mollusks, and cephalopods. Vertebrates consist of animals like mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, and amphibians. These animals, if not domesticated, are all considered wild animals.
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