The world's animals, explained
Discover every creature worth knowing
Clear, trustworthy guides to the animals people search for most — quick answers, facts, habitats, and FAQs. Every guide helps fund the protection of wildlife.
Most searched animals
View all Lion
Lions are large social cats native to sub-Saharan Africa, with a small population in India's Gir Forest. They live in groups called prides, can weigh up to 250 kg (550 lb), and are the only cats that hunt cooperatively. Wild lions typically live 10 to 14 years.
Dog
The dog is a domesticated mammal and the most popular pet on Earth, descended from the gray wolf and bred into more than 340 recognized breeds. Dogs are prized for their loyalty, trainability, and bond with people, and most live around 10 to 13 years. They range in size from tiny Chihuahuas to giant Great Danes.
Tiger
Tigers are the largest living cat species, reaching up to 300 kg (660 lb). They are solitary, primarily nocturnal hunters native to Asia, from Siberian forests to tropical mangroves. Every tiger's stripe pattern is unique, like a human fingerprint. Wild tigers live around 10 to 15 years.
Cat
The domestic cat is a small carnivorous mammal and one of the most popular pets in the world, descended from the African wildcat. Cats are agile night hunters with excellent low-light vision, retractable claws, and a strong independent streak, and they typically live 12 to 18 years. There are around 70 recognized breeds.
African Elephant
The African elephant is the largest living land animal, weighing up to 6,000 kg (13,200 lb) and standing up to 4 m (13 ft) at the shoulder. They are highly intelligent, deeply social, and use their trunks for breathing, drinking, grasping, and communication. Wild elephants can live 60 to 70 years.
Giant Panda
The giant panda is a bear native to the mountain forests of central China that eats almost nothing but bamboo. Despite being a carnivore by classification, it spends up to 14 hours a day eating bamboo. Thanks to major conservation efforts, it was downgraded from Endangered to Vulnerable in 2016. Wild pandas live around 20 years.
Giraffe
The giraffe is the tallest living animal, with adult males reaching up to 5.5 m (18 ft). Native to the savannas of Africa, giraffes use their long necks and 45 cm (18 in) tongues to browse leaves high in acacia trees. Despite the neck's length, a giraffe has just seven neck bones, the same number as humans, and typically lives around 25 years.
Blue Whale
The blue whale is the largest animal known to have ever existed, reaching up to 30 m (98 ft) long and 180 tonnes. It feeds almost entirely on tiny krill, eating up to 4 tonnes a day, and its heart alone can weigh as much as a small car. Blue whales can live 80 to 90 years.