Buzz
Our planet is teeming with bizarre creatures, and zoos provide a unique chance to encounter many of them up close while strolling along paved walkways or observing through thick glass for safety. While zoos usually showcase the familiar favorites—tigers, lions, elephants, bears, and others—there's so much more to discover.
If you're truly intrigued (or perhaps your children are), you’ll keep an eye out for cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, crocodiles, and similar animals. And let’s not forget the ever-present stillwater pond teeming with flamingos. But these typical exhibits hardly scratch the surface of Earth’s astonishing biodiversity. At certain zoos, you’ll encounter some truly outlandish creatures, and their images will stick with you for years to come.
This list delves into the stories of ten incredibly unsettling animals that truly walk the Earth, revealing how they’re being studied and conserved at zoos worldwide. It's almost hard to believe some of these creatures weren't invented by Maurice Sendak in his book Where the Wild Things Are. But they’re undeniably real—and for the cost of a zoo ticket, you can witness them firsthand!
10. Aye-Aye, Ahoy!
The aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is a truly unique primate found only in Madagascar. This small creature has an extraordinary appearance and limited range, making it one of the most fascinating animals on Earth, solely existing on this island nation.
Once you encounter an aye-aye, its eerie, wide-eyed expression will be etched into your memory. Those large eyes serve a practical purpose—they’re perfectly suited for the night, as the aye-aye is the largest fully nocturnal primate on the planet.
However, what truly sets the aye-aye apart is its creepy, elongated middle finger. It taps on tree trunks to find insects, and picture this: you're a tiny insect living your peaceful life when suddenly, in the dead of night, a huge primate taps on your home with its eerie finger and snatches you for a midnight meal. Quite a chilling thought!
Unfortunately, the aye-aye is critically endangered in its native Madagascar. However, a few zoos across the United States, including those in Denver, San Diego, Omaha, and the Bronx, have recently featured this rare primate in their exhibits.
9. They’re NAKED Down There?!
If you've watched the cartoon Kim Possible, you'll probably remember Rufus, the naked mole rat. While the idea of Rufus may seem odd, the actual existence of the real naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is even stranger!
The first discovery of these peculiar creatures dates back to the late 19th century in East Africa’s horn. These nearly hairless rodents spend their entire lives underground, where they are blind, have translucent skin, and live in enormous colonies, similar to bees and ants—but unlike them, they are mammals!
Curiously, naked mole rats are among the few mammals that are 'eusocial.' This means they live in large underground communities for safety. Within these colonies, only one female breeds, while all other females and males work tirelessly to dig for food, claim territory, and ensure the colony's survival. They rarely surface but occasionally venture above ground in search of new colonies or to breed.
Due to their size, sensitivity, underground nature, and the limited area they inhabit, naked mole rats aren't commonly found in zoos. Moreover, unless you're planning a trip to Somalia, seeing them in the wild is unlikely. Even if you did make it to Mogadishu, are you ready to dig underground and wait for the mole rats to emerge?
Fortunately, there's one place where you can observe them: the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. They have live cameras set up so you can watch these fascinating creatures burrow and work deep underground!
8. A Venomous Shrew
The solenodon is a rare and highly venomous shrew found in only two places: one species lives on the island of Cuba (Atopogale cubana
Although they are mammals, solenodons possess venomous saliva, much like the venom used by snakes. Their ancient lineage, combined with their isolated existence on these islands, has led to the development of unique traits that make them one of the few venomous mammals in the world—along with the slow loris and platypus. They use their elongated snouts to hunt insects, injecting venom through grooves in their teeth to immobilize and consume their prey.
In terms of venomous potency, these small creatures are surprisingly effective, considering their size. Though their venom is not lethal to humans, studies have shown it can be fatal to mice and rats under the right circumstances. Given their rarity and the fact that they are venomous mammals, there's significant effort to protect them from extinction.
Efforts from zoos and conservation organizations in both Cuba and the Dominican Republic are intensifying to safeguard their habitats. ZOODOM, the national zoo of the Dominican Republic, houses a small number of solenodons in an attempt to preserve their population and prevent their extinction.
7. A Remarkably Rare Discovery
The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is an extraordinary, duck-billed mammal that thrives in the waters of Australia. Found only in its native land, the platypus is a rarity in Australian zoos, where it's an uncommon exhibit. This mammal is especially peculiar, as it lays eggs and boasts venomous spurs on its hind legs, which it uses to defend itself or to catch prey.
Highly sensitive to its surroundings, the platypus is difficult to house in captivity. Over the years, only a small number of platypuses have been successfully kept alive in Australian zoos, with even fewer having been housed outside Australia. In fact, New York's Bronx Zoo hosted a few platypuses for a brief period over seventy years ago, but since then, no platypus has been kept in the zoo during the 20th or 21st centuries.
During World War II, Winston Churchill famously requested a platypus for Britain, but the animal tragically passed away before reaching the UK. So it was a notable event when, in 2019, the San Diego Zoo revealed that it had secured two platypuses for display in California. This marks the first time in almost a century that a platypus has been exhibited outside of Australia. It's a significant achievement for both animal conservationists and admirers of unusual creatures alike!
6. A Spine-Chilling Shark
The goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is an eerie creature that resides in the depths of the ocean, far from the reach of sunlight. It possesses a long, awkwardly shaped snout and rows of sharp, needle-like teeth that look chaotic and unnerving. The rostrum, as it’s known, is equipped with specialized organs to help the shark detect prey from the extreme depths.
With no light filtering into their habitat, goblin sharks rely on these unique organs to sense the electric fields produced by nearby fish. This means their teeth, sharp and numerous, are often visible even when the shark’s mouth is shut. The sheer number of teeth in its mouth is so overwhelming that they can't all fit inside, even when it closes its jaws. If that doesn't sound like a nightmare, we don’t know what does.
Goblin sharks captivate scientists due to their deep-sea existence, where studying their behavior is nearly impossible due to the inaccessibility of their environment. Because of this, much of what we know about their feeding, swimming, communication, migration, and mating habits remains a mystery.
Fortunately, a few goblin sharks have been kept in captivity, allowing researchers to begin answering some of these questions. The Yokohama aquarium in Japan is home to one such shark, where visitors can witness its terrifying appearance in person. Someone should definitely get that shark a toothbrush!
5. The Creepiest Salamander Ever
The Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a fascinating species of salamander that never outgrows its juvenile form. What makes it even more extraordinary is its ability to regenerate body parts throughout its life, right up to its final days! Unlike most amphibians that undergo metamorphosis, transitioning from aquatic life to land, the Axolotl defies this norm and remains aquatic.
In fact, unlike most salamanders and amphibians, the Axolotl stays in the water throughout its life and breathes using gills, rather than transitioning to land in adulthood. Moreover, if it faces injury or other physical issues, it has the remarkable ability to regenerate lost or damaged body parts. This natural healing ability, combined with its constant aquatic lifestyle, makes the Axolotl one of the rarest creatures on Earth.
Unfortunately, the Axolotl's rarity is further exacerbated by its near-extinction. It is found only in a small region around Mexico City, specifically in the natural freshwater lakes. However, human development over the centuries has drained and destroyed most of the lakes where the Axolotl once thrived, leaving this species on the brink of disappearance.
As a result, biologists estimate that there are fewer than 1,000 Axolotls left in the wild, with the number possibly dropping as low as fifty. Thankfully, the Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City has been actively involved in tracking, conserving, and breeding these creatures in captivity. Additionally, a new museum dedicated to the Axolotl has been established in the city, aiming not just to preserve the species, but also to raise awareness about its plight.
The Axolotl’s ability to regenerate is so unique and rare that scientists are eager to study it. They hope to unlock secrets that could potentially help us combat aging and degeneration in humans. Despite its dwindling population, the Axolotl may hold valuable lessons for us all in the field of biology and medicine.
4. The Sea Cow’s Cousin
You’ve probably heard of the manatee, right? These gentle creatures, although not extremely common, are found along the Florida coastline and in various other coastal areas around the world. But did you know they have a strange and much rarer relative? The dugong, which lives in a limited number of locations in Southeast Asia and Australia.
The dugong, scientifically known as Dugong dugon, is a large marine mammal closely related to the manatee but differs significantly in species. With its forked tail, the dugong resembles a whale more than it does a manatee, making it an even more unusual creature in the world of sea mammals.
Experts estimate there are only about 10,000 dugongs left in the wild, a number that is troubling for conservationists. This is especially concerning because the dugong's closest relative, the Steller’s sea cow, was hunted to extinction in the 18th century. If the dugong follows suit, it would be another tragic loss for the Sirenia order, leaving only the endangered manatees as the remaining survivors.
But don’t worry—dugongs are still being preserved in captivity! There are a few places around the world where dugongs live in protected environments, such as Underwater World in Pattaya, Thailand, and the Toba Aquarium in Toba, Mie, Japan. At Toba Aquarium, a female dugong from the Philippines thrives under the dedicated care of marine biologists and conservationists.
3. The Mystery Beast
At first glance, the okapi (Okapia johnstoni) may seem like it doesn’t belong on this list. It’s a large animal, resembling a cross between a zebra and a giraffe, and is something you’d expect to see in many zoos. It has a long, powerful tongue that it uses to grab leaves off trees for food and is typically found beneath the rainforest canopy.
While that all sounds true, here’s the bizarre part: The existence of the okapi wasn’t even known until the early 20th century! Imagine that—a creature as large as the okapi went undetected until explorers discovered evidence of it at the very start of the 1900s.
Before its discovery, local tribes in Central Africa spoke of a mysterious, silent creature lurking in the jungle. They knew it wasn’t a threat to humans, but these creatures were so incredibly elusive that no one had ever caught a proper glimpse of them. That was until Sir Harry Johnston of the London Zoo, who ventured into Africa’s most remote jungles in 1901, and became the first person to confirm the okapi's existence in the world of wildlife science.
Today, okapis face the threat of extinction, as their natural habitat in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is endangered by deforestation, political unrest, and warfare. However, there is hope. Zoos around the world, including those in London, Los Angeles, and San Diego, have strong okapi breeding programs in place to help protect the species.
So, when you visit a renowned zoo and observe these striped creatures munching on leaves, just remember how elusive they truly are. So elusive that it took humanity until just a few years before the Wright Brothers’ historic flight to prove they actually existed! And here's another interesting note: the fact that the okapi was confirmed so recently has sparked cryptozoologists to argue that other mysterious, large creatures might be out there waiting to be discovered!
If the okapi could remain hidden in the jungles until the early 1900s, could the same be true for Bigfoot? The Yeti? The Loch Ness Monster? Who knows what the future holds! A century from now, perhaps we’ll be seeing Bigfoot in zoos worldwide, just as okapis are now part of global conservation efforts.
2. Meet the Colossal Salamander!
The Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus) is one of the largest salamanders on the planet. Native to Japan, these colossal creatures can reach lengths of up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) and often weigh as much as a human child. They are part of a group of giant salamanders also found in China.
While the Chinese varieties of these giant salamanders pose no danger to humans, biologists believe that Japanese giant salamanders could potentially attack if they feel threatened. For this reason, experts advise caution if you happen to come across one of these remarkable creatures while in Japan.
They certainly look menacing enough to make you want to steer clear of them. Many biologists refer to them as 'living fossils' due to their primitive and rudimentary features, with their large, block-like, and unappealing form. Their dark, murky color doesn't do them any favors either. Overall, the Japanese giant salamander ranks as the third-largest species in the world, following its two Chinese relatives—both of which are feared and endangered.
Thankfully, you can observe them from the safety of an enclosure! These creatures are featured at several aquariums in Japan, and Washington D.C.'s Smithsonian National Zoo is proud to showcase a Japanese giant salamander, which was loaned from Asa Zoo in Hiroshima Prefecture. For the first time, these salamanders have reached the United States, but only through the efforts of a zoo!
1. Beware, Do Not Touch!
The Glaucus atlanticus, commonly known as the blue glaucus or blue dragon, is a fascinating yet venomous sea slug species. This tiny creature is unique in that it floats upside down on the ocean's surface. It uses both the water currents and the winds at the ocean's surface to drift across the globe.
These slugs are also poisonous, with venom stored in specialized sacs called 'cnidosacs' located at the tips of their bodies. While the venom amount is small, it is extremely concentrated and potent. Just one sting from a blue glaucus contains more toxin than a sting from a man o' war jellyfish, which happens to be the blue glaucus’s main source of food.
These creatures are quite rare in terms of human encounters, but occasionally they wash up on sandy shores around the world. Their striking appearance, with unusual shapes and vibrant blue markings, makes them impossible to miss. When you do come across one, scientists strongly advise keeping your distance! Their venom is dangerously potent, and prolonged exposure can lead to nausea, pain, vomiting, and darkening of the skin.
Fortunately, you can see the blue glaucus at the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium in Australia, and at the Texas Sea Life Center in Corpus Christi. And don’t worry, there's (hopefully) no risk of danger there!
