Map Shows Most Popular Animals Around the World

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A study by adventure tour operator Explore Worldwide has revealed the animals that people around the globe most want to see in the wild. The research analyzed Google search data across 180 countries and tracked interest in 170 species, producing a world map highlighting the top animal for each country.

The results show that tigers are the most sought-after animal globally, topping search results in 44 countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Zimbabwe, and Croatia.

Hippos came in second place, leading wildlife searches in 27 countries such as Switzerland, Haiti, and Guinea. These massive creatures, which are found in sub-Saharan Africa, are drawing increasing attention despite being limited to specific conservation areas.

Hippos, in particular pygmy hippos, have become a hot topic since the birth of the baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng.

Moo Deng, which means "bouncy pork," in Thai, has become an internet sensation. The baby hippo now has her own Wikipedia page, a 24/7 livestream, and the comedian Bowen Yang dressed up as her on the latest episode of Saturday Night Live. The popularity of Moo Deng has revitalized conversations about zoo visits, with her home zoo Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand having seen visitor numbers jump from 3,000 to 7,000 on weekends.

Moo Deng, a two-month-old female pygmy hippo who has recently become a viral internet sensation, is seen at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province on September 15, 2024. Moo Deng, a two-month-old female pygmy hippo who has recently become a viral internet sensation, is seen at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province on September 15, 2024. LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/Getty Images Other top animals include dolphins, which are popular in Central America—Guatemala, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands—all rank highly for dolphin-watching. Whales captured attention in 16 countries, including Brazil, Italy, and Greenland, as many seek to spot one of the 40 distinct whale species across the world's oceans.

Gorillas ranked fifth, with countries like Uganda, where half of the world's mountain gorillas are found, being a primary destination for those eager to see these primates. Uganda is one of eight countries where gorillas are the top attraction.

The report also analyzed wildlife-related posts on Instagram and TikTok.

Canada emerged as the most popular destination for wildlife content on social media, with over 203 million posts and views, followed by Australia and the U.K. The wildlife of these nations, from Canada's mountain lions to Australia's koalas, captivates millions of social media users. South Africa and Brazil also ranked highly, with their rich biodiversity drawing global attention online.

As social media continues to shape travel aspirations, the wildlife showcased in these platforms is influencing where travelers want to go and what animals they hope to see. Canada's sweeping landscapes and Australia's diverse wildlife have made them top destinations for wildlife enthusiasts.

Explore's Managing Director Michael Edwards encouraged travelers to explore and seek out their favorite animals, and visit different kinds of animals. He also encouraged readers to view animals in their natural habitats if possible.

Edwards hopes that the study will inspire people to explore more destinations and animals, stating, "We hope our research inspires travelers to see that a wildlife adventure isn't just restricted to seeing elephants and tigers."

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