Animals have always played a large role in pop culture. That’s why famous animals, both real and fictional hold a special place in our collective hearts. From science to the movies, these animals have made a real impact.
1. Bubbles
Most famous for being Michael Jackson’s pet, Bubbles the chimpanzee was born in 1983. He lived on Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, slept in a crib and shared all facilities with Jackson. Later in life, the chimpanzee developed aggression issues and unfortunately had to be re-homed at an animal sanctuary.
2. Dolly the Sheep
Dolly is probably the most famous sheep ever. She was the first mammal to be cloned from adult somatic cells. The genetic miracle that was Dolly, took place in Scotland, and is remembered in history as a scientific breakthrough. Born in the 90s, Dolly lived to the age of 6, sadly passing away in 2002.
3. Babe the Pig
This cute little pig named Babe is known for being the star of movies named after him. In fact played by 48 different piglets, the character ‘Babe’ has seriously impressed and inspired many humans and animals alike. The original film, and further spin-offs, indeed remain classic children’s movies.
4. Taco Bell dog
This little Chihuahua literally found fame overnight, as the cuddly face of a US fast food giant’s advertising campaign, with the single line Yo quiero Taco Bell!.. Since featuring in numerous ads for the company, his stage name is that of ‘The Taco Bell Dog’, but this little pooch’s real name is actually Gidget. A pretty fitting name for a canine of his size..
5. Lassie
It’s seldom you’ll find someone who hasn’t heard of this famous collie dog? Not only did ‘Lassie’ star in a TV show that ran for 20 years (starting in 1954), but s/he also starred in her/his own feature length movie in 1954.. Ok, so the same dog didn’t actually feature for the whole duration, but the character of Lassie was only played by dogs of the same lineage as the original..
6. Shamu
Shamu was a killer whale or orca featured in a show at SeaWorld in San Diego in the 1960s. Even though Shamu died in 1971, the star of the killer whale show has had the stage name Shamu ever since. The famous show features an Orca Whale that performsd various tricks and party pieces, such as swimming with their trainer.
7. Spuds McKenzie
This loveable Bull Terrier is famous for staring as Spuds McKenzie in Bud Light Commericials in the 1980′s. The commercials featured the cute pooch sat watching television, surrounded by attractive ladies. Actually, Spuds was played by a female dog by the name of Honey Tree Evil Eye.
8. Secretariat the Horse
Secretariat was a national treasure. 1973 was perhaps the most successful year of this fabulous race horse’s career, as he broke tons of records and even won the coveted U.S.. Triple Crown Race – a very rare achievement, considered as the greatest accomplishment possible of a Thoroughbred racehorse. However, his most impressive feat was winning the Belmont by running two seconds faster than any horse before. He is still the fastest horse ever to race on dirt.
9. Flipper the Dolphin
Famous for originally starring in the 1964-1967 NBC series, Flipper the dolphin found international success. With his own original theme tune, intelligence, and a host of tricks to boot, Flipper seemlessly interacted with the other stars of the show. However, you might not know that the signature tail-walking trick was in fact performed by a stunt dolphin!
10. Knut
Knut the polar bear was born into captivity in Berlin in 2008. World famous for his unusual upbringing, as he was hand-reared by keepers after his mother rejected him, his playful antics became an internet sensation and captured the hearts of viewers all over the world. Sadly, he died in 2011, only aged 4. Even so, his playfulness and cute face live on in a variety of memorabilia.
See other amazing animals up close – find tickets for Chessington Zoo at ChessingtonHolidays.co.uk
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