While we love our non-human pals in all shapes and sizes, there is something absolutely irresistible about creatures that are very, very small.
Be warned! Total cuteness overload!!!
Think of your favorite animal, any animal in the world. Do you have a clear image in your head? Good. Now, imagine that animal just shrank down to the size of your finger. Isn’t that the most outrageously adorable thing you have ever seen?!
Now you’d think that for the most part, you could never really fit a pig in the palm of your hand, and most certainly not a kangaroo! Well, we’re here to burst that sad bubble with these 20 pics of the world’s tiniest, funniest, and sometimes rarest animals.
1. Pygmy Marmoset (Finger Monkey)
According to Encino at factzoo.com, the Pygmy Marmoset, in adulthood, only weighs roughly 3.5 oz. and grows to the insane length of 5 inches, not including the tail. This puts our little finger monkey in 1st place for world’s smallest known “monkey”. Oh! That little face, though!!
2. Kitti’s Hog-Nose Bat (Bumblebee Bat)
Weighing in at a whopping 1/4 oz and measuring one inch in legth, the Kitti’s Hog-Nose bat is not only thesmallest known bat, but according to our friends over at BatWorlds, they are also one of the smallest mammals we know of, and they have the cutest little pig nose! Does it get much better?
3. Pudu Deer (Pudu mephistophiles and Pudu pudu)
Yes, this is real. Possibly one of the most adorable creatures on earth, they may even have Bambi beat! There are two species of Pudu Deer, according to the experts over at Deerworlds. Known as the Northern and Southern Pudu’s. Both hail from the forests of South American countries.
They are just over a foot tall when they are fully grown. They males do grow antlers… several inches in length. They weigh from 26 to 30 pounds when they are fully grown with the males being larger than the females.
We just can’t get enough of that tiny smile!
4. Dwarf Hamster
Curious little guys, dwarf hamsters are known for their social and inquisitive personalities. You can find these little fuzzballs in most pet stores. You will generally only come across about five different species of these cutie-pies in the pet store, but there are many more species in the wild. Check out veterinarian Lianne McLeod‘s article over at The Spruce Pets, to learn more about which species would be the right fit for you.
I mean, come on! Who wouldn’t wanna snuggle with this furry guy all day?
5. Teacup Pig (Baby Potbellied Pig)
Although they may be the most precious thing you’ve ever laid eyes on, their name is misleading. According to Christelle L. Del Prete in her article The Truth About Teacup Pigs, she explains that
There really is no such thing as a teacup pig. So-called teacups are actually potbellied pigs who are either underfed so that their growth is stunted, or who are sold under false pretenses.
With that in mind, unless you want up to 100 lb pig routing through your garden (or house), you should probably stick to going gaga over them from afar. Oh, but if only!
6. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Don’t let this two-inch-long fellow fool you! Though he may barely be the size of your thumb, the Audobon Society explains that with wings that beat up to 50 times/second, they migrate from North America (as far as Canada), all the way down to Costa Rica! In case you’re wondering, that’s over 3,400 miles!!
7. Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey
Known for their social skills, these monkeys do make great companions, and according to the experts over at Animal Spot, can live for up to 30 years as a pet! Don’t ya just wanna join his party?
8. Chipmunk Pup
Did you know that baby chipmunks are actually called pups? Me either! Apparently, that’s just another term for out-of-this-world adorable! For more fun-facts about these cozy critters, check out Alina Bradford’s article over at LiveScience.
9. Tiny Turtle
Is there anything more delightful than a baby turtle peeking out of its shell at you? If so, we’re hard-pressed to find it! There’s more to them than just that heart-warming, tiny face though. They are actually very smart and make wonderful pets! Check out these turtle facts over at Animal-World to learn more about how to choose the reptile buddy.
10. Dwarf Rabbit
Look at that face! How could you not want to curl up and take a snooze with this cuddly bunny? Dwarf rabbits, outside of their size, are much like any other rabbit in terms of breeding, food preference, and personailty traits. I never though there could ever be anything cuter than a bunny, until I saw the dwarfbunny!
11. Pygmy Possum
Probably the best example of how being unusually small makes an animal way more charming, is the Pygmy Possum. When you hear the word “Possum” most people cringe in repulsion. How could you ever cringe at that heart-melting look, though?
Unfortunately, not everyone feels this way, and pygmy possums are currently listed as an endangered species.
12. Tiny Caterpillar
Caterpillars come in all patterns, colors, and sizes. All that taken into account, this is still hands-down the cutest creepy-crawler there is! We love the shocked look on his face! Must not be used to being paparazzi!
13. Dwarf Kingfisher
At only five inches long, the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher is one of the smallest, if not one of the fiercest, predators in the sky. They can take down reptiles, like frogs and geckos, without missing a beat! See Bec Crew’s post on Australian Geographic for more information about this amazing and beautiful bird.
14. Philippine Tarsier
Yes, they are a little bug-eyed and creepy, but at least they’re creepy in an endearing Golem-esque kind of way. According to The Tarsius Project though, their gigantic eyes have more to do with the fact that they are a nocturnal animal than anything else. Often confused for being a monkey, they actually belong to their own species.
15. Tiny Horse Of The Sea (Pygmy Seahorse)
These microscopic little guys weren’t even known to exist until relatively recently, according to Seahorse Worlds. Due to that, there isn’t a whole lot of information gathered on them just yet, which makes theirs a very exciting species. While they are tiny, they are still 3/4″ in length, but their chameleon-like blending has kept them hidden from view until just recently.
16. Northern Pygmy Owl
These little owls might not always be seen, but they are definitely present. The Audobon says that despite their extra-small size, they consume more food than a full-size owl! Next time you’re out hiking, bring your camera with you and have it at the ready! These little ones are day-hunters, so you might catch an awesome pic if you’re quick enough.
Wouldn’t that be a hoot!
17. Crocodile Hatchling
Would ya look at that smile. Whether you’re reptile or human, getting your back scratched is always welcome!
18. Sugar Glider
Just like their name indicates, these cuddly creatures are sweethearts, if properly trained/handled. They get their name from the fact they prefer to eat sweet nectars and saps and glide from tree to tree. Veterinarian Leanne McLeod at The Spruce Pets, says it is best to make sure you socialize with your glider. This is especially true if you own more than one.
19. Fennec Fox
This Fennec Fox’s ears speak volumes as to how he earned himself a spot on this list. Shhh, don’t tell him though. He already looks mad.
20. Blue Dragon Nudibranch
Last but not least is the Blue-dragon Nudibranch. This is a super-fancy name for sea-slug, and it suits our bright-blue little critter perfectly. Would you believe it has tentacles that reach up to 30 feet long?!