Knut, a polar bear cub born in captivity at the Berlin Zoological Garden in Germany in 2006, gained international fame and media attention for his adorable appearance and story of survival.
Harambe, a Western lowland gorilla, became the subject of global headlines in 2016 when he was tragically shot at the Cincinnati Zoo after a child fell into his enclosure.
Ling Ling, a giant panda gifted by China to Japan in 1992, was a beloved attraction at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo until his death in 2008. He played a significant role in fostering panda conservation efforts.
Shamu, a stage name given to various killer whales performing at SeaWorld parks, became an iconic and widely recognized symbol of marine animal entertainment and conservation.
Bao Bao, born in 2013, gained attention as one of the National Zoo's giant panda cubs. She captured the hearts of people worldwide before being relocated to China as part of a breeding program.
Jumbo, an African bush elephant, was one of the most famous attractions at the London Zoo in the late 19th century. He later toured with P.T. Barnum's circus and became a cultural phenomenon.
Koko, a western lowland gorilla known for her ability to communicate using American Sign Language, captured the world's attention with her intelligence and emotional connections.
This is a different Knut from the previously mentioned one. This Knut was an orphaned polar bear cub from Germany who was hand-reared and gained significant media attention in 2007.
Martha was the last known passenger pigeon, and she lived at the Cincinnati Zoo until her death in 1914. Her passing marked the extinction of her species and served as a poignant reminder of the need for conservation.
J.J., short for Jiggs Junior, was an orangutan at the Phoenix Zoo who gained popularity for his playful and mischievous personality. He became an ambassador for orangutan conservation efforts.