Fascinating Ancient Creatures That Still Exist Today And Are Thriving

Learn about the species that have outlived mastodons, giant ground sloths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves, and help protect them for future generations.

Sadly, this species is critically endangered, with fewer than 200 left in the wilds of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Thankfully, the Kukrail breeding center in Lucknow, India, is working to preserve the gharial. You can visit the center and get up close and personal with these amazing animals.

These giant lizards can weigh around what a human weighs and are known to be venomous. You can still catch a glimpse of them by booking a tour with one of the many outfitters that offer excursions to this stunning Indonesian island.

Paddling through the lakes and ponds there is a throwback to a time gone by, and be amazed by this mysterious species that has been there for centuries. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this incredible animal!

Its two humps store fat which it uses when food is scarce. Considered endangered in the wild, with fewer than 1,000 left, Bactrian camels are an important part of Mongolian culture – and visitors can explore the Thousand Camels Festival in Umnugovi in early March. Come and witness the wonders of the wild Bactrian camel!

Sadly, many species are endangered. To experience the unique echidna up close, visit one of the many zoos in Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, such as the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Hobart, Australia Zoo in Queensland, or Taronga Zoo in Sydney.

Why not plan a visit and even purchase a rare qiviut, the delicately soft underwool harvested from muskoxen? Feel the warmth of this world-renowned wool, and get a glimpse of these remarkable animals.

Thanks to conservation efforts, however, hundreds of thousands of vicuñas now roam the wilds of South-Central Peru and Huascarán National Park, which is also home to stunning flora and fauna, including spectacled bears and Andean condors.

Today, these unique creatures still look the same as their ancestors did. But due to declining populations in the wild, the aquarium is leading research efforts to help protect these beautiful animals. Researchers made history by successfully breeding some of the first baby nautiluses in captivity!

For centuries, babirusas have been present in Indonesian culture, appearing in cave paintings about 35,000 years ago. If you’re looking for an extraordinary adventure, why not join a babirusa-watching safari in the Nantu Forest or Tangkoko Nature Reserve? Unveil the unique Babirusa today!

Surprisingly, they are biologically related to horses and rhinos. Currently, only five tapir species are left across Asia and the Americas. The best places to see wild tapirs are Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica and throughout the Amazon rainforest. So, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for these majestic creatures!

Along with the rhinos, you’ll be guaranteed to see tons of other iconic African wildlife species. Go see these incredible creatures – it could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

If you don’t spot one on your dive, you can get up close and personal with them at the Sydney Aquarium. There, you can go on a guided shark swim, even without prior diving experience. Discover the captivating world of the 11 million-year-old wobbegong shark!

This is the single largest congregation of horseshoe crabs, making it a perfect time to observe the rarely seen shorebirds, such as the Red Knot and Ruddy Turnstone, that feast on the horseshoe crab eggs. Don’t miss out on this spectacle!

Special tundra buggies allow tourists to get up close safely and learn more about these majestic animals, whose population is sadly declining. Experience a piece of natural history and discover the secrets of the polar bear!

Their remarkable features include a third eye on the top of their head and the ability to hear without ears. To experience these extraordinary creatures up close, head to the National Aquarium of New Zealand, Napier, or Zealandia in Wellington.

But beware, they can be dangerous to people! Guided birdwatching tours are available for those keen on spotting these ancient creatures, which have been around for around 60 million years.

Unfortunately, these giant salamanders are now critically endangered (as a consequence of poaching). But Karlo, currently in excellent health, provides an opportunity to marvel at this ancient creature and understand why it is so important that we protect it.

Wander the beautiful Alps and Pyrenees, and you might just be lucky enough to spot a wild chamois! For an unforgettable experience, embark on the world-renowned Haute Route from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland. Enjoy the scenery and high-altitude lakes as you explore the home of the chamois.

You can even swim with the whale sharks, which are harmless filter feeders. Get up close and personal with the graceful giants and create memories to last a lifetime!

But not only that – lake sturgeons can grow up to 7 feet long and weigh 300 pounds! To experience these amazing animals up close and personal, visit Shedd Aquarium on the Lake Michigan coastline. There, you can even touch them in their interactive sturgeon pool. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!