20+ Beautiful Animals We Can’t Stop Staring At

The natural beauty of the animals around us has always been inspirational. One of the first people to discover the beauty of animals and try to depict it was the German artist Albrecht Dürer. Up to now, animal photography remains one of the most popular genres — and it’s not for nothing!

We at Bright Side have prepared a selection of pictures of the most beautiful and photogenic animals from all over the globe, and we just can’t take our eyes off them.

1. Mandarin fish

This truly beautiful psychedelic creature can be found in the Pacific Ocean near Australia, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

2. White tiger

The unique appearance of the white Bengal tiger is related to its lack of pheomelanin pigment, which makes the fur of regular Bengal tigers orange. It is said that the white tigers grow faster and heavier than the orange ones.

3. Leafy sea dragon

This plant-looking creature is called a leafy sea dragon. By the way, it is the marine emblem of the state of South Australia, where it can usually be found.

4. Blue and gold macaw

This South American parrot is characterized not only by its bright color but also by its ability to speak.

5. Glasswinged butterfly

This butterfly got its name for having beautiful translucent wings; its Spanish name is “espejitos” which is translated as “little mirrors.”

6. Arctic fox

This small fox lives in the Arctic regions; its thick, warm, gorgeous fur is also used as camouflage.

7. Scarlet macaw

This striking bright-colored bird is known as the national bird of Honduras.

8. Fire salamander

Fire salamanders are one of the best-known salamander species in Europe characterized by their unusual and bright coloration.

9. Sand cat

This small predator is the only cat in the world living in true deserts.

10. Loch's Chromodoris

This unearthly colorful creature is a sea slug living in the tropical waters of the central Indo-Pacific region.

11. Lilac-breasted roller

The coloration of this little birdy from Africa is unbeatable.

12. Amur leopard

Their unique spotted fur makes the Amur Leopard one of the most beautiful and unfortunately, most hunted wild cats in the world.

13. Quokka

This Australian animal is often claimed to be the most photogenic on the planet, as it always looks like it's happy and smiling.

14. Flamingo

Even the name of this bird reflects its unique appearance, as it comes from the Portuguese word "flamengo" which means "flame-colored".

15. California red-sided garter snake

This snake can be found throughout California, and the combination of its skin color varies in different locations - but it always remains extremely bright.

16. Okapi

The okapi is sometimes referred to as the "forest giraffe" or "zebra giraffe". While it's the closest relative to the giraffe, this unique creature bears stripes just like a zebra.

17. Lynx

This wild cat is best known for its bright eyes and characteristic tufts on the tips of its ears.

18. Snowy owl

The look of this fluffy bird is truly mesmerizing.

19. Dolphin

This aquatic mammal is not only beautiful but also very intelligent.

20. Mandrill

21. Resplendent quetzal

This colorful beauty can only be found in South America.

22. Secretary bird

Just look at those eyelashes!

Have you found your favorite living creature in this selection? Feel free to share the pictures of the most beautiful "animal models" in the comments!