29 of the World’s Friendliest Animals (A to Z List

Examples of the friendliest animals are pythons, blue whales, capybaras, cats and dogs.

Animals are amazing creatures that we humans seem to often ignore.

However, some animals amaze with their friendliness and charm.

If you’re looking for a cuddle buddy, look no further than the animal kingdom.

Animals are known for their friendliness and willingness to please people.

Check out this list of some of the friendliest animals on earth!

Examples of the friendliest animals

Examples of the friendliest animals

Scientific name Python regius Type of animal Reptiles Region Sub-Saharan Africa Reed carnivore

Scientific name Pogona Animal typeReptile speciesAustralia Feeding Omnivorous

Bearded dragons make great pets because they are so friendly.

They love being with people and are always cuddling.

They also require very little maintenance, which is great for busy pet owners.

Related article: Does a bearded dragon eat mice?

3. The blue whale

3. The blue whale

Scientific nameBalaenoptera musculus Type of animal Mammal Species Worldwide Reed carnivore

The blue whale is the largest animal on earth, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t friendly.

These gentle giants love to interact with people and often come to the boats for a closer look.

They are also known for their songs, which are some of the most beautiful sounds in the world.

Scientific name Camelus bactrianus Classification Mammalian Diet Herbivore Size Up to 7 feet

Camels are tame creatures that are so docile that people can ride them for long distances.

Many people prefer to ride camels rather than horses because they tend to be slower and calmer than horses.

Camels can attach to their owners and follow them around.

Related article: Are camels faster than horses?

Scientific nameHydrochoerus hydrochaeris Type of animal Mammal RegionPanama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Northeast Argentina and Uruguay Reed Herbivore

They are known to be very curious and not afraid of humans at all.

In fact, they love being with humans so much that when a human sits in their habitat, the babies will surround them and snuggle up without hesitation.

Scientific nameFelis catus Type of animal Mammal Species Worldwide Reed carnivore

Cats may seem like independent animals that don’t need people, but the truth is that cats love companionship.

They just enjoy their independence and often prefer to sleep in a sunny spot instead of being cuddled all day.

However, if you provide attention to your cat, it will definitely appreciate it.

Scientific name Bos ox Animal type Mammal species Global diet Herbivore

Cows are domestic animals, so they are not afraid of people.

If you approach cows in a field, they will come up to you and stare at you, hoping you have food.

But watch out for bulls (male cows) because they are not friendly like cows!

Scientific name Sepiida Animal type Fish Distribution from cold to tropical seas Reed carnivore

Cuttlefish are the friendliest creatures in the sea!

They love to interact with people and often follow divers around.

They are also very curious which makes them very fun to watch.

Scientific name Canis lupus familiaris Animal type Mammal species Worldwide Reed Omnivore

Dogs have been known as man’s best friend for centuries, and it’s no wonder why.

They are one of the friendliest and most loyal animals on earth.

Dogs love to play and spend time with their human companions, and they are always there to protect you.

Scientific name Delphinus Animal type Mammal species Global diet Carnivore

They can be trained to do tricks like jump through hoops, play fetch with a ball or even swim next to people.

Some experts consider swimming with dolphins one of the top five experiences in life because they are so incredibly friendly.

Scientific nameAnseriformes Animal type Bird species Global diet Omnivorous

Ducks are another great option for a friendly pet!

They are always ready to play catch and follow you around the yard.

They also require very little maintenance and can be kept in a small backyard pond.

Giant Bosavi woolly rat

Giant Bosavi woolly rat

Scientific name Mallomys Type of animal Mammal Species Papua New Guinea Reed food Herbivore

The Giant Bosavi Woolly Rat is a friendly and social animal.

They love to snuggle up with their human companions, especially at night when they sleep together.

These animals are so incredibly soft and fluffy that it’s hard not to be tempted to cuddle up next to them all day.

Giant panda

Giant panda

Scientific name

The giant panda is one of the most loved animals in the world.

They are incredibly friendly and love to be with people.

They are also known for their playful nature, which makes them fun to watch.

Unlike other bear species, pandas do not see humans as potential food because they are herbivores – they only eat plants!

Scientific name Capra aegagrus hircus Type of animal See species Worldwide Reed food Herbivore

Goats are very friendly and love to be with people.

They also don’t require as much maintenance as other pets, making them a great choice for people who don’t have a lot of time to care for their animals.

Goats will even come to you if they like your smell – they’ll snuggle right into your lap.

Guinea pig

Guinea pig

Scientific nameCavia porcellus Type of animal Mammal species Worldwide Reed food Herbivore

Guinea pigs are one of the friendliest animals.

They love to cuddle and don’t mind being held.

No wonder they are widely considered to be great children’s pets, as their docile nature makes them very easy to handle.

Scientific nameEquus caballus Type of animal Mammal species Global diet Herbivore

Horses are the friendliest animals on the planet!

They love being with people and are always eager to please.

Horseback riding is a great way to get up close to these beautiful creatures.

Scientific NameTrochilidae Animal Type Bird Species Tierra del Fuego to Southern Alaska Diet Omnivorous

You probably wouldn’t think that a little bird would be the friendliest creature on earth, but you’d be wrong!

Because they have such a fast metabolism and eat so much a day, hummingbirds are always hungry.

They will approach anyone who feeds them without fear because they know people keep their bellies full.

Humpback whale

Humpback whale

Scientific name Megaptera novaeangliae Type of animal Mammal Species Global diet Carnivore

Humpback whales are also incredibly friendly.

They love to be near boats and often come right up to the surface so people can pet them.

The helmet has even been known to save people from sharks.

Kindness doesn’t improve much from this.

Scientific name Phascolarctos cinereus Type of animal Mammal species Eastern Australia Reed food Herbivore

Koalas are one of the most beloved animals on the planet!

They look so cuddly from afar, and many Koalas who are used to humans love to cuddle with their human friends.

However, some wild Koalas can cut and scratch you, so make sure you only pet Koalas in captivity.

Scientific name Lama glama Animal type Mammal species Mainly Peru and Bolivia Reed Herbivore

Llamas are another great option for a friendly pet.

They love to be with people and are very gentle creatures.

Although they can be very loving towards their owners, they can sometimes feel uncomfortable around strangers and even spit on them!

Scientific name Trichechus Type of animal Mammal Species United States Feeding Omnivorous

Manatees are gentle and loving creatures.

They love to swim around with their calves, but also enjoy petting people.

There have been many stories of manatees saving people from drowning in water or protecting them from sharks while swimming.

These animals definitely deserve a place on our list.

Scientific nameSuricata suricatta Type of animal mammal in the Kalahari desert of Botswana Diet Carnivore

Meerkats live in groups and are very social creatures.

They like to play fight with each other and their humans, but they also love to cuddle.

They are known for being loyal pets that never stray too far from home.

Scientific Name Ambystoma mexicanum Type of Animal Reptile Range Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in the Valley of Mexico Diet Carnivore

The Mexican salamander is a friendly animal that is easy to tame and handle.

They are popular reptiles.

Scientific name Lutrinae Animal type Mammal species North America Reed carnivore

Otters are very friendly and playful with each other.

They spend hours playing together in the water or on land.

But they often try to keep their distance from people.

Scientific name Columbidae Animal type Bird species Global diet Herbivore

Pigeons get along so well with people that they return to their owners even long distances.

This has made them excellent messengers – put a message on a pigeon’s leg, let it fly, and the pigeon will return to its owner, even if they are on the other side of the country!

Scientific name Mammal species of animals Global diet Omnivorous

Pigs are domesticated animals, so they thrive in the company of people.

They are very intelligent and social, and teacup pigs are popular pets.

Unfortunately, pigs are also mistreated on many farms around the world, despite their high intelligence and ability to show emotions.

scientific name

Rabbits are some of the most popular pets in the world, and for good reason – they’re incredibly friendly.

Rabbits love to be with people and will often come to you for a pet or a scratch.

They are also very playful, making them great companions for children.

Scientific Name Ovis Aries Type of Animal Mammal Species Worldwide Reed Food Herbivore

Sheep are the friendliest animals.

They love to be around people and enjoy spending time with their flock mates.

Sheep are also very gentle and rarely attack humans unless they feel threatened.

Scientific name Folivora Animal type Mammal species Central and South America Reed food Herbivore

Sloths are one of the friendliest animals on earth.

They love to be around people and are always ready for a hug.

While living in South Africa, I have had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal.