Big foreheads are generally associated with intelligence, and when you look at some of the animals on this list you can understand why. Though we don’t know exactly why these creatures have such large and heavy heads, their many talents are likely related in some way to this amazing feature.
Be sure to vote for your favorite big-foreheaded animal on this list!
Tapir
The tapir is a large, herbivorous mammal, similar in shape to a pig, with a short, prehensile snout. Tapirs are found in the jungles and forests of South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia. The biggest species of tapir can be up to six feet long and weigh up to 700 pounds. They have big noses and big lips, which help them eat leaves and fruits off of trees. Tapirs also have big ears and long tongues. One of the most interesting things about tapirs is their big foreheads. The extra space on their heads is thought to help them stay cool in the hot jungle climates where they live.
Gorilla
A gorilla‘s big forehead isn’t just for show—it’s essential for their survival. Gorillas use their big brows to help them communicate with each other. They can express a range of emotions, from happiness to anger, by simply raising or lowering their eyebrows. Plus, those big brows help gorillas keep cool in the hot African sun.
To maintain their body temperature, gorillas sweat through the pores under their arms and all over their body. But they have few sweat glands over the top of their head so if they didn’t have a big hairy forehead they’d be very vulnerable to overheating!
Unicorn Fish
It’s hard not to love an animal with a big forehead. And the unicorn fish is no exception. This adorably big-headed creature is native to Australia and can grow up to four feet long. Unicorn fish are peaceful creatures that live in coral reefs and feed on algae. But don’t let their gentle nature fool you – they’re also fierce predators.
When hunting, they use their large foreheads to bash into prey, stunning them before going in for the kill. So next time you’re swimming in the Great Barrier Reef, keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating creatures.
Panda
With their big, round eyes and furry ears, pandas are one of the most adorable animals on the planet. But what sets them apart from other cute critters is their big forehead. A panda’s forehead is so large that it can account for up to one-third of its head size! And those big foreheads aren’t just for show – they help pandas eat bamboo shoots.
Bamboo is tough to digest, so pandas need all their help!
Koala
The koala is a furry animal that lives in Australia and looks like a cross between a teddy bear and a monkey. They are one of the world’s cutest animals, and they also happen to have big foreheads.
Koalas spend most of their time in trees eating eucalyptus leaves. When they’re not eating or sleeping, they’re grooming themselves or taking a nap.
Proboscis Monkey
The probosci’s monkey is an interesting creature found in Southeast Asia. They are known for their large noses, which can grow up to six inches long! But did you know that these monkeys also have big foreheads?
Their forehead can make up almost one-third of their entire head! That’s pretty big!
Probosci’s monkeys are also excellent swimmers and can often be seen swimming in rivers and mangrove forests. If you’re ever lucky enough to see one of these animals in person, you’ll notice their big foreheads!
Rhinos
Of course, rhinos have big foreheads. They use them to help protect their eyes from the sun and also to help deflect branches and other potential hazards while they’re running through the brush.
Rhinos are some of the world’s largest land mammals, and their size is part of what makes them so impressive. But it’s their big foreheads that make them stand out.
Hippo
No list of animals with big foreheads would be complete without the hippo. With its massive head and big teeth, the hippo is an intimidating creature. But beneath that big forehead is a gentle giant. Hippos are quite shy and spend most of their time in the water.
These massive mammals are also social creatures and live in large herds.
Orangutan
The orangutan is a large red ape that lives in the tropical forests of Indonesia and Malaysia. They are the only surviving member of the genus Pongo and are one of our closest living relatives, sharing 97% of their DNA with humans. Orangutans are incredibly intelligent creatures and have been known to use tools, make beds, and even build shelters.
One of their most distinctive features is their big forehead. Male orangutans can have foreheads that measure up to 13 inches wide! Females have smaller foreheads, but they are still larger than those of other apes.
Elephant
The elephant is the largest land animal on the planet, and they’re easily recognizable by its big ears and trunks. But did you know that elephants also have big foreheads? Their foreheads make up about one-third of their total body size! And it’s not just for show – those big noggins help elephants stay cool in the hot African sun.
So next time you see an elephant, be sure to give them a big forehead salute!
Brown Bear
The big brown bear is a mammal of the family Ursidae. Brown bears are found across much of northern Eurasia and North America. Adult male brown bears weigh between 250 and 600 kilograms (550 and 1,300 lb), while females weigh between 90 and 400 kilograms (200 and 880 lb).
They are generally larger than other members of the bear family, including the polar bear, which is why they are often referred to as the giants of the beer world. Brown bears have big foreheads and long snouts. Their fur is usually brown but can range from blond to black.
Emperor Tamarin
The Emperor Tamarin is a small monkey that’s found in the southwestern Amazon Basin. It gets its name from its physical resemblance to the German Emperor Wilhelm II. One of the most striking things about this monkey is its big forehead.
The hair on its head grows down over its face, making it look like it has a large mustache and big eyebrows. This unusual appearance helps protect the Tamarin from predators.
Beluga Whale
The beluga whale is an animal that has a big forehead. Their entire head is quite large compared to the rest of their body. They are also very white, which makes them look even bigger.
Beluga whales are very social creatures and live in groups called pods. They communicate using a variety of sounds, including clicks, whistles, and grunts. These gentle giants are a joy to watch and are sure to make you smile.
Bald Uakari
The Bald Uakari is a small South American monkey with a very distinctive look. They have bright red or orange fur, and their most notable feature is their bald head.
These monkeys are known for their big foreheads, which can be up to twice the size of their face. While they may not be the prettiest monkeys around, they are one of the most interesting looking.
Midas Cichlid
The Midas cichlid is a freshwater fish that’s native to Central America. It’s known for its beautiful coloration and big forehead. While their big foreheads may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they’re one of the most unique-looking fish out there.
The Midas cichlid is worth considering if you’re looking for an eye-catching addition to your aquarium.
American Bison
Bison are massive animals, and their big foreheads are a distinguishing feature. Not only does this give them a regal appearance, but it also serves an important function.
The bison’s big forehead helps protect them from predators and keeps them warm in cold weather. In addition to being one of the biggest animals on the planet, bison is also one of the strongest.
They can run up to 30 miles per hour and jump six feet in the air!
Why are Some animals’ foreheads big?
There are a few reasons animals might have big foreheads. One reason is that it could be an adaptation to help them see better. A big forehead would give the animal a larger field of view.
Another reason could be that it helps them store more fat. This would be especially beneficial for animals who live in cold climates and need to store extra energy to survive the winter.
Finally, it might just be a matter of genetics. Some animals are born with big foreheads and there’s no clear explanation as to why. Whatever the reason, we can all agree that animals with big foreheads are pretty darn cute.