When we think of new species, we often imagine ancient discoveries or fossils from the past.
But some animals we know today didn’t exist just a century ago. From human-influenced hybrids to recently evolved species, these creatures show how nature and modern life continue to shape the animal kingdom.
This list is based on records of hybridisation and modern breeding practices. Some species exist only in captivity, while others appear naturally in the wild.
1. Coywolf
Neither fully wolf nor coyote, these clever canines emerged naturally as eastern wolves and western coyotes began interbreeding in the early 20th century. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in both urban and wilderness environments across North America.
Coywolves inherited the coyote’s comfort around humans and the wolf’s pack-hunting abilities. Scientists believe habitat changes and human development created perfect conditions for this remarkable hybrid to establish itself as a distinct population.
2. Zubron
This unusual hybrid comes from crossing domestic cattle with the European bison, also known as the wisent. First bred in Poland in 1928, the Żubroń was created as part of an experiment to produce a strong, disease-resistant animal that could thrive on less fertile land.
Although they never became a widespread agricultural success, small populations still exist today, and they remain a fascinating example of human-directed hybridisation in the past century.
3. Zorse
Looking like something from a fantasy novel, zorses showcase nature’s artistic side with their distinctive zebra striping on a horse’s powerful frame. While occasional natural breeding occurred historically, deliberate zorse creation only became common in the 1970s.
Zorses inherit zebra resistance to certain diseases while maintaining the trainability of horses. Each zorse displays unique striping patterns, primarily on legs and hindquarters, making every individual truly one-of-a-kind.
4. Zonkey
With their distinctive striped legs and donkey-like body, zonkeys capture immediate attention wherever they appear. This zebra-donkey hybrid became more common in the last century as zoos and specialty breeders experimented with equine crossbreeding.
Zonkeys typically inherit the stubborn yet hardy nature of donkeys combined with the alert temperament of zebras. Unlike many hybrids, zonkeys often show remarkable stamina and strength, making them useful working animals in some regions of Africa.
5. Savannah Cat
Created through breeding domestic cats with African servals, the first Savannah cat appeared in 1986 when breeder Judee Frank crossed a male serval with a Siamese cat. The result was an extraordinary spotted feline with wild looks but domestic temperament.
Savannah cats stand out with their tall, lean bodies and oversized ears. Known for dog-like loyalty, they often follow owners around the house and can even be trained to walk on leashes. Their remarkable jumping ability allows them to leap up to 8 feet vertically!
6. Liger
Towering over both parent species, ligers can reach weights exceeding 900 pounds, making them the largest cats in the world. These lion-tiger hybrids gained prominence in the 20th century through captive breeding programs.
Unlike many hybrids, ligers continue to grow throughout their lives due to the absence of growth-inhibiting genes. They typically inherit the sociability of lions along with the swimming affinity of tigers. Contrary to popular belief, ligers do exist in sanctuaries around the world, not just in Napoleon Dynamite’s imagination!
7. Grolar Bear
As Arctic ice melts, polar bears move south while grizzlies venture north, creating unexpected meetings. The result? Grolar bears (or pizzly bears), a hybrid that first gained scientific attention in 2006 when a hunter shot a strange-looking bear in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
DNA testing confirmed what scientists had suspected—a natural hybrid of polar and grizzly bears. Grolars typically have cream-colored fur with brown patches and slightly humped shoulders. Their hollow hair and partially webbed paws reveal their mixed heritage.
8. Blood Parrot Cichlid
Created in Taiwanese fish farms in the late 1980s, the Blood Parrot Cichlid sparked both admiration and controversy in the aquarium world. These vibrant orange fish result from crossing several cichlid species, creating their distinctive round bodies and small, beak-like mouths.
Their unusual anatomy often causes feeding difficulties and prevents natural reproduction. Despite ethical debates surrounding their creation, these peaceful fish have become aquarium favorites. Many Blood Parrots develop strong bonds with their owners, recognizing them and even allowing gentle petting.
