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When it comes to internet humor, animal photos are the new cat's meow. These wacky, wild, and sometimes weird images have taken the internet by storm and left us all feeling pawsitively entertained. From an owl delivering a Hogwarts letter, to a bear taking a snooze in a bird's nest, to a turtle trying to eat a Christmas decoration thinking it's a giant tomato, these pictures are definitely going to put a smile on your face.

But why do we love these funny animal photos so much? For starters, they're the perfect escape from the daily grind. These images offer a moment of belly laughs and silly giggles in an otherwise serious world. And let's be real, who doesn't love to see a cat napping in an absurd position or a dog playing with its toys in the most ridiculous way possible? These animal antics are a universal language that speaks to us all, no matter our age, culture, or background. If you'd like to see more of these wonderful darlings, here's an article we've done previously, oh and another one! Now let's get into it!

If we had to choose what to fill our time with, many of us would most likely choose the relaxing and joy-inducing activity of watching animals causing an adorable ruckus. They provide a much-welcomed escape from staring at a colored slab all day, be it your laptop screen, the TV, or the ever-stimulating phone. 

Besides, these cuties are very shareable. Be it friends, family, or coworkers that you still tolerate, everyone benefits from seeing a lion snuggling inside a cardboard box or a tiny turtle munching on a leaf whilst judging everyone else’s life choices. Hey, if I could’ve chosen, being a human in the 21st century wouldn’t have been top of the list! 

#2

My Grandma..

My Grandma..

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Nessbit the Russian Spy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf this is called “hilarious goofy animals to brighten up your day” not “animals to go make you sob in a corner” 😡😭

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#3

Platypus Babies Are Called "Puggles"

Platypus Babies Are Called "Puggles"

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Not only are animals entertaining, but they’re also good for our health! Yeah, no kidding! Studies have shown that interacting with animals (even fish!) helps lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and decrease depression. Furthermore, they help create a sense of calm and comfort; truly, can anything be wrong in the world when a panda is rolling down a hill? 

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The effect is further amplified when the animal is doing something surprising or unexpected. Psychologically, the surprise appearance of a cute furry friend causes a cognitive orienting response. In the case of animals, it’s a pleasant surprise and the unexpected pleasure of seeing something funny when we were expecting something more mundane that triggers a positive response (in this case smiling or even laughing). 

#4

Hogwarts Letter Finally Arrived

Hogwarts Letter Finally Arrived

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HelluvaHedgehogAlien
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, no! That is very dangerous! The letter would explode if you open it… so why don’t you give it to me and I’ll check it out 😉*evil laughter*

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#5

Hello There!

Hello There!

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Andi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that is one of the most impressive photos i think i've seen - also Dr Who Sea Devils!

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#6

Victorious!

Victorious!

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Verinder of the Valley
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This picture is perfect. The subject, colours, emotion, A+ to the photographer, and its wonderful model.

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“There is no doubt there is a short-term burst of happiness,” explains University of Victoria neuroscientist Olav Krigolson. “That should lead to better cognitive function for the short term. Staring at cute things activates the amygdala [an area of the brain that deals with emotions] and other emotional areas of the brain, which ramps up other cognitive systems.” 

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“So there is a benefit. What makes it particularly powerful is when the emotional response and reward are wrapped together,” he said. The cute image delivers the brain a minuscule blast of dopamine, working the same chemical reward system activated by drugs like cocaine. It makes us come back for more before we are even conscious we want to. 

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As interesting as this all is, there are certain ways of enhancing these positive feelings during a time of high stress, which may then lead to better results at work or school. The University of Leeds conducted a study in which a 30-minute montage of images and videos of cute animals was shown to 19 participants, many of whom were students due to take an exam 90 minutes after the session, with the remainder being academic support staff who had declared they were feeling stressed from work.

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They had their heart rate and blood pressure measured before and after the study, with the majority wearing a heart-rate monitor throughout. The study produced both physiological and psychological findings. “Throughout the course of the session, heart rates and blood pressure fell across all individuals to a level that would be considered healthy and indicative of limited stress or anxiety,” stated Dr. Andrea Utley

#10

This Owl Captured Child's Hobby Horse And Carries It Around The Town

This Owl Captured Child's Hobby Horse And Carries It Around The Town

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz flying on her broom from far away. The origin story for witches flying on broomsticks just might be someone seeing a large owl carrying something similar (you know, like a broomstick) from far away and/or in dim light. Ya never know.

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“Ultimately, the cuteness response is an important adaptation for us. Without it, I simply don’t think we’d survive as a species,” says Morten Kringelbach, professor of neuroscience at Oxford University and Aarhus University (Denmark). As humans, who come into the world too early, “we need a lot of care—and need to make sure our young are appealing enough to receive it.” 

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However, on average, puppies and kittens scored higher on the cuteness scale than humans. And, if you ask me, for good reason. Scientists believe that the powerful nurturing instinct we have for our own children spills over into an affection for anything that even loosely resembles them.

“Animals like dogs and cats have been essentially bred to look like babies,” says Kringelbach. “They have the big eyes, they have the big ears. When you see them, your brain is thinking ‘this could be a baby’. And it’s only later on, by the time you already have reacted, you say ‘oh, that’s not a baby. But maybe I should still look anyway!’”

#14

The Reply I Hoped For

The Reply I Hoped For

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Mickysixxx
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Talking to the other sharks "In my day we ate dodo, dodo breakfast, dodo for lunch and dodo for tea. These days it's all processed surfer...."

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Whichever it is, science and smart people aside, one thing is for sure—funny animal photos serve as a reminder that even the most mundane moments in life can be made special by the presence of an animal. They remind us to take a step back and appreciate the simple things in life, and to cherish the moments that bring us the most happiness.

As you continue scrolling through this list, make sure to upvote your favorites and leave some thoughts in the comments below, and I shall hope to see you all in the next one! Have a great one! 

#17

Hello

Hello

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Francine Govan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't know if this qualifies as "hilarious" or "goofy" ... this is definitely more "sh*t your pants scary!"

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#18

What A Bat In The Womb Looks Like

What A Bat In The Womb Looks Like

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#19

When You Try To Google Tony Hawk But Accidentally Type In Tiny Hawk

When You Try To Google Tony Hawk But Accidentally Type In Tiny Hawk

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OK, we have Chicken Hawk. Where’s Foghorn Leghorn? “Boy. I say, I say. Boy.”

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#20

Don't You Dare Wake Him Up

Don't You Dare Wake Him Up

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#22

Have You Ever In Your Life Seen A Bear Sitting In A Eagles Nest? You Have Now!!!

Have You Ever In Your Life Seen A Bear Sitting In A Eagles Nest? You Have Now!!!

You Have To Remember Eagles Nests Weight Hundreds Of Pounds As They Add New Sticks Every Year, And They Can Be Over 6 Ft. Wide

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#30

That's A Weird Looking Giraffe 🦒

That's A Weird Looking Giraffe 🦒

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#31

He’s Shedding But It Looks Like He Has A Gecko Onesie

He’s Shedding But It Looks Like He Has A Gecko Onesie

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#32

Rawrrrrr! Unknown Man Finds Game Camera.

Rawrrrrr! Unknown Man Finds Game Camera.

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Hawkmoon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hint: the man is wearing an orange jacket in case you're wonder who's who.

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#34

Someone's Had A Beary Rough Day😅

Someone's Had A Beary Rough Day😅

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ShyWahine
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's okay, we didn't really want to sit down on the picnic table to enjoy our lunch anyways....

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#35

Wildlife Photograph Of The Year, 2019

Wildlife Photograph Of The Year, 2019

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know my canines XD That's a Tibetan fox! (Vulpes ferrilata) They look a little funny XD

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#36

Huckleberry Is Wearing The Tennis Balls Of Shame.

Huckleberry Is Wearing The Tennis Balls Of Shame.

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Paul C.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So are you going to stop trying to butt everyone now?...........Nope!

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#37

I Don’t Know If I’d Be Delighted Or Scared Sh*tless

I Don’t Know If I’d Be Delighted Or Scared Sh*tless

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Hippopotamuses
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I saw that while I was driving in the middle of nowhere, there’d definitely be an accident. Not a car accident, but an accident, nonetheless.

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#40

It’s Gonna Be A Loooong Car Ride!

It’s Gonna Be A Loooong Car Ride!

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#42

My Dad Sent Me A Picture This Morning And Said “It Finally Happened”

My Dad Sent Me A Picture This Morning And Said “It Finally Happened”

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Paul C.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's why the chicken crossed the road. He's a bit short sighted and couldn't see the sign.

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#47

Look I've Heard It's Rough In Aus, But South Africa Hits Different. No Morning Swim Today.

Look I've Heard It's Rough In Aus, But South Africa Hits Different. No Morning Swim Today.

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Mickysixxx
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Australia and I always argue our animals won't eat your face, any country with Bears, Big cats, monkeys are scariest.

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#48

He Can Stack 7 Cheerios On His Head

He Can Stack 7 Cheerios On His Head

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#49

Hamster Doing Hamster Things

Hamster Doing Hamster Things

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Mickysixxx
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We're not allowed hampsters in Australia, I have a whistling rat (guinea pig)though

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#50

He A Little Confused, But He Got The Spirit

He A Little Confused, But He Got The Spirit

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Note: this post originally had 120 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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