The Heaviest Animals in the World
Typically, heavy animals are also large in size, but not all large animals are as heavy as one might expect. The weight of animals does not solely depend on the density of their bones; rather, it is measured by the amount of fat they carry. Below is a list of the heaviest animals on the planet:
Blue Whale
The blue whale weighs approximately 190,000 kilograms and can reach lengths of up to 30 meters, making it the largest and heaviest animal alive today. A newborn blue whale can weigh around 300 kilograms. These whales have exceptionally long lifespans, and their hearts can weigh as much as a car, while their tongues can weigh as much as some elephants. Their diet consists mainly of krill, and their stomachs can potentially hold up to 1,000 kilograms of this food. Interestingly, blue whales produce extremely loud vocalizations that can be detected from a distance of up to 1,600 kilometers.
Polar Bear
The male polar bear typically weighs around 794 kilograms, with females weighing about half as much as males. This species is one of the heaviest animals on Earth and is considered one of the largest carnivores globally. When standing on their hind legs, polar bears can reach heights of up to 3 meters. Notably, a polar bear was discovered in Alaska weighing 1,000 kilograms and measuring 3.65 meters in length.
African Elephant
The African elephant can weigh as much as 12,250 kilograms. There are three variations of African elephants: savanna, forest, and jungle elephants. These giants can reach heights of 4.5 meters at the shoulder and can be up to 6 meters long. It is notable that African elephants require a daily food intake of about 4% to 7% of their body weight, and they can live up to 70 years. These magnificent creatures have the ability to walk distances of up to 195 meters, and they can run at speeds of 9 meters per second.
Saltwater Crocodile
The saltwater crocodile weighs around 1,450 kilograms, making it the largest of all crocodile species and the heaviest reptile in existence. This formidable predator will consume nearly any animal it encounters, including monkeys, deer, buffalo, kangaroo, a variety of bats, birds, and even humans!
Sea Lion
Sea lions can weigh up to 4,000 kilograms and measure approximately 6 meters in length, with males weighing four times more than females. Their diet consists primarily of marine organisms, and they are capable of swimming at depths of up to 1,000 meters. Furthermore, they can hold their breath for as long as two hours while submerged without surfacing for air.
Ostrich
The ostrich is categorized as the tallest and heaviest bird species, weighing about 160 kilograms and standing up to 2.7 meters tall. This flightless bird is known for its incredible speed, reaching up to 69 kilometers per hour. Ostriches use their long, powerful legs to defend themselves by delivering strong kicks to potential threats. Remarkably, they can survive for several days without water by sourcing moisture from vegetation.