There are urban legends about experiments that take place in labs around the world, and whether most of them are true or not, we will probably never know for sure. The curious and bizarre results form the basis for urban legends and creepy conspiracies that circulate on the internet on a daily basis. These hybrids, whether real or just legend, spark the imagination. Those that are real can teach us a lot about the genetics of their parent breeds. Of the hybrids that feature on our list, most are not found in nature, of course. Are you ready to go through our list? Prepare yourself to be amazed at the variety of genetic oddities we’ve found online! These crossbreeds will surely intrigue you, while others will have you giggling.
Hybrid Creations You May Never Have Seen Before
Liger – Female Tiger/Male Lion
The Liger is the result of a female tiger mating with a male lion. The genetic information that controls the animals’ growth rate is mutated. Therefore, the Liger can continue growing throughout its lifetime. That makes for one big kitty. The downside is that as they continue to grow later in life they suffer health problems that usually lead to death. Their internal organs can’t keep up with their freakishly large size. The liger is a real-life crossbred.
Liger
Cama – Llama/One-Humped Camel
This animal may not initially seem all that intriguing, although it really is. The Cama is the offspring of a Llama and the one-humped camel. The Cama was originally bred in Dubai, at the Camel Reproduction Center. The idea was to breed a camel that could produce more wool. The Llama was chosen for the mix for its temperament. The male Camel is much larger than the female Llama. Therefore, the process was done by way of artificial insemination.
Cama
Zonkey – Zebra/Donkey
A strange animal hybrid with an even stranger name. The result of a Zebra and Donkey crossbreed, resulting in the Zonkey is one of the rarest pairings. Genetically speaking, Zebras and Donkeys are distant cousins, so they do share enough genetic material to allow for cross-breeding. The drawback with this combination is that dwarfism is quite common. It is another case where the genes that are responsible for growth and size are affected by hybridization.
Zonkey
Grolar Bear – Grizzly Bear/Polar Bear
The Grolar Bear is the genetic pairing of the Grizzly Bear and the Polar Bear. The coloration and other features indicate the merger of these two powerful bears’ strongest traits. The hybrid can be found in nature, while primarily seen in captivity. The two types of bears are not commonly found in the same geographic locations, and when they are, they tend to avoid each other. This means that your best bet of spotting a Grolar is in captive breeding programs. This trend is changing as global warming pushes the frozen arctic northwards. More frequently, the two bears meet thanks to climate change. Experts believe that this will result in an increase in natural hybridization.
Grolar Bear
Zorse – Zebra/Horse
If the name of this strange animal pairing doesn’t amuse you, not much else out there will. The incredible crossbreed Zorse is a hybridization between a Zebra and a horse. Horses are not as closely related to Zebras as donkeys. They are genetically more distant. This makes genetic disability more common in this combination. Their distinguishing stripes are usually only present in some areas of their coat. Some Zorses present spots on their upper coat.
Zorse
Savannah Cat – Domestica Cat/Serval
When a domestic cat is crossed with its distant relative, the Serval, the result is what is called a Savannah Cat. It is an interesting hybrid. The domestic cat genes seem to make for a more docile Serval. They are less prone to aggression, but would still be classified as feral when encountered in the wild. They are loosely recognized as a breed of a domestic cat and can be kept as house pets. Likewise, they are less inclined to affection and bonding with humans, and present a serious risk to your couch!
Savannah Cat
Wholphin – Orca/Dolphin
The image below shows Kawali Kai. She is the offspring of the world’s only known Wholphin. The Wholphin is said to be a cross-breeding of a female Orca and a male dolphin. This is not a pairing that will occur naturally. The name suggests that the Wholphin is a whale/dolphin pairing. This is misleading as the Orcha is itself a member of the dolphin family, despite the nickname ‘killer whale.’ While the one existing Wholphin is a fascinating specimen, it is not likely that we will see many examples of this hybrid in the future.
Wholphin
Beefalo – Buffalo/Bison
The Beefalo is as the name suggests. A hybrid between your run-of-the-mill American cattle and the American Bison. This hybridization is the result of a union between two closely related members of the same genetic family. Therefore, the pairing is seen in nature more frequently than most. Wild herds of Buffaloes live in and around the Grand Canyon. They are a nuisance and wreak ecological havoc on an environment that is not ready to deal with them. There are discussions on whether or not their numbers should be culled for this very reason.
Beefalo
Tigon – Male Tiger/Female Lion
We’ve seen the Liger, and this unique crossbreed is just as admirable, now it’s time for the same mix but with a parent swap. The Tigon is the result of a male tiger and female lion pairing, the Tigon has a functioning set of genes that regulate its growth. This means that it is less likely to grow to unmanageable sizes or suffer from dwarfism. The mix not only looks different from the reversed pairing but is also generally healthier.
Tigon
Wolfdog – Wolf/Dog
The Wolfdog is not quite the same as the rest of the animals on this list. The dog and the wolf are not entirely separate species. The relatively short period since the dog branched off from the wolf family tree means that one can think of the two as separate breeds rather than unique species. Common wolf dogs from the Spitzer lineage are dog breeds on their own, while some introduction of modern wolf genes results in fascinating hybrid dog breeds.
Wolfdog
Jaglion
There are quite a number of cat-family hybrids. Cats are not as genetically separated as, say, primates. This means that many if not all breeds of cats could theoretically be interbred. There are only real constraints on the male genes and the size of the resultant offspring. The Jaglion is as the name suggests. A chance pairing in the Bear Creek Sanctuary resulted in the birth of two cubs, Jazhara and Tsunami. A tsunami looks more like a leopard than either parent breed. A curious breeding convergence.
Jaglion
Narluga – Narwhale/Beluga Whale
Nargulas are found in real-life nature, although their name makes them sound as though they were bred in a science lab. They are not the result of human interference. Rather, they are the result of two closely related species sharing the same habitat. Another result of climate change, the shared territory of Narwhale and Beluga whales, is in increasing overlap. The species seem to interbreed naturally. They share physical characteristics from both parent breeds.
Narluga
The Mule Bird
There is a near-endless variety of bird species out there, and unless you’re a bird lover, you probably don’t know even half of them. With that said, some bird pairings are exceptionally unique, even to expert bird watchers, and the mule bird is just one of them. The Mule bird is a common hybrid bird. They were, and still are, popular house pets in the UK. They are also called British Finches. Once hunted in droves, the UK put a ban on hunting them in 1981.
The Mule Bird
Blood Parrot Cichlid – Cichlid/Midas
The Blood Parrot Cichlid is an odd fish. Literally. It is a deliberate hybrid of the Cichlid and Midas fish. The result is an appealing pet fish, a more unique alternative to the common goldfish. While they look fascinating, they do suffer a couple of genetically caused flaws. The most striking thing is that their mouths don’t close. Their jaws are misaligned and this makes eating a challenge. Because they expend more energy to achieve the same nutritional intake, the BPC spends a lot more time eating.
Blood Parrot Cichlid
Mulard – Hybrid Of the Mule
The Mulard is another genetic hybridization of the Mule. A cross between a Pekin and Muscovy duck, this bird is not bred for its looks and temperament. It is a culinary staple and is farmed specifically for this purpose. They are more sedentary than their parent breeds, and their generally calm disposition seems to make for better meat. We could all agree that this bird resembles the iconic swan in notable ways, although the swan has a much longer neck.
Mulard
Coydog – Dog/Coyote
The Coydog is a pairing between a dog and a coyote, and it’s definitely not to be kept in your house as a pet. They were bred for generations in pre-Columbian Mexico. They are mischievous, a nuisance even. Their deliberate breeding may have something to do with the Aztec deification of the coyote. In modern times they are exclusively bred in captivity, and would likely wreak havoc on local wildlife should they escape from breeding programs.
Coydog
Dzo – Yak/Farm Cattle
The Dzo has a unique name. This speaks to the unique location from which the hybrid originates. The earliest known Dzo were bred in Tibet. Mongolia also bred the pairing. The Dzo is a crossing between a Yak and farm cattle. English speakers usually refer to the Dzo as cattle. This hybrid is well suited to the high altitude and climate of Tibet and makes for a more productive working animal. Males are sterile, therefore each generation must be bred by cross-breeding. This makes developing an actual breed impossible.
Dzo
Mangalica – Pig/Boar
The Mangalica is not a hybrid in the real sense of the word. It sure looks like one though. With the features of both a sheep and a pig, it is a very strange member of the Suidae family. The Suidae family encompasses the entire pig and boar genus. A Hungarian pig bred for lard production, the Mangelica faced possible extinction in the 1980s. Breeding programs brought this wooly pig back from the brink. Their wool is not suited to any type of product, but they are prized for their meat and lard.
Mangalica
Bernedoodle – Bernese Mountain Dog/Poodle
If you love dogs, you will genuinely fall in love with this unique crossbreed. The Bernedoodle is not a genetic hybrid. It is the product of cross-breeding two breeds of dog, as many dog breeds have come about. Namely, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. The result is a good working dog that also has decent guard-dog instincts. This combination of traits is less common than one might think, making this a popular mixed-breed pooch.
Bernedoodle
The Iron-Age Pig
The Iron-Age pig has a wonderful name. Although it is meant to invoke the idea of fantastical and historic pigs from prehistory. This is of course a misnomer. People did not live in caves in the Iron Age. The real reference for the hybrid pig comes from the prehistoric cave paintings found in ancient caves. The Iron-Age pig is bred for its visual characteristics. Those that have ended up in the wild have thrived, although the same cannot be said for the biomes they invade. In the US they are considered an ecological pest and are culled on sight.
The Iron Age Pig
Geep – Sheep/Goat
Baby lambs are exceptionally cute. And baby goats are undeniably adorable. So, just imagine a pairing of the two! The Geep is exactly what the name suggests, The offspring of a goat and a sheep, and it’s far more adorable than what you could imagine. It’s a fine-looking animal, one that is extremely rare and hard to come by. The genetic pairing is not an easy match. Offspring are usually still-born, and infants rarely survive to adulthood.
Geep
Coywolf – Coyote/Wolf
The Coywolf is the result of crossbreeding the Coyote and the North American wolf. The genetic branch that saw the two species diverge occurred around 300,000 years ago. This is a blink of an eye in evolutionary terms, so the two are only barely separate species, to begin with. This means that they cross-breed with relative ease. Its temperament and size fall between those of their parent breeds. They are generally wild and unruly and are no more than a genetic curiosity.
Coywolf
Hinny – Opposite Of Mule Hybrid
The Hinny is the result of cross-breeding a female donkey with a male horse, and we’ve already heard so many varieties that this one hardly sounds all that strange. It’s the sire-combination opposite of the mule. They share the coat and facial characteristics of the mother breed while enjoying a physical size closer to that of a horse. The Hinny is undeniably a unique crossbreed nonetheless. However, it may not be as strong and enchanting as a horse, it is definitely quite unique.
Hinny
Leopon – Leopard/Lioness
We have mentioned that the close genetic relationship between the various species of cats means that there are all sorts of possibilities for crossbreeding. The Leopon is the offspring of a male leopard and a lioness. With facial features that tend towards those of a lion, the resulting Leopon seems to present physical characteristics associated with its leopard parent breed. It is a unique animal to see in person, particularly the male, with its leopard print and lion’s mane.
Leopon
Zubron – Cow/Bison
The Zubron is one crossing that can’t really be deciphered by the odd name, as the pairing is definitely not that of a zebra and a lion, or whatever else your imagination may have suggested. The Zubron crossbreed is the result of breeding a normal agricultural cow with a European Bison. It was intended to replace the cattle in Europe but proved unsuccessful. The remaining numbers now live in the Bialowieski National Park in Poland.
Zubron
Toyger – Domestic Tabby/Bengal
If you’re a cat lover, you will probably add this pairing to your list of unexplainably cute wild cats, and you may not be able to keep one in your home, although this doesn’t make them any less adorable. The Toyger certainly has a fitting name. This adorable little hybrid is the result of interbreeding the Domestic Short-Hair Tabby with the Bengal. They were bred as part of a Tiger-awareness campaign in the 1980s. They are a limited edition, with under 500 registered Toygers alive today.
Toyger
Litigon – Lion/Tiger
The litigon is the exact opposite of the liger; also known as a tigon. The hybrid creation is a crossing of a lioness with a male tiger. As you can imagine, the litigon is just as majestic as the liger, if not more. This animal crossing came about in a zoo in China, Haikou, where a six-year-old tiger birthed a total of two litigon cubs. The iconic event happened back in 2016 on the 24th of June. The crossing is a lot more natural than that of most crossbreeds on this list as it was unpredictable.
Litigon
Green Sea Slug – Elysia Chlorotica
The green slug is no ordinary sea creature; they don’t just slide around chomping algae. The Elysia Chloritica harvests solar energy by thriving on molecular energy. This process is the reason they are such a bright shade of green. Because this animal is capable of photosynthesis, many are not entirely sure if it is a plant or an animal, which is what makes it so incredibly special. However, it is an animal that belongs to the Elysiidae family of sea slugs. This is just one of many bizarre and incredible sea critters out there as science has somehow managed to uncover more of outer space than that of our own oceans. With that said, there’s no doubt that there are countless interesting hybrid sea critters yet to be discovered.
Green Sea Slug
Zony – Zebra/Horse
A pony mare and Zebra stallion hybrid, the Zony is one of many hybrids that arise from the pairing of wild and domesticated members of the equine genetic family. The Zony is undeniably strange yet adorable even though we aren’t too sure how this animal came about, or what its main features are other than its incredibly bizarre outer features. A Zony does look quite a lot like a donkey merges with a zebra as the stallion features seemed to water down quite a bit.
Zony
Pumapard – Puma/Leopard
Feline lovers will shriek at the sight of this adorable feline crossing that results in a puffy-cheeked wildcat with quite an interesting shape. The Pumapard is the hybrid offspring of a male Puma and female Leopard. When the two animals mate, the resulting offspring is the genetically fragile Pumapard; fragile, although undeniably adorable. This pairing often results in dwarfism and other congenital health defects. Even though this pairing is not ideal due to the genetic defects, the feline remains an exceptionally unique one.
Pumapard
Gajasimha – Mythical Hybrid
The Gajasimha creation is not an animal found in nature, or reality for that matter. It is the Indian counterpart to the European Chimera. An important part of Indian cultural heritage, this multifaceted, three-part hybrid, is commonly depicted in artworks in and around ancient Indian temples. We could all agree that we can be relieved this creation is only a legend and can’t be encountered in real life, as it is quite an intimidating creation.
Gajasimha
Buraq – Mythical Hybrid
Another mythological creature, the Buraq is an Islamic take on the same Chimera archetype that we see above. The head of a human, body of a horse and wings of a bird, and other plumage results in an imaginative and thought-provoking creature of myth. The creature is credited with transporting prophets to heaven in Islamic tradition. There’s no real knowing how this mystical creature came about in Islam culture, although most religions have a number of unanswered questions.
Buraq
Hippalectryon – Mythical Hybrid
Our third Chimera, the Hippalectryon is a Greek three-part merger of different animal bodies. The primary beast form is that of a horse. The additions are certainly more comical than the more spiritually revered Chimera on our list. It isn’t a serious or even certain past of Greek mythology, but it does garner a laugh with its hilarious combination of the Equine with the modest Poultry. This mythical hybrid is far less intimidating than previous, and much more curious to say the least.
Hippalectryon
Khepri – Mythical Hybrid
Khepri is an Egyptian take on the Chimera. It is most commonly depicted as a human with the head of a scarab in Egyptian artworks. In rare cases, it is depicted as sporting the legs of a goat. Egyptian mythology is well-known for pairing humans with a variety of creatures and objects as most gods and goddesses are depicted as hybrid creatures with the body of a human and the head of an animal. In some cases, the animals are not from reality. There is no real knowing where the hybrid humans come from.
Khepri
Monocerus – Mythical Hybrid
This European Chimera is depicted as a unicorn-like beast in Greek mythology. In medieval lore, the animal takes on a more bizarre visage. Said to have the head of a stag, the body of a horse, and legs of an elephant, and a tail of a boar, it’s an oddly striking mythological creature. There is reason to believe that this mythical creature is similar to that of a unicorn, even though some believe the unicorn could really be out there somewhere, or extinct at this time.
Monocerus