Famous Animals That Have Become Household Names
Over the past few decades, many animals have become household names because of their acting careers or high-profile human owners. In recent years, social media has only made it easier for animals to achieve fame through Instagram accounts that attract thousands of followers. Although they may not realize it, some of these animals are just as famous as well-known Hollywood celebrities. Here are twelve of the world's most famous animals and where they are now.
Bubbles, The Chimp
Perhaps just as famous as his celebrity owner, Bubbles the Chimp was the talk of the town when singer Michael Jackson brought him home from a research clinic. The two were inseparable. However, it all came to an end when Bubbles was moved to an animal sanctuary following a violent episode.
Tinkerbell Hilton, The Dog
Famous hotel heiress Paris Hilton made 'accessory dogs' all the rage after her Chihuahua appeared on television with her dressed up and hanging out in an oversized purse. Now deceased, the spoiled dog once lived in a house valued at $325,000 on Hilton property.
The Taco Bell Dog
This iconic Chihuahua was the mascot for Taco Bell in the late 1990s. His name was Gidget, and he rose to fame based on the popularity of his commercials. He passed away in 1999 due to a stroke.
Mister Ed, The Horse
A talking horse captured the hearts of Americans for six seasons on the television show Mister Ed. Although producers used the voice of Allan Lane to produce this 'trick,' the horse who played Mister Ed, Bamboo Harvester, was much loved. He passed away in 1970.
Spuds MacKenzie, The Dog
This infamous Bull Terrier was the Budweiser mascot. In commercials, Spuds was routinely shown enjoying babes and beers while wearing a Hawaiian shirt. However, Spuds was actually a female dog named Honey Tree Evil Eye. She died from kidney failure.
Eddie, The Dog
Pets in sitcoms are often pushed to the side while famous human celebrities take centre stage. However, on the television show Frasier, Eddie the dog was well known and loved for his quizzical looks and timely head tilts. He passed away from old age in June 2006.
Dolly, The Sheep
Dolly’s claim to fame was through her unconventional birth. She was the first animal to ever be cloned from another animal’s cells. Although she gave birth to six children, Dolly had many health conditions and was euthanized before her seventh birthday.
Punxsutawney Phil, The Groundhog
Probably the most famous weatherman, Phil the groundhog comes out of his home in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania every February 2nd to predict how much longer winter will last. According to legend, Phil has lived for 120 years, twelve times longer than the average groundhog lifespan.
Shamu, The Killer Whale
This killer whale was originally captured to be a companion for a male orca. However, after Shamu refused his advances, she became the star of SeaWorld’s shows. She died from a blood infection in 1971.
Mantacore, The Tiger
This infamous tiger is most well known for mauling famous magician Roy Horn during one of Siegfried and Roy’s live shows at The Mirage. Even though he suffered a stroke and partial paralysis, Horn insisted that the tiger not be harmed. Mantacore was quarantined for ten days and died in 2014.
