Random Animal Generator

About this tool

The Random Animal Generator picks 1 to 20 animals at random from a built-in list of 219 well-known animals and never repeats one within a list. Each result shows the animal's class (mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, insect or other arthropod, or other invertebrate) and where it mainly lives: on land, in fresh water or in the ocean. Animals that split their time, such as beavers or seals, carry two habitats, and flying animals are tagged by where they live and nest. Filter by class, habitat or both; the tool shows how many animals match, and if you ask for more than exist it shows all of them in random order. Picks use your browser's cryptographic random number generator and an unbiased shuffle. Copy the list as plain names, one per line, for drawing prompts, charades, classroom games or story ideas. The list covers familiar animals rather than every species, and the habitat tags describe main habitats, not every place an animal can be found. It runs in your browser with no signup.

Why use it

• No repeats within a list, so a classroom game never deals the same animal twice.

• Class and habitat filters make themed rounds easy, such as ocean animals or birds only.

• Every result shows its class and habitat, which doubles as a quick science fact.

• The list copies as plain text for slides, chats or printouts.

• Picks come from the browser's cryptographic random number generator, so every matching animal has an equal chance.

How to use

1. Enter how many animals you want, from 1 to 20.
2. Optionally choose a class, such as Mammal or Fish, and a habitat: land, fresh water or ocean.
3. Check the line under the filters to see how many animals match.
4. Press Generate animals, and press it again whenever you want a new list.
5. Press Copy list to copy the names, one per line.

When it helps

• Drawing or sketching prompts for daily art practice.
• Charades, drawing-and-guessing games and twenty questions.
• Classroom activities on animal classification and habitats.
• Choosing an animal for a story, a mascot or a costume.

Examples

Tips

• For a drawing challenge, generate 3 animals and combine them into one imaginary creature.
• Choose a habitat with Any class for a mixed set, such as fish, mammals and invertebrates that all live in the ocean.
• If a filter matches fewer animals than you asked for, every match is shown; widen the class or habitat for more.
• Press Enter in the number box to generate a new list without reaching for the button.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glossary

Class

A major group in animal classification, such as mammals, birds or reptiles.

Arthropod

An invertebrate with a jointed body and a hard outer skeleton, such as an insect, spider or crab.

Invertebrate

An animal without a backbone, such as an octopus, jellyfish, snail or worm.

Habitat

The natural home where an animal lives and finds its food.

Amphibian

A cold-blooded vertebrate, such as a frog or salamander, that usually starts life in water and can live on land as an adult.