This list includes 15 Zoo animals that start with N, from “Naked mole-rat” to “Nyala”. These species vary in size and habitat, and you commonly see them in zoos for conservation and education.

Zoo animals that start with N are species kept in zoos whose common names begin with the letter N. For example, the “Naked mole-rat” is famous for living in underground colonies and for unusual physiological traits.

Below you’ll find the table with Common name, Scientific name, Region of origin, and Typical adult size (cm).

Common name: The everyday name for each species, helping you quickly recognize animals you already know.

Scientific name: The binomial Latin name you can use for precise identification and further research.

Region of origin: The continent or country where the species naturally occurs, useful for understanding its ecology.

Typical adult size (cm): Average adult length or height in centimeters, with measurement method noted for clarity.

Sourcing notes: Data are drawn from zoo inventories (AZA, EAZA), IUCN, ZIMS, field guides, and museum databases.

Zoo animals that start with N

NameScientific nameRegion of originTypical adult size (cm)
NeneBranta sandvicensisNorth America — Hawaiian Islands60 cm (total length)
Nile crocodileCrocodylus niloticusAfrica — East & sub-Saharan (Kenya, Tanzania)400 cm (total length)
Nile monitorVaranus niloticusAfrica — West & East Africa200 cm (total length)
Nile tilapiaOreochromis niloticusAfrica — Nile River & African lakes40 cm (total length)
Nile perchLates niloticusAfrica — Nile Basin & Lake Victoria120 cm (total length)
NumbatMyrmecobius fasciatusAustralia — Southwestern Australia35 cm (body length)
Naked mole-ratHeterocephalus glaberAfrica — Horn of Africa region8 cm (body length)
NyalaTragelaphus angasiiAfrica — Southern Africa (South Africa, Mozambique)100 cm (shoulder height)
Nicobar pigeonCaloenas nicobaricaAsia/Oceania — Nicobar Islands & Southeast Asia41 cm (total length)
Nanday parakeetAratinga nendaySouth America — Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina28 cm (total length)
Namaqua chameleonChamaeleo namaquensisAfrica — Namibia, South Africa40 cm (total length)
NilgaiBoselaphus tragocamelusAsia — Indian subcontinent (India)150 cm (shoulder height)
NutriaMyocastor coypusSouth America — Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay50 cm (body length)
Natterjack toadEpidalea calamitaEurope — Western Europe (UK, Spain)6 cm (body length)
Nile softshell turtleTrionyx triunguisAfrica — Nile Basin & West Africa85 cm (carapace length)

Descriptions

Nene
Hawaiian goose with a goose-like build and soft call; common in conservation-focused zoos for breeding programs and island restoration work.
Nile crocodile
Large African crocodile often seen in reptile houses; powerful ambush predator frequently displayed in major zoos, conservation concerns vary by region.
Nile monitor
Robust arboreal/terrestrial monitor lizard common in zoo reptile collections; active, omnivorous, and a frequent education species.
Nile tilapia
Popular aquarium and exhibit fish; hardy, large cichlid often used in freshwater displays and aquaculture education.
Nile perch
Large predator fish sometimes kept in public aquariums; notable for its size and ecological impact in African lakes.
Numbat
Distinctive striped, insectivorous marsupial; rare but featured in specialized Aussie-focused zoo exhibits and recovery programs.
Naked mole-rat
Strange, eusocial rodent often in zoo education and research displays; highlights social behavior and conservation of subterranean mammals.
Nyala
Attractive spiral-horned antelope common in African savanna exhibits; sexually dimorphic and frequently kept for education and breeding.
Nicobar pigeon
Large, iridescent forest pigeon often in aviaries; eye-catching species used to teach island biodiversity and conservation.
Nanday parakeet
Vocal, black-faced parrot common in aviculture and zoo aviaries; colorful and social, seen in many public bird collections.
Namaqua chameleon
Desert-dwelling chameleon shown in reptile houses; large, adaptable, and useful for exhibits on arid-adapted species.
Nilgai
The largest Asian antelope sometimes held in large-hoofstock collections; striking males and informative for Asian savanna displays.
Nutria
Large semi-aquatic rodent occasionally kept in educational exhibits; notable as an invasive species in many regions.
Natterjack toad
Small, warty toad kept by amphibian collections and local conservation programs; known for loud breeding calls and dune habitat conservation.
Nile softshell turtle
Large softshell turtle sometimes exhibited in aquarium or reptile houses; impressive flattened shell and aquatic lifestyle, conservation varies locally.
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