15 African Animals That Are So Ugly, They’re (Almost) Cute

African animals come in all shapes and sizes — some beautiful, and some… not so much. Here are 15 fascinating African animals who simply weren’t blessed in the looks department. But we love them anyway!

african animal faces

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1. African Warthog

This warthog is attempting what looks like a smile, but those tusks and warts kind of mess up the Kodak moment. 

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

2. Giant African Bullfrog

We aren’t sure if he thinks this is a meal, or if he’s just trying to taunt the camera.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

3. Hippopotamus

Hanging out with his friends, this hippo poses for the camera while showing us his less-than-lovely grill.

Wikimedia Commons

Wikimedia Commons

4. Rock Hyrax

This furry guy has a set of teeth that look like vampire fangs, and is long overdue to trim his eyebrows. 

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

5. Shoebill

What a mouth! Apparently this one got excited while posing for the picture. At least his intricate plumage is pretty…

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

6. Woermann’s Fruit Bat

While this bat might look like it’s sticking out its tongue for the camera, it actually uses it for licking nectar.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

7. Gerenuk

Somebody get out the measuring stick for those ears. This gerenuk is probably listening for the camera shutter.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

8. Nile Crocodile

Not even Botox could help this leathery creature. (Don’t tell him that, though.)

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

9. Ostrich

Pucker up! This particular ostrich wanted to get up close and personal with the camera. Looks like he could use a little Chapstick.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

10. Three-horned Chameleon

With not one, but three horns, this chameleon is quite the bizarre-looking lizard.

Wikimedia Commons / Tom Junek

Wikimedia Commons / Tom Junek

11. Aye-aye

Native to Madagascar, this weird creature is the world’s largest nocturnal primate. Thankfully he stays up in the trees and forages at night.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

12. African Spurred Tortoise

Bright green grass, yellow flower, tortoise face. We don’t mind if this funny-faced guy wants to hide in his shell.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

13. Hamadryas Baboon

Look at that smirk, and that reverse Mohawk. Welcome to the world of the hamadryas baboon, where every day is a bad hair day.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

14. Marabou Stork

We aren’t sure what hair style this one is going for — a comb-over, maybe? He could probably use a facial as well.

Shutterstock

Shutterstock

15. Naked Mole Rat

Saving the best (or ugliest) for last, the naked mole rat inhabits East Africa and rounds out our top 15 list.

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