Mythical creatures that turned out to be real — the most surprising animal finds

For centuries, tales of strange beasts roamed the world: one-horned antelopes, dragons with frills, half-zebra half-giraffe hybrids. These stories were written off as legends — until researchers found out they were true.

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org by Pavel Chekanov, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

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Several animal species once dismissed as folklore have been discovered or rediscovered in recent decades. Their bizarre appearance and elusive nature made them easy to doubt — but impossible to ignore once proven real.

According to this zoological report from Pravda.ru, science is slowly catching up with ancient knowledge — and confirming that many myths were based on fact.

Real animals with legendary looks

Myth or truth?

• Myth: If it’s not recorded, it doesn’t exist
  Truth: Many animals hide in remote or deep habitats.
• Myth: Legendary creatures are dangerous
  Truth: Most are shy herbivores, not threats.

FAQ — curious minds ask

• Have they been filmed?
  A few yes — others only photographed or found via traces.
• How many more could exist?
  Thousands — especially in rainforests and the deep sea.
• Why weren’t they known before?
  Because of their secretive behavior and inaccessible habitats.

Interesting fact: In 2023, scientists in Vietnam found DNA traces and tracks of an animal matching tribal folklore — reminding us that legends may hide scientific truths.