If learning more about the fascinating creatures that roam our planet, both on land and in the depths of the oceans, is your passion, then you’re in for a treat. Animal enthusiasts yearning to discover animals weighing around 500 kg, equivalent to half a tonne or 1,102 pounds, will find this list a delightful treasure trove of information.
Ahead lies a diverse compilation of 10 Animals That Weigh About 500 kg (Kilograms), either as fully-grown adults or during an earlier life stage. This curated selection includes terrestrial dwellers as well as aquatic inhabitants, and even a few species that call both environments home.
Top Animals That Weigh 500 Kilograms or Higher
| Animal | Approximate Weight Range | Primary Habitat Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thoroughbred Horse | 440kg – 500kg | Originally bred in the UK |
| American Bison | 450kg – 500kg | North America |
| Highland Cow | Around 500kg | Scotland, but exported worldwide |
| Moose | 360kg – 700kg | North America (snowy regions) |
| Manatee | 400kg – 590kg | Tropical and subtropical regions |
| American Crocodile | 400kg – 907kg | Natural habitat varies |
| Polar Bear | 350kg – 700kg (males), up to 450kg (females) | Arctic Circle |
| Atlantic Bluefin Tuna | Up to 680kg | Western Atlantic Ocean |
| Leatherback Sea Turtle | 300kg – 500kg | Varies (marine environments) |
| Pacific Walrus | 400kg – 1250kg (females) | Arctic seas |
1. Thoroughbred Horse
Weighing an impressive 440kg to 500kg, the sleek and powerful thoroughbred horse stands tall at about 15 hands (a unit used to measure equine height). Despite its substantial weight, this magnificent racing animal is remarkably agile and swift, defying expectations with its speed and grace.
Originally bred in the UK, the thoroughbred’s diet typically consists of shrubs, bushes, and pelleted feed, providing the energy and nourishment needed for its growth and development.
2. American Bison
The formidable females of the American bison weigh between 450kg and a staggering 500kg or 1,102 pounds. With their shaggy coats, particularly thick and dark during the winter months, these majestic creatures bear little resemblance to their domestic cattle cousins.
To sustain their impressive bulk, American bison primarily graze on the grasses of the prairies, but when grass is scarce, they turn to sagebrush for sustenance.
3. Highland Cow
With the females of the species reaching weights of around 500kg, the endearing Highland cow is not solely confined to the rural regions of Scotland. These unique bovines have been exported worldwide, captivating audiences with their thick, double coats that come in various shades beyond the expected ginger hue.
Intrinsically linked to Scottish culture, these gentle giants sport relatively light yet sizable horns, adding to their distinctive charm.
4. Moose
As the largest members of the deer family, moose can tower from 5ft to an impressive 6.5ft, with their weight ranging from 360kg to a hefty 700kg. Given their stature, it’s no surprise that these majestic creatures can easily weigh around 500kg.
Thriving in the snowy regions of North America, moose sustain themselves on a simple diet of leaves, bark, and twigs found in their natural habitat.
5. Manatee
Closely related to the elephant, the manatee weighs between 400kg and a substantial 590kg once it reaches adulthood. A fully aquatic creature, this large and leisurely mammal can be found in tropical and subtropical regions around the globe.
Primarily herbivorous, manatees dine on turtle grass, mangrove leaves, and, in some areas, even small fish, satisfying their appetites in the warm waters they call home.
6. American Crocodile
Weighing between a hefty 400kg and a staggering 907kg, the American crocodile can reach lengths of up to 6 meters in its natural habitat. Known by its scientific name, Crocodylus acutus, this formidable predator boasts a diverse diet comprising both land animals and marine creatures.
Despite their imposing size and potential to weigh around half a tonne or more, these reptiles primarily feast on smaller prey such as turtles, snails, and crabs.
7. Polar Bear
Male polar bears can weigh anywhere from 350kg to a whopping 700kg, with an average height ranging from 4ft to 5ft, 3 inches (measured at the shoulder). Meanwhile, their female counterparts typically weigh up to around 450kg when fully grown.
Found predominantly in the Arctic Circle, the polar bear is the largest of the extant bear species and is renowned for its resilience and formidable nature.
8. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Highly prized in the culinary world, the Atlantic bluefin tuna can attain a massive weight of up to 680kg, equivalent to 1,500 pounds. With such an impressive weight range, it’s no wonder this species of tuna is highly sought after by Japanese fishermen catering to the raw fish market.
As the largest of the tuna species found worldwide, the Western Atlantic stock can grow to an astonishing 4 meters (13ft) in length, solidifying its status as a true leviathan of the seas.
9. Leatherback Sea Turtle
Growing to lengths of 6ft to 9ft and widths of 3ft to 5ft, the leatherback sea turtle is the largest of its kind. To sustain its massive body weight of 300kg to 500kg, this remarkable reptile feeds on a diverse array of marine creatures.
While jellyfish are their preferred meal, the humongous leatherback sea turtle has a unique appearance, resembling a massive floating barrel in its natural habitat. Surprisingly, unlike most other sea turtles, the shell of this species is rubbery to the touch, rather than hard.
10. Pacific Walrus
The female Pacific walrus can weigh anywhere from 400kg to a staggering 1250kg, or the equivalent of 882 pounds to 2756 pounds. Their size can vary considerably, ranging from around 2.3 meters to 3.1 meters in length.
With its natural habitat in the Arctic seas, the Pacific walrus is the larger of the two walrus species (the other being the Atlantic walrus). These marine mammals sustain themselves on a diet of clams, mussels, and occasionally small fish and seals.
Final Words
As you’ve journeyed through this captivating list, you’ve undoubtedly gained a newfound appreciation for the sheer magnitude and diversity of these magnificent creatures. From the graceful thoroughbred horse to the colossal Pacific walrus, each animal showcases the wonders of nature in its own unique way, leaving you in awe of the incredible world we inhabit.
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