ByAnimals never cease to amaze us with their incredible size and unique features. From the tallest giraffe to the heaviest elephant, nature has blessed us with truly magnificent creatures.
As a lover of all things large and in charge, I decided to research animals that are 2 meters (m) long or tall, and let me tell you, the results did not disappoint.
1. A horse
Horses are amazing animals that are about 2 meters tall. They have long legs, strong muscles, and beautiful manes.
Horses are not just nice to look at, they are also very smart. They understand human emotions and can be great therapy animals.
Despite their gentle nature, horses are also strong and agile. They can run fast and jump over things easily.
If you want a workout partner, a horse is a good choice. Riding a horse requires balance, coordination, and strength. Besides, horses are incredibly beautiful.
They look mesmerizing when they run freely in fields or perform in competitions. Throughout history, horses have been admired for their grace and elegance.
2. Ostrich
The ostrich is the largest bird in the world, growing up to 2.7 meters tall, taller than most humans. It’s fascinating because of its size, but there’s more to it. Ostriches are incredibly fast runners, reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h, making them one of the fastest land animals.
I wonder how they would compare to other fast animals like cheetahs or gazelles in a race. Ostriches have an omnivorous diet, eating plants like seeds, grasses, leaves, insects, and small animals.
Surprisingly, they don’t need to drink water often and can go weeks without it because they get hydration from the plants they eat.
Ostrich eggs are enormous, weighing as much as 24 chicken eggs. It takes about 40 days for an egg to hatch, and when the baby ostrich, called a chick, emerges, it’s already quite big, similar in size to a fully-grown chicken. The mother ostrich takes care of her chicks until they can care for themselves.
Read: 11 Animals That Are About 12 Inches (in) Long
3. Llama
Llamas are amazing animals that are both cute and interesting. They can grow up to 2 meters tall and are used for mountain transportation.
What sets them apart is their special digestive system. Unlike cows or sheep, llamas have three stomach chambers, allowing them to extract more nutrients from their food, which is crucial in harsh mountain environments.
Additionally, llamas have strong legs that help them move easily on steep terrain. Their unique walking style, called “pacing,” gives them a smooth ride on rocky trails.
Llamas are also known for their soft woolly coats, which come in various colors and can be used for making clothes and textiles. These animals truly deserve our admiration for their impressive qualities.
4. Jaguar
The jaguar is a big and strong cat that lives in the Americas. It has spots on its coat and is in danger because people are destroying its habitat.
Jaguars are amazing hunters. They can catch small animals like rodents and big ones like deer. They use their strong jaws to kill their prey quickly. Jaguars are also good at swimming.
They can hunt in the water and catch fish, turtles, and crocodiles. However, jaguars have many problems.
People are cutting down their homes and sometimes hurting or killing them. People must work hard to protect jaguars and ensure they survive for a long time.
5. Lion
The lion is a majestic creature often seen as brave and noble. However, let’s be honest, lions are basically large house cats with a killer instinct.
Their mane may look impressive, but it doesn’t offer any real protection and can make them more vulnerable. Plus, lions don’t live in jungles despite their “king of the jungle” title. Another issue is their hunting tactics.
While they are skilled hunters, they often rely on female lions or steal kills from other predators, being lazy freeloaders. Moreover, they can pose a danger to humans near their habitats, often attacking when their territory is invaded.
6. Camel
Camels are amazing creatures! They are very big, standing up to 2 meters tall. They are strong and can carry heavy things for long distances.
In the Middle East and North Africa, camels are important for transportation where cars can’t go. But camels are not just strong, they also have interesting personalities.
They can be playful and affectionate with each other. Camels are well adapted to their environment.
They can survive for weeks without water because they store fat in their humps. This helps them during droughts when other animals struggle. Camels are truly remarkable and hold a special place in my heart.
7. Reindeer
Reindeer are fascinating animals known for their size and strength. They can grow up to 2 meters long and weigh over 300 kilograms.
Reindeer are not just Santa’s helpers; they are incredibly adaptable. They can survive in harsh environments like the Arctic tundra.
Their fur is thick and keeps them warm, their broad hooves help them walk on snow, and they have a special nasal passage that warms up cold air before breathing. Reindeer also have an amazing sense of navigation. They can travel long distances using cues like the sun’s position, landmarks, and smells.
8. Nile perch
The Nile perch is a big freshwater fish in the Nile River and Lake Victoria. It can grow up to 2 meters long and weigh 200 kg.
People introduced them to other places for fishing, but this has caused serious problems. For example, when Nile perch were introduced to Lake Victoria, they disrupted the ecosystem.
They eat many different types of fish, leading to a decline in those fish populations and changes in the food chain. This has greatly impacted the environment, and scientists are still studying it.
Catching and eating Nile perch also raises ethical concerns. These fish can live for a long time and grow very large. Is it right to kill such impressive creatures just for fun or food? Also, overfishing is a risk.
9. Pig
Pigs are fascinating animals that can grow up to 2 meters long. They are smart and can learn new things quickly.
However, people often think they are dumb and dirty, which is unfair. Pigs are actually very efficient at turning food into meat and can produce a lot of pork in a short time. Their manure is also valuable for fertilizing crops.
Some pig farms mistreat animals, but not all of them. There are ethical farmers who care about animal welfare and give pigs space to move and use humane practices. We can support these farmers by choosing ethically-raised pork products, which is better for the animals and our food system.
10.Galapagos tortoise
The Galapagos tortoise is a fascinating creature that is very big and lives for a long time. They can weigh up to 900 pounds and live for over 100 years.
They are special because they can only be found in the Galapagos Islands. These tortoises have survived many natural disasters and changes in their environment.
They are big and strong, but people often think they are slow and boring. It’s important for us to appreciate these amazing creatures and protect them so they can keep living for a long time.
11. Kangaroo
Male kangaroos can grow up to 2 meters tall and have impressive muscles and sharp claws. While baby kangaroos are cute, adult males are intimidating with their powerful legs and ability to deliver strong kicks.
Humans have impacted kangaroo populations through hunting and culling, which some argue is necessary for conservation or as a food source, while others find it cruel.
Preserving kangaroo habitats by conserving land areas and respecting these wild animals in their natural environment is important.
