Cute alert! Where to see 7 of the world’s most famous animals

From Secretariat to Grumpy Cat, the world sure has produced its share fair of celebrity animals. But unlike the human kind who can be predictably seen shopping along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and mugging for the camera on red carpets everywhere, fame monsters of the animal kingdom are often more elusive. With that in mind, here are 7 of the world’s most famous animals and where to see them.

Also: 5 family-friendly water vacations.

Xiao Liwu | Photo courtesy of Johann Balleis Wiki CC

Xiao Liwu the giant panda
Fluff ball Xiao Liwu was born July 29, 2012 to Zoo inhabitants Bai Yun and Gao Gao. He is the youngest of four full siblings and one half sibling, and although his brothers and sisters now reside elsewhere, the panda enclosure at the San Diego Zoo still houses this adorable youngster and both his parents. See the trio up close and personal as part of the Zoo’s Early Morning with Pandas Tour.

The Acro cats with the Rock Cats | Flickr CC: Lulu Hoeller

The Acro-Cats with the Rock Cats
They skateboard, climb ropes, push shopping carts, walk high wires and much more. They’re the Acro-Cats, a Chicago-based clowder of kitties—all rescues—who entertain audiences using their purr-fectly honed talents. They’re touring the West Coast this spring along with the Rock-Cats, an all-cat rock band including band mate Cluck Norris, a chicken, on cymbals. We’re not making this up.

Harriet the bald eagle | Photo courtesy of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam

Harriet the bald eagle
Although her mate Ozzie died last fall from injuries, including severe lacerations and a broken toe in each foot, Harriet has taken up with a new fella and just hatched a couple of eggs in a nest located on Bayshore Road in Fort Meyers, Florida. If you’re unable to catch her soaring overhead on your next Sunshine State visit, Harriet’s activities can also be seen via the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam.

Chupchikoni and Suki the penguins
First came Roy and Silo, whose same-sex coupling at the Central Park Zoo and subsequent children’s book And Tango Makes Three caused quite a stir. Later there was Buddyand Pedro, another canoodling gay penguin couple who paired up at the Toronto Zoo. Now there is Chupchikoni and Suki, an adorable pair of female penguins who can be see at Ramat Gan Safari in Tel Aviv.

Olate Dogs | Wiki CC: Tim Evanson

Olate Dogs
This pack of clever canines has been entertaining crowds for years including a recent big win on America’s Got Talent. Their numerous tricks may give you “paws” but will also have you applauding prodigiously. Although they’ve become NBA halftime favorites, you can also see these death-defying dogs as they hit the road this spring including visits to California, the Southwest, the Midwest and the Northeast.

Packy, a bull Asian elephant, as he approaches his 50th birthday at the Oregon Zoo. | Photo courtesy of © Oregon Zoo by Michael Durham

Packy the elephant
Born April 14, 1962, Packy is the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in 44 years, he’s the oldest Asian male elephant in North America and at ten feet, six inches, one of the tallest elephants worldwide. Several animal rights groups have been advocating for his release from his home at the Oregon Zoo in Portland to a sanctuary, although Packy did recently get new digs at the zoo’s state-of-the-art Elephant Lands habitat which was designed specifically with him in mind.

Lil Bub | Photo courtesy of Wiki CC

Lil Bub the cat
How does a domestic cat attract a Facebook following of nearly 3 million people? It helps that he was born without any teeth which means his tongue perpetually hangs out of his mouth making him among the most photogenic felines we know. The Bub Store includes Bobbleheads, plush toys and hoodies, but if you’re craving an up close and purr-sonal with Bub, you can see him this June at CatConLA.

Tagged: California, Florida, Midwest, New York