The Ugly Five Animals of Africa

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the ugliest of them all?

There are a lot of animal "lists" when you go on safari in Africa. Perhaps the list that no animal wants to be on is this "Ugly Five" list. Even so, animal babies are cute, and with a bit of imagination, you might find each of these less-than-ideal-looking animals has some attraction to them.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for them when you go on safari, and don't forget to take some photos. Even these creatures deserve a little love.

1) Warthog

When your name includes the word "wart" you're destined to be on this list. Add a face that can be a mangled mess, surrounded by wispy hair and tough little tusks and the warthog is an obvious selection among the Ugly Five.

Warthog. Photo by: Sabi Sabi

2) Vulture

While the lappet-faced vulture is the official member of this list, pretty much any vulture could be a member of the Ugly Five. As scavengers their role in cleaning up carcasses of dead animals leaves a bit to be desired. While impressive in size, they're not so impressive in looks.

Vulture. Photo by: Sabi Sabi

3) Wildebeest

What is it really? Who knows. When wildebeests were created they seemed to receive some leftover pieces of other animals. A bit like a horse, a little like a buffalo, but it's really an antelope. Somehow predators still find them tasty, so they serve some purpose.

Wildebeest. Photo by: Sabi Sabi

4) Marabou Stork

Nicknamed the "Undertaker", this is one mean bird you don't want to mess with. It is among the largest birds in the world with a wingspan of 11 feet. These birds are carnivores, eating anything from dead animal carcasses to fish and other birds (even flamingos!)

Marabou Stork. Photo by: Sabi Sabi

5) Hyena

Baby hyenas definitely have a cute factor to them, but it does not take long for them to grow up and lose that appeal. Aggressive looking, with a strange profile and famously eerie vocals, the hyena easily fits into this list of misfits and ugly animals from Africa.

Hyena. Photo by: Sabi Sabi

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