In case you didn’t know, October 2 is World Farm Animals Day. Pigs, sheep, chicken, cows–they all call farms home. Growing up in a rural area and spending part of my childhood on a farm and in 4-H taught me to respect animals, big and small. Seeing those same animals in some of my most cherished stories reinforced what I learned, plus they were often depicted in ridiculously precious fashion.
To that end, let’s look at five of the cutest farm animals in fiction.
Wilbur
Looking up images of Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web makes me feel so warm and fuzzy. I reread the book and rewatched the animated film more times than I remember and always connected to Wilbur, the runt of the litter that befriended Fern and Charlotte the spider and became famous.
Maggie
Home on the Range‘s Maggie was once a prize show cow. Though she’s heading into her older years, she’s full of spunk. Her charm and headstrong personality make her completely moo-worthy.
Babe and Ferdinand
No, there is no limit to how many adorable pigs I’ll put on this list. I can’t ignore Babe, the pig that longed to be a sheepdog, or his pal Ferdinand for being ingenious enough to imitate a rooster in order to save his skin.
Bonus Babe:
Shaun the Sheep
Is there anything better than a sheep committed to mischief? I don’t think so. Hence why Shaun of Shaun the Sheep belongs on this list.
Pua
We didn’t see the actual farm on Motunui in Moana, but we saw farm animals like Pua. The little pig is more adorable than Babe. I’m sorry, but it’s just the truth.
Learn more about World Farm Animals Day.
Which farm critters in fiction do you think are the best? Share your favorites in the comments.
Images: Giphy, Disney, Aardman Animations, Hanna-Barbera, The Artistic Rose, Universal Pictures
Amy Ratcliffe is an Associate Editor for Nerdist. Follow her on Twitter and keep up with her Disney food adventures on Instagram.
Gaze upon more adorable critters!
- Hang out with some baby otters.
- Watch a bird rock out on the drums.
- See a pup in Overwatch cosplay.
