In the wild, survival instincts are crucial. Animals develop them over millions of years to protect themselves from predators, find food, and reproduce.
However, not all creatures are so lucky when it comes to instinctive survival.
Some animals seem to have missed the memo and have a surprising lack of survival smarts. Let’s explore some animals that struggle with survival instincts, and how their quirks make them especially vulnerable in the wild.
1. Kakapo – The Flightless Parrot
The Kakapo, a flightless parrot from New Zealand, is one of the most well-known examples of an animal with almost no survival instincts.
Native to the remote islands of New Zealand, the Kakapo evolved in an environment with no land mammals, so it never developed the need to fly or defend itself against predators.
This has made the bird unusually trusting. Instead of fleeing when threatened, the Kakapo often freezes in place, which makes it an easy target for predators.
As a result, the species is critically endangered, with only a small number remaining, and it relies heavily on human conservation efforts to survive.
2. Tammar Wallaby – The Frozen Flee-er
Native to Australia, the Tammar Wallaby is another creature with almost no survival instincts. When faced with a predator, these small wallabies might freeze rather than hop away or seek shelter.
They tend to stand their ground, giving the predator a chance to approach without the usual fast retreat often seen in other animals.
While some wallabies do manage to escape, this lack of fear and quick response makes them far more vulnerable to predators in the wild.
3. Giant Panda – A Bear With No Defense Mechanisms
Though adored worldwide for their cuteness, they aren’t exactly the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to survival instincts.
Pandas have a very specialized diet, almost entirely bamboo, and a solitary nature, which limits their social defenses. They do not exhibit strong territorial behaviors, which leaves them exposed to predators.
They’re also known to be slow-moving and non-aggressive, which can be a disadvantage when faced with a threat. Thankfully, humans have stepped in to protect these peaceful giants through conservation efforts.
4. Sea Turtles – Confused Hatchlings And Vulnerable Adults
Sea turtles have been around for millions of years, but their survival instincts aren’t quite up to par. After hatching, sea turtle babies are instinctively drawn to the brightest light, often the moon, reflecting off the ocean.
However, many of them are now misled by artificial lights, heading toward roads or urban areas instead of the safety of the sea. The babies’ lack of awareness makes them easy targets for predators.
Adult sea turtles also face threats, as their slow movements and inability to fight back make them an easy catch for predators. It’s a wonder that these majestic creatures have survived this long!
5. Mole – A Digging Machine With Zero Awareness
Moles may be expert diggers, but they’re far from being survival experts. Their underground lifestyle means they’re often unaware of predators like foxes or birds of prey.
They rely on their burrows for protection, but if they’re caught out of sight or unprotected, moles have little to no means of defending themselves.
These creatures are often so focused on digging and searching for food that they forget to worry about the dangers lurking above ground. It’s a surprising oversight for such a skilled underground animal.
6. Domestic Chickens – Feathered Friends With A Lack Of Defense
Chickens, especially those bred for farming, are another example of animals with poor survival instincts. While wild ancestors of chickens, like the Red Junglefowl, have sharp survival skills, domesticated chickens often lack the awareness of potential dangers.
They tend to scatter and become disoriented in the face of predators, which is exactly the opposite of what they need to do for survival.
This makes them easy prey for foxes, hawks, and other animals. Interestingly, chickens raised in more natural settings or on farms with access to open space tend to develop better survival skills.
7. Sloths – Slow Movers With Limited Reflexes
With their famously slow movements and laid-back demeanor, sloths are another example of an animal without strong survival instincts. Their sluggishness makes them vulnerable to predators like jaguars and harpy eagles.
Sloths tend to spend most of their time hanging upside down in trees, so if they do find themselves in danger, their slow reflexes and reluctance to move quickly can make them easy targets.
Additionally, sloths are so adapted to their slow lifestyle that they don’t even feel the urge to defend themselves when threatened, further putting them at risk. However, their camouflage and low energy conservation help them evade detection most of the time.