What Animal is Arthur?

Discover the real animal behind the beloved cartoon character Arthur.

Arthur
Cartoon CharacterChildren's TVAardvark

The Answer: Arthur is an Aardvark

Evidence Supporting Arthur as an Aardvark

  • Arthur's creator, Marc Brown, has confirmed that Arthur is an aardvark.
  • Although stylized, Arthur has some aardvark characteristics like large ears.
  • In early books and episodes, Arthur's nose was more prominently aardvark-like.

About Real Aardvarks

Aardvarks are nocturnal mammals native to Africa. They have long, pig-like snouts used for sniffing out ants and termites, their primary food source. Unlike Arthur, real aardvarks have a cylindrical body, short legs, and a thick tail. They are also excellent diggers.

Arthur's Cultural Impact

Since the first book was published in 1976, Arthur has become a beloved character for children worldwide. The television series, which aired from 1996 to 2022, tackled important childhood issues with humor and heart, making Arthur a trusted friend to generations of young viewers.

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