These viral animals from Michigan will turn your day around
Michigan is home to an adorable variety of social media-famous animals. Read on to learn all about them.
While Michigan is known as the Wolverine State, and is home to wild and wonderful wolverines, they aren’t the only critters that call the Mitten home. In fact, Michigan isn’t just home to a variety of animals, from wild creatures like birds, deer, and even bears, but also farm animals and beloved pets owned by Michiganders across the state. And animals, like people, sometimes do something so amazing that the inevitable happens: They go viral.
Now, you may have seen some of the funny, fierce, and furry friends on this list on your social media feeds. But did you know that they were Michiganders? Maybe you did, maybe you didn’t, or maybe you weren’t quite sure. Whatever the case, grab your four-legged (or even slithering or two-winged!) friends, and let’s take a look at some of Michigan’s most beloved viral animal stars:
Choco, the Cross-Country Canine
For one family in California, 2025 ended with a genuine holiday miracle, courtesy of the Wolverine State, when Choco, their little brown wire-haired dachshund who had been missing for five years, was found alive and well in Detroit. No one is quite sure how Choco got from his home in Sacramento all the way to the Motor City, a journey of over 2,000 miles that ended with the pup tied to a fence outside an animal shelter, presumably by someone who was worried for him. Choco’s family had nearly given up hope their four-legged family member would be found, but thanks to the microchip his owners had fitted in him, he was able to be reunited with them.
Peanut, the Deer Michigan Saved
When people in the Mitten heard about plans to euthanize Peanut, a partially blind fawn who had missed a deadline to be released into the wild after a stay in a wildlife center, they sprang into action. A public campaign, including drawing Governor Whitmer’s attention to the case, was successful in securing a reprieve for Peanut. Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had its wildlife division review the case, and now Peanut will be living at a wildlife facility and working as an educational animal ambassador.
Quigley and Slyde, Grand Rapids’ Otterly Adorable Duo
When snow comes to Michigan, everyone has their favorite activities. Some love skiing, some love snowboarding, and some love curling up at home with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. But a rare few, like the dynamic duo of Quigley and Slyde, love slipping and sliding through the snow, not on sleds, but on their own furry bellies!
Quigley and Slyde are a pair of North American river otters who call the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids their home. Their antics delight visitors all year round, but most recently, they have been getting attention all over social media for their slipping and sliding in a snowfall. North American river otters live wild in Michigan, but can be very shy, while Quigley and Slyde are happy to enjoy the winter weather and show off for visitors.
Rae, the Golden Unicorn
This friendly, fluffy golden retriever has a rare trait that makes her unique: she was born with only one ear! Her name, Rae, is “ear” backwards for that reason. Rae’s adorably unique appearance (and a personality that makes her even cuter) caused her to go viral online, and she has over 180,000 followers on Instagram alone. Now a senior dog, Rae’s family regularly posts content about her adventures.
The Marvelous “Misfits” at This Farm Animal Sanctuary
While not all critters are perfect, at Mitten Misfits Farm Sanctuary, everyone is welcome. In 2025, the sanctuary won over the hearts of Michiganders and people well beyond the Mitten, as word spread of its work providing a “forever home” to retired and rescued farm animals. The gang at Mitten Misfits includes horses, donkeys, goats, cats, a very dapper pygmy horse, pigs, sheep, and plenty of other critters. All of them were seriously at risk before being rescued, but in a heartwarming twist, are now living their best lives and serving as animal educators.
Tucker the Four-Legged Influencer
Is Tucker Budzyn the most famous golden retriever in the world? With over four million Instagram followers, there’s definitely a case to be made. It’s not hard to see why people on the internet just can’t get enough of Tucker, who, along with his fluffy son Todd, brings the full charm and friendliness that goldens are so beloved for.
While Tucker made his name on social media, he’s also one of Michigan’s most entrepreneurial canines, with two businesses to his name. Fans of the furry fellow can play his mobile game, Tucker’s Snack Attack, or even pick up some official Tucker-approved products for their own pooches.
Trixie, a Lost Cat Found Again
While Choco may have been Michigan’s most far-flung canine reunion in 2025, in the feline department, Trixie has him beat in terms of sheer miles. Trixie’s owner traveled all the way from Germany to Montague, Michigan, to be reunited with her beloved cat after nearly five years apart. Trixie’s owner, Olga Heigis, had previously lived in Michigan and lost Trixie just months before her transatlantic move. It’s believed that Trixie had been living as a stray for the majority of her time away from Olga, but is now back in Germany with her humans and her feline brother, Flausche.
Victor, the Fabulous Frisbee Dog
Go Blue! Go … fetch that frisbee? While the University of Michigan’s mascot is a Wolverine, Victor, a black lab who catches frisbees during timeouts at Ann Arbor’s Big House, is an honorary UM mascot himself. With over 17,000 Instagram followers, Victor’s fans might even (sacrilege though it is to admit) include MSU supporters. While Victor specializes in looking cute and catching frisbees, he’s also a philanthropist, helping raise money for Paws4Patients, a therapy dog program that works with the University of Michigan’s Mott Children’s Hospital, as well as hospitals across the country.
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