What Animal is Arthur? For over 25 years, Arthur has been a staple of children’s television, teaching valuable life lessons through its relatable characters and engaging stories. But one question has puzzled fans for decades: What kind of animal is Arthur, exactly?
This article dives into the fascinating answer, exploring Arthur’s species, the creative choices behind his design, and how his animal identity shapes the show’s universe.
Table of Contents
Arthur is an Aardvark – But Why?
The answer is simple yet surprising: Arthur Read is an aardvark. However, he doesn’t look like a real-life aardvark, which has led to much confusion.
Key Traits of Real Aardvarks:
- Long snouts for sniffing out ants and termites.
- Large, rabbit-like ears for detecting predators.
- Thick tails and claws for digging.
- Nocturnal and solitary (unlike sociable Arthur).
Arthur’s Design Differences:
- Rounded, simplified face (more cartoon-friendly).
- No visible claws or digging adaptations.
- Wears glasses and human clothing.
Why Did the Creators Choose an Aardvark?
Marc Brown, the creator of Arthur, has explained his reasoning in interviews:
- Uniqueness:
- Aardvarks are rarely featured in cartoons, making Arthur stand out.
- Most kids’ shows used bears, rabbits, or mice as protagonists.
- Name Play:
- “Arthur” sounds like “aardvark,” creating a memorable connection.
- The alliteration in “Arthur the Aardvark” is catchy for children.
- Flexibility in Design:
- Real aardvarks look unusual, so simplifying Arthur’s design made him more relatable.
- His round face and expressive eyes help convey emotions clearly.
Other Animals in the Arthur Universe
Arthur’s world is filled with diverse animal characters, each with distinct personalities:
| Character | Species | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Buster Baxter | Rabbit | Loves aliens and conspiracy theories |
| Francine Frensky | Monkey | Soccer star and loyal friend |
| Muffy Crosswire | Rich dog | Spoiled but grows more generous over time |
| Brain | Bear | The smartest in class, loves science |
| D.W. | Aardvark (like Arthur) | Arthur’s mischievous little sister |
Note: Some animals (like bears and rabbits) are biologically predators of aardvarks, but they coexist peacefully in the show.
Why Doesn’t Arthur Look Like a Real Aardvark?
Fans often wonder why Arthur lacks the long snout and claws of a real aardvark. The reasons are both artistic and practical:
- Child Appeal:
- A hyper-realistic aardvark might look scary or strange to young viewers.
- A cute, rounded face makes him more approachable.
- Ease of Animation:
- Simplified designs are easier to draw consistently across episodes.
- His glasses and expressive eyes help show emotions clearly.
- Focus on Personality Over Species:
- The show prioritizes storytelling over zoological accuracy.
- Arthur’s species is secondary to his role as an everykid.
Do Aardvarks Symbolize Anything in the Show?
While Arthur’s aardvark identity isn’t deeply symbolic, some fans speculate:
- Being “different” but accepted: Aardvarks are odd-looking, just as kids sometimes feel “weird.”
- Adaptability: Aardvarks survive in tough environments, much like Arthur navigating childhood challenges.
However, Marc Brown has said he simply liked the word “aardvark”—no hidden meaning was intended.
FAQs About Arthur’s Species
1. Is Arthur really an aardvark if he doesn’t look like one?
Yes! The creators confirmed it, even if his design is stylized.
2. Why do Arthur and D.W. look different from real aardvarks?
Cartoons often simplify animal traits for cuteness and expressiveness.
3. Are any other characters in Arthur aardvarks?
Only Arthur and D.W.—the rest are different species.
4. Do aardvarks eat ants in the show?
No, Arthur eats human food like cereal and pizza.
5. Has Arthur’s design changed over time?
Slightly—early seasons had a more angular snout, later softened for a friendlier look.
6. Could Arthur be a different animal?
Some fans jokingly argue he looks more like a mouse or bear, but officially, he’s an aardvark.
Final Thoughts: Why Arthur’s Species Matters
While Arthur’s aardvark identity isn’t central to the show’s plots, it’s a fun piece of trivia that highlights the creativity behind children’s programming. By choosing an unusual animal, Marc Brown made Arthur instantly recognizable and unique in a sea of cartoon characters.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Arthur is an aardvark, but his design is simplified for appeal.
✔ His species was chosen for its uniqueness and catchy name.
✔ The Arthur universe mixes many animals without real-world predator/prey dynamics.
✔ The show focuses on relatable stories, not zoological accuracy.
Next time you watch Arthur, remember: beneath those glasses and round cheeks is one of TV’s most iconic—if stylized—aardvarks!
Want More Arthur Facts?
- Read Marc Brown’s original Arthur books.
- Check out PBS’s official Arthur site for games and episodes.
- Compare Arthur’s design to real aardvarks at a zoo or wildlife documentary.
(This article is for informational purposes only and not affiliated with the Arthur TV series.)