If you want to achieve fluency in Mongolian, you’ve come to the right place. While mastering grammar and sentence structures are essential, learning animal names in Mongolian is the next step toward genuinely mastering this Asian language.
You may ask, why do I need to know animal names? Well, animals will inevitably come up in conversation if you’re traveling through Mongolia or just having a conversation with a Mongolian friend. So, whether you’re chatting about the magnificent Mongolian steppes or admiring the furry creatures at the zoo, you’ll want to know how to say them in Mongolian.
From шоргоолж (shorgoolj – ants) to халим (khalim – whales), Mongolian animal names are a joy to learn. Not only will they enhance your Mongolian vocabulary, but they’ll also add a little charm to your language skills. And who knows, you may even impress a few locals with your newly acquired knowledge.
So, grab your notepad and get ready to learn over 30 of the most common animal names in Mongolian. Don’t worry if you struggle with pronunciation at first. Mongolian is known for its tricky pronunciations, but with some practice, you’ll be speaking like a local in no time. Let’s get started!

What Animals Can Be Found In Mongolia
Ah, Mongolia, the land of the free and home of the furballs. If you’re ever lucky enough to travel to this magnificent country, you’ll notice how animals are a common sight during your trip. In fact, Mongolia has more than 150 different species of animals, some more elusive than others. Still, at least one sighting is almost guaranteed, making it a natural wonderland for animal lovers. Mongolia has everything from the elusive snow leopard to the friendly yaks.
One animal you’ll surely notice is the critically endangered wild horse, or ТАХЬ (takhi) as the Mongolians call it. These untamed beauties are called Przewalski’s horses and are the last surviving subspecies of wild horses and can be found grazing throughout the vast Mongolian steppes. While they may appear timid initially, these creatures are swift and agile, making them a sight to behold. They are becoming the icon of the country and central Asia increasingly.

Another animal you’ll want to keep an eye out for is the Бактрийн тэмээ (Baktriin temee) or Bactrian camel, also known as the two-humped camel. These woolly creatures are perfect for leisurely riding through the desert or carrying heavy loads across the rocky terrain. Fun fact, Bactrian camels are native to the Gobi Desert, making them one of the few animals adapted to survive in such a harsh environment.
But, let’s not forget the Mongolian тарвага (tarvaga – Marmot). These adorable little rodents may be small but mighty in numbers. In fact, marmots are so prevalent in Western Asia and Mongolia that the country hosts an annual festival dedicated to them. Yes, you read that right! There’s a festival dedicated to these furry little critters. The festival celebrates the marmot’s return from hibernation, and locals come from all around to enjoy the festivities.

Now, let’s talk about the king of the animal kingdom, the majestic snow leopard. While they may be elusive, if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures roaming the mountainous regions of Mongolia. Snow leopards are rare and endangered, making spotting one a truly magical experience. There are wildlife photographers that make their lifelong dream to capture one of these incredible creatures in the wild.
Last but not least, let’s talk about the yaks. These gentle giants are the backbone of Mongolian society, providing milk, meat, and wool for the locals. While they may appear slow-moving, yaks are incredibly strong and can carry heavy loads across rocky terrain. They’re super cute and fluffy, making them a must-see for animal lovers.
Common Animal Names In Mongolian
Before jumping straight to the point, let’s first know how to say the word animal in Mongolian. It is pretty simple: амьтад (amitad). That’s it! Now let’s look at how to say some common Mongolian names of animals.
A-H
English name | Mongolian script | Pronunciation |
Ant | Шоргоолж | Shorgoolj |
Bat | Бат | Bat |
Bear | Баавгай | Baavgai |
Bee | Зөгий | Zögii |
Bird | Шувуу | Shuvuu |
Buffalo | одос үхэр | odos ükher |
Camel | Тэмээ | Temee |
Cat | Муур | Muur |
Cheetah | Чита | Chita |
Chicken | Тахианы мах | Takhiany makh |
Cow | Үхэр | Ükher |
Crocodile | Матар | Matar |
Deer | Буга | Buga |
Dog | Нохой | Nokhoi |
Dolphin | Дельфин | Dyelifin |
Donkey | Илжиг | Iljig |
Dragonfly | Соно | Sono |
Duck | Нугас | Nugas |
Eagle | Бүргэд | Bürged |
Elephant | Заан | Zaan |
Fish | Загас | Zagas |
Fox | Үнэг | Üneg |
Frog | Мэлхий | Melkhii |
Giraffe | Анааш | Anaash |
Goat | Ямаа | Yamaa |
Gorilla | Горилла | Gorilla |
Hamster | Шишүүхэй | Shishüükhei |
Hare | туулай | tuulai |
Hedgehog | Зараа | Zaraa |
Hippopotamus | Хиппопотамус | Khippopotamus |
Horse | Морь | Mori |
Hyena | Гиена | Giyena |
K-Z
English name | Mongolian script | Pronunciation |
Kangaroo | Кенгуру | Kyenguru |
Koala | Коала | Koala |
Leopard | Ирвэс | Irves |
Lion | Арслан | Arslan |
Lizard | Гүрвэл | Gürvel |
Monkey | Сармагчин | Sarmagchin |
Moose | Хандгай | Khandgai |
Mouse | Хулгана | Khulgana |
Octopus | Наймаалж | Naimaalj |
Ostrich | Тэмээн хяруул | Temeen khyaruul |
Owl | Шар шувуу | Shar shuvuu |
Panda | Панда | Panda |
Parrot | Тоть | Toti |
Pig | Гахай | Gakhai |
Puma | Пума | Puma |
Rabbit | Туулай | Tuulai |
Raccoon | элбэнх | elbenkh |
Rat | Харх | Kharkh |
Rhinoceros | Хирс | Khirs |
Scorpion | Хилэнц | Khilents |
Seal | Далайн хав | Dalain khav |
Shark | Акул | Akul |
Sheep | Хонь | Khoni |
Snail | Эмгэн хумс | Emgen khums |
Snake | Могой | Mogoi |
Spider | Аалз | Aalz |
Squirrel | Хэрэм | Kherem |
Tiger | Бар | Bar |
Tortoise | Мэлхий | Melkhii |
Turkey | Турк | Turk |
Turtle | Мэлхий | Melkhii |
Whale | Халим | Khalim |
Wolf | Чоно | Chono |
Zebra | Зебра | Zyebra |
Become The Animal King
That’s it, folks! You’re ready to head to Mongolia and discuss your animal sightings in true Mongolian! I’m sure you’ll impress however you’re talking to. But why stop here? There are a whole lot more Mongolian words to explore!
Learn Mongolian With Ling App

Now that we have explored some of the most common animal names in Mongolian, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice and continue our journey toward fluency. With so many online resources, learning a new language is easier than ever, but none are quite like the Ling app.
The Ling app offers a game-like learning experience that is both engaging and effective. With over 60 languages available, including Mongolian, you can learn at your own pace and focus on the areas that matter most. The content is carefully reviewed by native speakers, ensuring you get the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.
One of the most exciting features of Ling is the chatbot, which provides instant feedback on your pronunciation. This is incredibly helpful for mastering the nuances of a new language and building your confidence as a speaker. So, what are you waiting for?
If you’re serious about learning Mongolian, then Ling is the perfect tool. Download it today and start exploring all the great features that it has to offer. Who knows, with a bit of practice and dedication, you might even find yourself conversing with locals about their favorite animals in no time!