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If you are a vivid reader of Bored Panda, you might already know that many animal tattoos have a deep symbolic meaning for a person. Usually, that meaning is expressed in a simple or complex way. There are a lot of animal tattoo ideas that try to utilize the two different styles in the best possible way. If you want a collection of wildlife tattoos on your body that are unique, be sure to read up on the difference between simplistic and realistic styles.

The best animal tattoos are those that can seem unique. To some, uniqueness comes from the details of a tattoo. The more photorealistic a tattoo is — the more unique it is. Realistic animal tattoos require a lot of time and money to create them. But not everyone wants to have a Mona Lisa on their body. Some want a string of simple animal tattoos that are just theirs. Some can see beauty in a single line that creates a form of an animal.

In the end, an animal tattoo is a work of art that can be enjoyed by any person, no matter the style of it. The only thing stopping the realization is the lack of inspiration. If you want to fix that problem — we are here to help you. With the list below, see what simplistic and realistic cool animal tattoos people have made. If you want to learn more about the symbolic meaning of similar tattoos, check out our previous post featuring even more tattoo designs of animals. If you like the design, be sure to upvote it and share it with a friend. Also, comment below on what you think makes a tattoo unique!

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    #2

    “Once You Have Had A Wonderful Dog, A Life Without One Is A Life Diminished.” – Dean Koontz

    Realistic animal tattoo of a dog's face on an arm, showcasing simplicity and detail in black and gray shades.

    Took 35 Hours.

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    #8

    Beginning Of An Animal Sleeve, Matt R At Chronic Ink, Toronto

    Owl tattoo with realistic details and simplicity on a person's upper arm.

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    Hey Deanie
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know u don't want my two cents, but dude this is so majestic I would just leave it at this amazing owl... And then maybe a nice mouse down around your opposite ankle... Predator and his prey...

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    #12

    Cats Are Always Cute

    Simple realistic animal tattoo of a black cat with white markings, paired with the cat's photo on a staircase.

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    Fraxinus excelsior
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Blimey, this could be a relative of my old girl that left a big hole in my life, miss you Twinkle.

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    #14

    Chillin Racoon. Agnia Von Jesus, Vilnius, Lithuania. Tattoo House

    Animal tattoo of a raccoon by a campfire, blending simplicity and realism, on a person's forearm.

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    #15

    My Favourite Animal, Done By Antony Flemming At Scythe And Spade In Calgary, Alberta

    Realistic animal tattoo of a cow with pink flowers and a yellow background.

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    I_dont_now_what_to_say_here
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup my grandma take care of her younger brother farm we had a cow we called lila idk about her anymore I left to a new country so she had a boy idk how to ringt hes name they killed him so we can eat him I didn't want to eat him but I was hungry . Lol. he will be in my heart 😢 😔 💔

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    #17

    Animal Crossing Inspired Back Piece By Pony Reinhardt Of Tenderfoot Studio In Brooklyn New York. My First Tattoo!

    Animal tattoos featuring a raccoon, turtle, and hedgehog, showcasing simplicity and realism on the back and arm.

    NeitherHurry Report

    #18

    Raccoon All Cosy In His Fav Grandad Jumper. Thank You, Sara

    Animal tattoo of a raccoon in a patterned sweater, blending simplicity and realism.

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    #25

    Bee Tattoo

    Realistic bee tattoo on forearm, showcasing simplicity and intricate design.

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    Valerie G.
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And a nice fat one, too. Used to see these all the time when I was a kid. They only seem to make wasps these days.

    #28

    Baby Lambs Tattoo

    Minimalist tattoo of two lambs embracing on lower back, showcasing simple and realistic animal design.

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    TiredTomato
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really like this but the disconnected line work kind of makes it look like it healed patchy.

    #31

    Sweetest Little Sleepy Kitten And Duckling

    Tattoo of a sleeping fox surrounded by flowers, showcasing simplicity and realism in animal art.

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    WhoThat
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Couldn't make out the duckling at first. Didn't see the snout and thought the eye was an open mouth and the petals on its head was actually 2 eyes with quite a big nose in between...

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    #34

    Shout Out To Cool Clients Who Book Big Pre-Drawn Designs That I Am Dying To Do Like This Secretary Bird

    Realistic animal tattoo featuring an artistically detailed bird with vibrant colors, emphasizing simplicity and beauty.

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    #36

    Epic Black And Grey Bird With A Red Sun For Contrast Done By Chani

    Realistic bird tattoo with open wings against a colorful sun background, showcasing simple animal art.

    penandoaktattoo Report

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    #42

    Cute Pair Of Bunnies For Lovely Char.​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​always Love The Finished Look Of Black And White Dot Work

    Foot tattoos of rabbits with leaves, showcasing animal tattoo ideas in simple and realistic style.

    anna.tattoos Report

    #45

    Butterfly Ornament Design In My Design Account Was Processed By Adding And Changing Only The Colour Slightly

    Butterfly tattoo on forearm embodying simplicity and realism with delicate floral design.

    Studio: @dearyouth_ink
    Design: @design.by.gaon
    Academy: @dearyouth_academy

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    #46

    Stoned Ape Theory By Kati Berinkey (Aka Rockin Rabbit) At Blade&shade - Lucerne, Switzerland

    Colorful monkey tattoo embracing simplicity and realism on a man's upper arm.

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    Shadozfire
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that a hand turning into a vag with a finger turning into a tongue? Or am I the one trippin?

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    #47

    My Husband Passed Away In Oct. He Was My Lobster By Teri At Animated Canvas SC

    Simple and realistic lobster tattoo design on skin, showcasing animal tattoo art.

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    #51

    Arm Bird Tattoo

    Realistic animal tattoo of a vibrant bird on a person's upper arm, showcasing detailed artistry.

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    Leah Ingram
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A Quetzal! I've always wanted to get a quetzal tattoo. I'm half Guatemalan! ☺️

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    #54

    Lamb And Lion For Two Cumbrian Sisters Today. Thank You, Dena & Carrie

    Simple and realistic animal tattoos of a lamb and a lion on skin, showcasing minimalistic design.

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    Jescia
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did the lion fall in love with the lamb? "What a stupid lamb," I sighed. "What a sick, masochistic lion.

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    #60

    My Whimsical Woodland Fairy Skunk. By Macy At Thirteen Feet Tattoo In Sydney, Australia

    Realistic animal tattoo of a sugar glider with wings, showcasing simplicity in design on an arm.

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    #62

    How Did I Forget This Wee Cutie In My Photos? From A Few Weeks Ago

    Realistic sleeping fox tattoo with simple leaf design.

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    #69

    Snake Tattoo

    Realistic snake tattoo showcasing vibrant scales and tongue on a person's arm, embodying animal tattoo simplicity.

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    Cat Chat
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again, while I can admire and appreciate the detail and incredible talent, this creeps me out (snakes scare me, mainly from a childhood experience).

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    #71

    Small Fish Tattoo For Lauryn

    Minimalistic koi fish animal tattoo on forearm, showcasing realism and simplicity.

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    Cupcake Kitten
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of the moon and ocean spirits from Avatar: The Last Airbender!!

    #72

    Something A Little Different For Me Doing Some Black And Grey. Such A Fun Piece For Toni Of Her Spirit Animal

    Realistic rabbit tattoo on shoulder featuring intricate floral details.

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    #79

    Spider And Chrysanthemum

    Colorful spider tattoo showcasing realism and simplicity on an arm with web details.

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    Cat Chat
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's some awesome details. But, with how much spiders creep me out, I would have a hard time being around this person. That spider is beyond creepy.

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    #81

    Family Origins Tattoo

    Animal tattoo on arm featuring two tigers, a dog, and lotus in a circular design, showcasing simplicity and realism.

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    #82

    Tiger Tattoo

    Animal tattoo of a realistic tiger face on a person's thigh, showcasing simplicity.

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    #83

    Arcanine X Hellhound

    Realistic wolf tattoo design on upper arm showcasing animal tattoo simplicity.

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    #84

    The Gorilla, The Panda

    Realistic gorilla and panda tattoos on back, showcasing simple animal designs.

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    #85

    Designed And Tattooed By Ben Whiteraven Tat Bedsee

    Animal tattoo with a realistic, mystical cat design featuring intricate patterns and a central third eye.

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