creative writing prompts about animals

35 Writing Prompts about Animals

Animals are pretty awesome, right?

They’re our best buds, inspire cool ideas, and keep the whole planet running smoothly. From tiny ants hustling food to birds soaring through the sky, they’re endlessly fascinating.

And guess what?

They’re also fantastic writing buddies! Putting words to paper (or tapping away on your keyboard) about animals can unleash your inner creative genius.

Feeling stuck on how to do it?

No worries!

Here are some animal writing prompts to nudge your imagination in the right direction.

Writing Prompts about Animals

The Inter-Species Diplomat: In a world where animals can communicate fluently with humans, a diplomatic crisis emerges between a powerful bird kingdom and the human government. As a human who has grown up with the birds and understands their culture, you are appointed as the mediator to resolve this conflict. Write a story where you navigate through these negotiations, focusing on cultural differences and misunderstandings. Explore the depth of inter-species relationships and the implications of co-existing in the same environment.

The Animal Shelter Hero: After inheriting a large plot of land, you decide to convert it into an animal shelter. This shelter is not like any other; it’s a place where animals not only find refuge but also learn and develop their potential skills. Write about your journey of building this unique shelter and the impact it creates in the local community and the lives of the animals. Touch upon the challenges faced, the growth observed in individual animals, and the joy of seeing them thrive.

The Wise Elephant’s Tale: Imagine yourself as a wise old elephant who has lived for more than a century in a vast African savannah. You have seen the changes in the landscape, the shift in climate, the rise and fall of your herd. Pen down your life story from your perspective, touching upon themes of survival, wisdom, and change. Write about the joys and sorrows, the relationships formed, and lessons learned.

The Silent Voice of the Coral Reef: You are a marine biologist who has just discovered an uncanny ability to hear the subtle ‘voices’ of sea creatures inhabiting a coral reef. Each species seems to have its unique concerns and aspirations. Craft a narrative focusing on the conversations you have with these creatures, revealing the secrets of the underwater world. Shed light on the struggles they face due to climate change and human interference.

The Incredible Journey of a Lost Dog: A beloved family pet, a Golden Retriever, gets lost during a family trip and has to find his way back home across several states. Narrate the dog’s journey, encountering various landscapes, animals, and humans, and his determination to reunite with his family. Highlight the bond between the pet and the family, resilience in the face of adversity, and the instincts and intelligence of the dog.

The Wildlife Photographer’s Diary: You are a seasoned wildlife photographer who has traveled all around the world. Your diary is filled with thrilling encounters, breathtaking visuals, and the raw beauty of the natural world. Write a series of diary entries, each capturing a unique experience in the wild. Showcase the beauty and diversity of wildlife while underlining the importance of conservation.

The Mystery of the Missing Sparrows: In a small suburban town, the local sparrows start to disappear mysteriously. As a young, budding detective with a love for animals, you decide to unravel this mystery. Write about your investigation and the surprising truth you unearth about their disappearance. Weave the narrative with a focus on environmental issues, the human-animal relationship, and the resilience of nature.

The Urban Fox’s Adventure: Imagine being a young, curious fox who has mistakenly ended up in a bustling city from the quiet countryside. You have to adapt, survive, and find your way back home. Write your story, exploring the stark contrasts between urban life and the wilderness. Emphasize the fox’s adaptability, the unexpected friendships formed, and the lessons learned about human impact on nature.

The Unlikely Bond: After a hurricane devastates a coastal town, a young boy finds an injured dolphin stranded on the beach. Overcoming various obstacles, he helps nurse the dolphin back to health. Narrate this inspiring journey of recovery and the extraordinary bond formed between the boy and the dolphin. Highlight themes of compassion, determination, and the power of unlikely friendships.

The Falcon’s Flight: Imagine yourself as a peregrine falcon, renowned for your incredible speed and predatory prowess. However, your life takes a turn when a twist of fate leaves you unable to fly. Tell your story of recovery, resilience, and the eventual triumphant return to the skies. Focus on the innate desire for freedom, the adaptability of nature, and the journey towards triumph over adversity.

Life at the Zoo: You are a zookeeper at a world-renowned zoo. One day, the animals start exhibiting peculiar behaviors, almost as if they’re trying to communicate a message to you. Write about your attempts to decipher these behaviors and the surprising revelation they lead to. Center your narrative around empathy, intuition, and the unspoken language of animals.

The Butterfly Effect: As an environmental scientist, you’ve been studying the declining population of a specific butterfly species. This decline is starting to have unforeseen effects on the local ecosystem. Craft a story that links this small change to larger environmental consequences, embodying the essence of the butterfly effect. Spotlight the interconnectedness of nature and the vital importance of every creature, no matter how small.

The Dog Who Saved the Town: A quiet town is brought to its feet when a stray dog starts performing remarkable feats, from alerting the fire department about a hidden fire to locating a lost child. Describe the extraordinary adventures of this stray dog and how it becomes the town’s unexpected hero. Emphasize the themes of unrecognized potential, community, and the ways animals can contribute to human society.

A Tale of Two Pets: In a household, a new pet is introduced, causing jealousy and tension with the already resident pet. Narrate the story from both pets’ perspectives as they navigate through this shared space, eventually learning to coexist and even becoming friends. Focus on the themes of jealousy, adaptation, and the eventual discovery of friendship in the unlikeliest places.

The Veterinarian’s Chronicles: As a dedicated veterinarian in a small town, every day brings unique challenges and heartwarming moments. Write about a series of encounters with various animals and their owners that significantly impact your life and worldview. Highlight the emotional connection between pets and their owners, the ethical dilemmas faced, and the joy of healing.

The Honeybee’s Plight: You are a honeybee witnessing the slow decline of your colony due to factors like climate change and pesticides. Describe your experiences and efforts to save your hive, giving a unique insight into the lesser-known world of these crucial pollinators. Spotlight the complexity of bee societies, the challenges they face, and their vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

The Primate’s Memoirs: As an elderly gorilla in a respected animal sanctuary, you’ve had a life full of intriguing experiences. Write down your memoirs, highlighting the emotional journey, your interactions with humans, and your observations about the world. Dive into themes of captivity, intelligence, and the complexity of primate social structures.

The Inspiring Journey of a Therapy Dog: A golden retriever is chosen from a shelter to be trained as a therapy dog for a children’s hospital. The dog’s heartwarming interactions with the children and the joy it brings are transformative. Narrate this touching story of healing, compassion, and mutual growth. Highlight the emotional journey, the power of empathy, and the positive impact animals can have on human health.

The Songbird’s Melody: A songbird with an enchanting voice has to overcome a traumatic event that leaves it too terrified to sing. Write about the bird’s journey to regain its voice, facing fear and rediscovering joy. Focus on the process of healing, the strength of spirit, and the importance of self-expression in overcoming trauma.

The Whispers of the Forest: As a park ranger in a vast national park, you’ve developed a deep connection with the animals living there. Recently, their behaviors indicate a looming threat that you can’t identify yet. Describe your quest to uncover this mystery and protect the forest’s inhabitants. Incorporate themes of environmental conservation, animal intuition, and the interconnectedness of nature.

The Penguin’s Promise: Every year, a certain penguin travels thousands of miles back to a specific beach to meet its lifelong mate. One year, the journey becomes fraught with unexpected challenges. Narrate the penguin’s harrowing journey, emphasizing the themes of loyalty, determination, and the instinctual drive to reunite. Showcase the love story against the backdrop of the harsh yet beautiful Antarctic landscape.

The Old Farm’s Secret: You inherit an old farm where the animals start behaving unusually when a particular tree at the heart of the farm begins to wither. Write about your efforts to unravel this peculiar phenomenon, eventually discovering a secret tied to the farm’s history. Explore themes of heritage, supernatural elements, and the unique bond between nature and the animals.

The Sea Turtle’s Voyage: You’re a baby sea turtle, just hatched on a sandy beach, about to embark on a perilous journey to reach the ocean. Describe your experiences, the dangers faced, and the instinctual urge to reach the sea. Highlight the wonders of nature, the fight for survival, and the beginning of a lifelong oceanic journey.

The City Squirrel’s Tale: Living in an urban park, you’re a clever squirrel that’s learned to thrive amidst the city bustle. Narrate your day-to-day escapades, your interactions with humans and other animals, and your adaptation to city life. Emphasize the themes of survival in an urban environment, animal intelligence, and the co-existence of nature and city.

The Wolf Pack’s Heir: As the young alpha of a wolf pack, you need to ensure the survival of your pack in the harsh wilderness amidst dwindling resources and growing human encroachment. Detail your experiences, the wisdom passed down, and the trials you face as a leader. Highlight the intricacies of wolf pack dynamics, leadership struggles, and the fight for survival.

The Guardian of the Rainforest: You are a jaguar, the apex predator in the Amazon Rainforest, witnessing the detrimental impact of deforestation and climate change on your home. Narrate your story, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the rainforest and the impact of these changes. Incorporate themes of environmental degradation, adaptability, and the balance of the ecosystem.

The Kitten’s Big City Adventure: A young curious kitten accidentally finds itself in a box transported to a bustling city far from its countryside home. Tell the story of the kitten’s adventure as it navigates the cityscape and learns to survive, meeting different animals and humans along the way. Focus on themes of discovery, adaptability, and the power of kindness in unexpected places.

The Dolphin Pod’s Harmony: As part of a dolphin pod, you thrive on complex social interactions, intricate communication, and collaborative hunting strategies. Describe life within your pod, your adventures in the open sea, and the threats you face together. Emphasize the incredible intelligence of dolphins, the beauty of their interactions, and the bonds within the pod.

The Stray Dog’s Second Chance: A worn-out stray dog gets taken in by a caring animal rescue organization and embarks on a transformative journey. Tell the story of this dog’s rehabilitation, training, and eventual adoption into a loving home. Highlight the healing power of love, the spirit of resilience, and the importance of giving second chances.

The Secret Life of Urban Birds: As a sparrow living in a busy city, you and your flock have adapted to urban life in intriguing ways. Describe your everyday encounters, challenges, and the surprising ways in which you thrive. Spotlight the hidden side of urban wildlife, the resilience of nature, and the fascinating behaviors that go unnoticed by humans.

The Wise Owl’s Vigil: As an owl, you silently observe the nocturnal happenings of a vast forest. The forest is facing a significant change that could disrupt its delicate balance. Write about your experiences, the changes you notice, and your role in the ecosystem. Dive into the themes of change, wisdom, and the delicate balance of nature.

The Horse Whisperer’s Apprentice: After showing an unusual knack for communicating with horses, you are chosen to apprentice under a legendary horse whisperer. Write about your training process, the understanding you gain about these majestic creatures, and the powerful bonds you form. Focus on the complexity of equine emotions, the learning journey, and the transformative power of this unique communication.

The Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Trials: You have dedicated your life to saving and rehabilitating injured wildlife. One day, you find a critically injured, rare bird species that’s supposed to be extinct in your region. Describe your experiences nursing it back to health and uncovering the mystery of its presence. Highlight the importance of wildlife rehabilitation, the intrigue of rare species, and the fulfillment derived from saving a life.

The Endangered Rhino’s Stand: You are the last remaining rhino of a critically endangered species in a protected reserve. Conservationists are doing everything they can to ensure your survival. Write about your experiences and perceptions of the human efforts to save your species from extinction. Focus on the critical issues of wildlife conservation, poaching, and the dichotomy of human influence on nature.

The City Park’s Unseen Guardian: As a park ranger in a bustling city park, you’re the silent protector of the park’s diverse animal life, from squirrels and birds to occasional lost pets. Narrate your experiences dealing with various challenges, your bond with the animals, and the joys and sorrows of your unique job. Spotlight the importance of urban wildlife, the human-animal relationship, and the value of compassion in our busy lives.

Founder and Chief Content Curator @ Digital Phrases

I'm a writer, words are my superpower, and storytelling is my kryptonite.

32 Writing Prompts about Animals

Animals bring us humans much joy, and we can learn so much from them. We love to watch nature programs that show all kinds of animals of all shapes and sizes and colors living in their natural habitat. Whether you prefer cuddly pets at home or wild animals in nature, we all have a soft spot for animals. So let’s write about them!

How to use these prompts:

Writing prompts are great because there is no right or wrong way to use them. All you have to do is pick one and let the writing flow!

You can pick a prompt at random and set a timer to write, or pick your favorite and write as much as you can.

There are no limits to your own imagination! Let your animal instincts take over and use those opposable thumbs to get your ideas on paper.

The prompts:

• Which animal would you most like to be?
• If you were an animal, would you rather be taken care of in a zoo or fend for yourself in the wild? Why?
• Would you rather be a turtle or a fish? Why?
• Which animal would you least like to be and why?
• Write a story about an unlikely animal duo, like an elephant and a bird or a cat and mouse.
• Which animals would you not want as a pet and why?
• Would you rather have a chicken or a penguin for a pet? Why?
• What is your favorite kind of bird? Why?
• If you had to be a farm animal, which one would you be and why?
• If dogs could talk, what would you ask them?
• What is your favorite kind of mammal? Why?
• Write about visiting the zoo when it is closed. What animals do you see, and what would you do?
• Pretend you wake up one morning and every animal is wearing clothes. Write about what you experience.
• Would you rather be an animal with wings or fins? Why?
• What do animals eat? Do they all eat the same things?
• Which animals are predators and which are prey in the wild?
• What is your favorite kind of fish? Why?
• How many animals do you think there are in the world? Write a story about all of them going to the same place for a meeting, like in the Lion King.
• Do you think insects count as animals? Why or why not?
• Would you rather be a dolphin or a monkey? Why?
• If pigs could talk, what do you think they would say?
• Would you rather be a horse or a cow? Why? What would you do?
• If you had to be a frog for a day, what would you do? Where would you hop?
• Write a story where you invent a device that makes it possible to talk to animals.
• Do you think animals can talk to each other? Why or why not?
• Would you rather be an animal than a human? Why?
• What kinds of animals have you encountered in your life? (At the zoo, in the wild, etc.)
• Do you prefer dogs or cats? Or another animal? Why?
• Where do you think the most animals live in the world?
• Which animal do you think is the nicest? Why?
• What is your favorite kind of reptile? Why?
• Which animal do you think is the meanest and why?

Looking for more?

We aim to provide a variety of prompts for our writers and readers of all ages! You should make sure to check out our prompts about birds , and the zoo ! Or if you’re in the mood for some introspective writing inspiration, why not try writing about being brave , or about your fears !

If you have any ideas for us, or would like to make a comment or suggestion, please reach out. 🙂

We love to hear from our readers and provide the best resources possible.

Thanks – see you again soon!