Optical Illusion: Correctly Identify the Animal That Looks Like a Penguin

An optical illusion is an image that has more than one interpretation and is typically interpreted incorrectly at first. The phenomenon can be both naturally occurring, like a camouflaging animal going unnoticed by looking like its environment, and artificial, such as hypnotic spirals.

Sometimes, illusions are neither evolutionary adaptations nor artistic shapeshifters, but are born purely out of coincidence. One such sight was captured by Brazil-based nature photographer Monique Toth and shows what looks like a penguin.

The animal in question appears to have white underparts, particularly torso, and two black flippers. However, it looks less and less like a penguin the further down you go.

The creature appears anchored to the grass by a surfboard-shaped appendage, as if it were a mermaid. Look closely and the colouration, particularly the white patches, also start to appear suspicious.

Clearly, it’s not a penguin. Right? If you had figured as much, then here’s a challenge for you: identify what animal has been photographed here.

Be advised that mermaids are not any more real than unicorns and can be ruled out.

In case you needed a hint: the animal in the picture may not necessarily have been facing the camera when it was clicked.

Let’s explore that possibility a little further.

Which animal’s dorsal view looks like the abdomen and flippers of a penguin, is tapered at the top and flat at the bottom? Could it be a mammal photographed from behind while looking up at the sky?

What if we told you, you’re really onto something here?

Another clue: if it’s in the grass, then it’s probably a grazing animal.

Still confused? Here’s what Toth’s caption read: “One black and white cow sitting in the middle of the field with grass covering her body, her head is up and looks like a penguin.

Cows with black-and-white fur are called Holsteins, the photographer additionally explained.

If you guessed it before reading the answer, pat yourself on the back.