Blue whale and African bush elephant identified as world's largest animals

The blue whale holds the record as the largest animal known to have ever lived, reaching lengths of approximately 98 feet and weights of up to 190 tons. Its heart alone can weigh around 400 pounds, and its tongue can weigh as much as an elephant.

On land, the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the largest living animal. Male specimens typically stand between 10 to 13 feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 6,000 and 12,000 pounds. Other notable large animals include the Asian elephant, the white rhinoceros, and the hippopotamus.