Wholphins, Ligers, And Other Crazy Animals Hybrids (PHOTOS)

You've probably seen a hybrid in your time. The mule is a hybrid between the horse and a donkey. Plants and flowers are frequently mixed to create new, fantastic colors. But sometimes mixing up two species seems just plain wrong.

As a matter of fact, The New York Times reports that some biologists estimate that as many as 10 percent of animal species and up to 25 percent of plant species may occasionally breed with another species.

The result may sometimes be a distinct new species that is stronger or larger than the originals (like the terrifying prospect of a rock python and Burmese python in Florida) but often the hybrid is a genetic dead end, infertile and unable to reproduce.

We've rounded up some amazing examples of animals that have been bred in captivity, or have even found each other in the wild to produce a brand new animal.