Rockstar has confirmed that there will be over 170 animal species in Leonida. But that's just a number; the animals actually seen in trailers and official previews give us a much clearer list.

How many species and what's the source?

According to Game Informer's September 29, 2026 GTA 6 preview, Leonida features more than 170 animal species, with over 60 of them being birds. Rockstar announced this number with an approach similar to Red Dead Redemption 2's wildlife system; they aim to make the game world not just a backdrop, but a living ecosystem to explore.

Among the species mentioned in the preview are alligator, manatee, flamingo, pelican, shark, whale, stingray, turtle, jellyfish, iguana, and macaque. This list fits perfectly with the Florida-inspired swamps and coastal habitats of the game.

Animals actually seen in the trailers

It's one thing to announce a number, but seeing them on screen is another. From the first trailer in 2023 to the Extended Look on August 27, 2026, here are the animals spotted so far:

• American alligator (appearing in a backyard in one scene, in front of a store in another)
• Wetland birds like flamingos and herons
• Wild boar
• Brown pelican
• Sea turtle (believed to be a loggerhead based on footage)
• Seagulls and flocks of birds on power lines
• Schools of fish

The Extended Look trailer also highlighted two pet moments: Jason and Lucia encountering an adoptable dog in an apartment, and a chihuahua dressed in a purple tutu and fairy wings in the trailer's final scene. That moment quickly became one of the most talked-about scenes.

Inspection system: Following RDR2's footsteps

Interacting with animals in GTA 6 goes beyond visuals. Gameplay footage shows that holding the L2 button brings up options like Scold, Pet or Inspect for the character, mirroring the inspection mechanic from Red Dead Redemption 2.

According to Game Informer, animals are classified into three tiers: Rare, Discoverable, and Legendary. The identities of legendary animals remain a secret for now. It's also confirmed that there will be a visitable zoo in the game, but details about this activity haven't been shared yet.

When will we know more?

GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no PC version at launch. Rockstar is expected to reveal more footage before release, so the confirmed animal list will keep growing. For now, one thing is certain: Leonida’s swamps, coasts, and city streets will be teeming with wildlife, not just people.

And for those looking to get their platform ready before launch, here’s a quick reminder.