1. The Saiga Antelope 🦌
Scientific Name: Saiga tatarica
Habitat: Central Asia (but currently living its best life in the middle of Costco)
Diet: Grasses, shrubs, and Costco’s leftover rotisserie chicken (but don’t tell anyone).
The star of the show, the Saiga Antelope is a wild, critically endangered species known for its distinctive bulbous nose. We’ve given the Saiga a comfortable habitat in the middle of the Costco store, surrounded by towering stacks of bulk goods and a never-ending supply of snacks (but don't even think about feeding it your hot dog). The Saiga is mostly seen pacing between aisles or attempting to blend in with the giant inflatable bears, so keep an eye out—you never know when this elusive creature might make an appearance!
Fun Fact: The Saiga’s nose helps filter out dust and regulate body temperature, making it the ultimate survivalist—even if it's living in a Costco.
2. The Inflatable Flamingos 🦩
Scientific Name: Inflatabilis flamingoicus
Habitat: The Snack Shack, Pool Area (sometimes near the bulk-size ketchup)
Diet: Air (they don't eat anything—lucky them).
While not technically “wildlife,” the Inflatable Flamingos play an important role in the ecosystem of Saiga’s Costco Safari. These colorful, wobbly creatures can be found floating around the Snack Shack or occasionally propped up near the bulk condiment aisle. They serve as a fun photo op for guests and a peaceful reminder that not everything in life needs to be taken too seriously.
Fun Fact: These flamingos are known for their ability to make people smile, especially after they’ve tried the Saiga-Size Pretzel Sticks.
3. The Giant Inflatable Safari Animals 🦁🐘
Species: Lions, Tigers, Elephants, and Giraffes (all inflatable)
Habitat: Around the Store, mainly near the entrance and the party area
Diet: Zero calories (these guys are inflated, after all).
As part of our Safari Extravaganza theme, we’ve brought in some of the largest (and least realistic) animals you’ll ever meet—inflatable lions, tigers, elephants, and giraffes. These towering figures create a whimsical jungle atmosphere, perfect for the adventurous spirit. They’re a great way for kids (and adults) to pretend they’re on a grand safari without ever leaving Costco.
Fun Fact: The giraffe is taller than the Saiga’s entire enclosure. This is factually true, but also a bit sad.
4. The Rubber Chicken Herd 🐔
Scientific Name: Gallus domestica (but very much not alive)
Habitat: The Food Court (under the watchful eye of Costco’s rotisserie chickens)
Diet: Pretend worms (since they’re rubber, they don’t eat much).
Not a typical zoo animal, but certainly a beloved fixture at Saiga’s Costco Safari, the Rubber Chicken Herd is a collection of squeaky, bouncy, rubber chickens scattered across the store. The chickens don’t interact much with the Saiga (who finds them somewhat disturbing), but they are a fun addition for anyone looking for a quick laugh or a ridiculous photo opportunity. Keep an eye on them—they might just “escape” from the rubber poultry pen when you're not looking!
Fun Fact: The chickens do not lay eggs. They are entirely made of rubber, which is honestly for the best.
5. The Curious Costco Shopping Cart Ducks 🦆
Scientific Name: Cartus usmobiles
Habitat: Aisles 5-9, the checkout lanes, and occasionally the frozen food section
Diet: Costco snacks (they’ll steal your crackers if you leave them unattended).
A rather unexpected resident of Saiga’s Costco Safari, the Costco Shopping Cart Ducks have found their niche in the warehouse ecosystem. Often seen following customers around, these ducks have become notorious for hopping in and out of shopping carts, quacking at the largest boxes of cereal, and even attempting to commandeer your snacks as you walk down the aisles. They’re persistent, but they’re harmless, and you’ll always know where they are by the sound of their quacking (especially near the free samples).
Fun Fact: These ducks are incredibly determined—if you’re not careful, they’ll follow you all the way to the parking lot.
6. The Costco Otters (Inflatable) 🦦
Scientific Name: Inflatabilis otterus
Habitat: The Inflatable Animal Section near the bedding aisle
Diet: They do not eat. They float.
Another fun addition to our not-so-typical animal collection, the Inflatable Costco Otters are here to add a touch of whimsy. These otters are bouncy, floatable, and always smiling, offering perfect moments for selfies as you explore the store. Kids can climb on them, bounce them around, or just giggle at their cheeky, floating faces.
Fun Fact: The otters may not be able to swim, but they sure are great at defying the laws of physics by staying inflated.
7. The Mysterious Costco Raccoons (Sometimes Real) 🦝
Scientific Name: Procyon lotor (if real, that is)
Habitat: Outside near the loading dock, but sometimes found inside (beware!)
Diet: Whatever’s in your shopping cart.
On rare occasions, you may encounter an actual raccoon or two in the parking lot. These elusive creatures tend to be nighttime wanderers who make their way into the store during late hours in search of snacks and random treasures. While we do our best to ensure the safer side of Costco is raccoon-free, we do embrace the fact that sometimes the wild finds its way in, and that includes the occasional raccoon raid near the trash cans or snack section.
Fun Fact: Raccoons are master scavengers, which is why we’re always keeping an eye out for them when we’re closing up for the night.
A Visit to Saiga’s Costco Safari is Always a Surprise!
At Saiga’s Costco Safari, we like to think of our animal residents as a mix of the wild and the wonderfully wacky. Whether you're encountering the real Saiga Antelope, having your picture taken with an inflatable giraffe, or dodging a rogue rubber chicken, there’s never a dull moment. Come for the Saiga, stay for the surprises, and get ready for an adventure through Costco like no other.