The Walking Dead: Why Are There No Animal Zombies?

The popularity of The Walking Dead has cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, making it a focal point for discussions on various aspects of the show. One intriguing debate surrounds the absence of animal zombies, creatures that are equally as terrifying as the human zombies but have never been prominently featured. Let's delve into the reasons behind this peculiar omission.

Focus on Human Conflict

The Walking Dead is, at its core, a series that centers on human conflict and survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The show delves deeply into the human psyche, exploring themes of morality, loyalty, and the fragility of society. Introducing animals into the zombie apocalypse could detract from the human-centric storylines and themes, making it hard for the audience to connect with the characters on a personal level.

Infection Mechanics

The show portrays the zombie infection primarily affecting humans. While it is not explicitly stated why animals are not reanimated, the implication is that the virus or pathogen responsible for the outbreak has a specific affinity for human hosts. This particular trait serves to maintain the focus on the human drama and the emotional stakes involved in the story.

Practical Considerations

From a production standpoint, creating realistic animal zombies could be more challenging and costly. The special effects required for animal reanimation might not align with the show's budget or vision, which prioritizes human-centric elements and storytelling. Additionally, incorporating animal zombies could dilute the narrative focus and make it harder to sustain the suspense and tension that are crucial to the show's success.

Existing Lore

In some zombie genres, animal infections lead to aggressive behavior without reanimation, which might be another way to explain their absence in the narrative. This approach allows for the inclusion of non-zombie animals, such as the horse mentioned in Season 5 Episode 13, whose behavior mimics that of a zombie, albeit without reanimation. The"Buttons" incident is a perfect example of how the show can use existing lore to justify the absence of reanimated animal zombies.

Additional Insights into the Wildfire Virus

The virus known as the Firestarter (referred to as the Wildfire virus in the context of The Walking Dead) which caused the zombie apocalypse escaped from a biomedical research facility in France in 2010. This virus is capable of reactivating the primitive parts of the brain of the person who died, making it genetically specific for the human species. It is not known if the virus has mutated to spread to other species within the show's universe. Perhaps the virus was specifically designed for biological warfare, targeting humans to annihilate territorial opponents. In such a scenario, a virus that kills cattle and other food sources would be counterproductive, hence the virus's focus on humans.

Conclusion

The Walking Dead excels in creating a harrowing and immersive post-apocalyptic world where human conflict is at the forefront. The decision to exclude animal zombies is carefully crafted to maintain focus and ensure the narrative remains gripping and emotional. While the absence of animal zombies might seem odd to some viewers, it is a strategic choice that aligns with the show's overall vision and storytelling techniques.

The Horse 'Buttons' Incident in Season 5 Episode 13

In The Walking Dead, Season 5 Episode 13, titled Forget the Walkers, Attack the Horse, the audience is confronted with a particularly intense scene. When the characters kill a horse named 'Buttons' by eating its stomach, there is a moment of silence before a mix of both walker and horse sounds can be heard. The horse is then shown with "pure dead eyes," its head moving like a zombie, before being shot in the face. This moment, occurring at 21:20 in the episode, is a testament to the show's meticulous attention to detail and its ability to blur the line between reality and the supernatural.