A parent’s search for a world map to put up in their son’s room came to a satisfying end after they stumbled upon a map with no political borders, yet it was all they needed. The now-viral image of the world map has
been viewed nearly 4 million times on Elon Musk-owned social media platform X, and it has been receiving rave reviews all around. The highlight of the map? Wild animals. 1,642 to be precise. “I’ve been looking for a world map for my son’s room but I’m very particular about maps and I finally found a perfect one. No political borders just geographic features and 1,642 wild animals,” wrote X user (@cardamomkiss).
The post, for all the good reasons, went viral with big numbers on the platform and ultimately reached the artist behind the intricate layout of the world.
“Thank You For Sharing”
Anton Thomas, the artist and the mastermind behind the “Wild World” map, dropped by and extended gratitude to the parent for sharing their work online. Thomas also shared a purchase link to the world map for sale on his website.
What’s So Special?
Thomas revealed that the world map was hand-drawn, a work that spanned across three lengthy years. The “Wild World” is complete with hand-drawn illustrations of wilderness roaming in their native habitats.
“Hand-drawn with coloured pencil and pen, Wild World took 3 years to complete. Its vast details include 1,642 wild animals, all roaming their native habitats,” read the description on Thomas’s website antonthomasart.
Thomas, on his website, stated that the map was his childhood dream project, one devoid of humans, borders, and cities, highlighting only the wilderness that the planet was blessed with.
“This map is a celebration of nature, set in the present day. It depicts a world that still exists, one we can cherish and protect. Along with its many animals, it’s also a highly detailed physical map (in the Natural Earth projection),” the website further added.
I've been looking for a world map for my son's room but I'm very particular about maps and I finally found a perfect one. No political borders just geographic features and 1,642 wild animals pic.twitter.com/H6c69GQhOE
— 🍃 (@cardamomkiss) December 29, 2025
What Does X Think?
X was onboard with the idea and its sweet execution. Several users were relieved that the insightful project wasn’t another AI art nobody had asked for.
Also Read: Bandar Apna Dost: Why This ‘AI Slop’ Indian YouTube Channel Is Facing Heat On X
A world imagined without focus on borders, political turmoil reminders, and segregation of humans was welcomed by all with open arms.
“This map was hand-drawn with colored pencils and took the artist three years to research and sketch. This is what we lose when we cede the creative arts to AI,” wrote one user on X.
“No borders, no discrimination—just animals and plants. That’s how the world originally was.”
“If I had this as a kid I would get 0 work done and never ever graduate high school because I’d be too busy memorizing where every animal is (sic),” a user sarcastically remarked.
“Quite extraordinary, and beautiful. The artist commented with where to buy one of his maps. Every child could have one for their room.”
“i love parents that are intentional about their kids education, you guys (sic).”
Some, however, felt it was a bit cluttered and could perhaps be overwhelming for the kids, but they were not averse to the idea that had gone behind the Wild World.
“This has to be the best map ever! Slightly cluttered, but I’ll take it that way.”
Not everyone was onboard.
“No political borders” and it’s ceded every inch of the South China Sea to China’s nine-dash line’s militarization of Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia & Taiwan’s EEZ’s… Smh 🤦🏻♂️ https://t.co/sDs52CN6GU pic.twitter.com/hyeSwAhT9P
— Ron Arbuckle (@touchgrass_ron) December 29, 2025
How Much Does It Cost?
The Wild World prints listed on Thomas’s website range from Rs 9,100 to Rs 45,000. These included a regular print and a limited edition. A closer look at Australasia, Europe, and North America was also available as individual prints.
People also amusedly spotted their favourite animals on the viral map including dolphins, squirrels, penguins.
