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World TravelerThe Old World harvest mouse, as its name suggests, is native to Europe and Asia. This one was photographed after journeying across the Atlantic to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska. (Buy or license prints.)

Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark

For Mickey Mouse’s Birthday, 11 Pictures of Real Mice

Mickey made his first appearance in 1928’s Steamboat Willie, and we’re celebrating the anniversary with some of our favorite mice.

ByBecky Little

November 14, 2015

Mickey Mouse turns 87 this Wednesday. To celebrate Walt Disney’s beloved and iconic character, we’ve compiled 11 pictures of cute, cuddly, and spiny mice, most of which are from National Geographic’s Photo Ark.

Photo Ark is a multiyear project with a simple goal—to create portraits of the world’s captive species before they disappear, and to inspire people everywhere to care. Currently the Photo Ark collection includes more than 5,000 species—but photographer Joel Sartore isn't done. His goal is to document the world's 12,000 captive species with the studio lighting and black and white backgrounds that give the collection its iconic look.