Which of the following best describes a feral animal?

Feral animals are typically defined as members of domesticated species that have returned to a wild state, adapting to live independently without human care. These animals often exhibit behaviors and traits associated with wild populations while still originating from domesticated lineage. This contrasts with wildlife animals that have never been domesticated, as they are not feral but rather exist in their natural, undomesticated form.

The other options presented describe different categories of animals and environments. Wild animals that have never been domesticated describe a distinct category separate from feral animals, while animals raised in captivity and those residing in zoo environments indicate human influence and care, which is not applicable to feral animals. Therefore, the best description aligning with the definition of feral animals is that they are domesticated species living as wild animals.