Have you ever wondered why India’s national animal is the tiger, or why Australia chose the kangaroo? Countries around the world pick official animals for reasons that are often fascinating, and sometimes even surprising!Most countries choose animals that are unique to their region or that hold a special place in their history, culture, or traditions. For example, the giant panda is China’s national treasure, not only because it is native to China, but also because it symbolises peace and friendship. In India, the tiger represents strength, bravery, and the country’s rich wildlife.Sometimes, the choice is about sending a message. The United Kingdom, for instance, chose the lion as a symbol of courage and power—even though lions don’t roam the wild in Britain. Similarly, the bald eagle was picked as the United States’ national animal because it symbolises freedom and was found only in North America.Official animals can be chosen by governments, through public polls, or after a lot of debate among experts. Sometimes, more than one animal is chosen for different purposes. For example, Australia has the kangaroo and the emu, both featured on the country’s coat of arms.Having a national animal is about more than just picking a mascot. It helps tell a country’s story, highlights what makes it special, and encourages people to protect these creatures for future generationsVoted in by childrenIn Finland, the national animal (the brown bear) was selected after a nationwide vote where schoolchildren played a big role..National insectThe national animal of Mexico is the golden eagle, but Mexico’s national insect is the grasshopper, important in indigenous culture and cuisine..Some choices are politicalChina selected the giant panda in part to use it as a symbol of diplomacy—pandas have been gifted to other countries to celebrate good relations..Mauritius honours a bird that’s extinctThe dodo, which vanished over 300 years ago, is still the national symbol of Mauritius. Its image appears on the country’s coat of arms, stamps, and currency.Japan’s koi carp The koi carp was chosen because of its ability to swim upstream, a sign of courage and determination in Japanese culture.
