Around the World in 20 Animals: Iconic Creatures by Country

A global safari of national animals and their stories

Animals are not just wildlife—they’re woven into the cultural, historical, and symbolic fabric of countries around the world. From revered beasts in ancient legends to modern conservation icons, national animals represent the essence of a nation’s identity, spirit, and biodiversity. Some are majestic predators, others are humble herbivores—but all are deeply meaningful.

Join us on a virtual safari as we journey Around the World in 20 Animals, exploring the stories behind each nation’s iconic creature.

1. India – Bengal Tiger

The Bengal tiger is one of India’s most celebrated symbols. Featured in mythology, folklore, and royal insignias, the tiger embodies strength, power, and grace. As India’s national animal, it represents the country's rich biodiversity and is a key species in conservation efforts like Project Tiger. Though endangered, tiger numbers have slowly risen due to protective measures.

2. Australia – Red Kangaroo

The red kangaroo, the largest marsupial in the world, is synonymous with the Australian outback. It features prominently on Australia’s coat of arms and currency. More than just a national animal, the kangaroo symbolizes adaptability, resilience, and forward movement—notably, kangaroos can’t walk backward.

3. United States – Bald Eagle

With its fierce eyes and soaring wingspan, the bald eagle has long symbolized freedom and independence. Chosen as the national emblem in 1782, this raptor almost vanished in the 20th century due to DDT poisoning, but it made a triumphant comeback and now thrives across North America.

4. China – Giant Panda

The giant panda is a global conservation icon and an emblem of peace, diplomacy, and gentle strength. Native to mountainous regions in China, pandas are famously picky eaters who consume mostly bamboo. As a national treasure, they’re also used in “panda diplomacy”—loaned to zoos as symbols of goodwill.

5. South Africa – Springbok

Known for its leaping behavior, the springbok is a fast and agile antelope, and a symbol of vitality and national pride. It’s closely tied to South Africa’s sporting identity, especially its world-renowned rugby team, the Springboks. The animal represents both natural heritage and unity post-apartheid.

6. Japan – Japanese Koi (Carp)

While Japan has no official national animal, the koi carp holds deep cultural significance. Revered for its beauty and symbolism, the koi represents perseverance, courage, and success. Its association with strength comes from an old legend about koi swimming upstream and becoming dragons.

7. Russia – Eurasian Brown Bear

The brown bear has long been associated with Russia, appearing in folklore, cartoons, and propaganda. Often misunderstood as a symbol of aggression, it actually represents strength, independence, and endurance. It also embodies Russia’s vast wilderness and powerful national character.

8. New Zealand – Kiwi

This flightless, nocturnal bird is more than a national animal—it’s a nickname for New Zealanders themselves. The kiwi is shy and elusive, but deeply beloved. It symbolizes uniqueness, humility, and connection to the land, and is central to conservation efforts in the country.

9. United Kingdom – Lion

Though lions aren't native to the UK, the lion is deeply embedded in British heraldry and culture. Often depicted in royal coats of arms, the lion represents courage, nobility, and monarchy. It’s a nod to Britain’s historical empire and military strength.

10. Mexico – Golden Eagle

The golden eagle appears on Mexico’s national flag, clutching a snake while perched on a cactus—an image rooted in Aztec mythology. This powerful bird represents heroism, vision, and spiritual power, and has been honored since pre-Hispanic times.

11. Norway – Moose

Known as the "king of the forest," the moose is one of Norway’s most iconic wildlife species. With its massive antlers and quiet strength, it symbolizes nobility, wild nature, and calm resilience. It’s also a favorite subject in Norwegian outdoor culture.

12. Thailand – Elephant

The elephant is a sacred symbol in Thai culture, representing royalty, peace, and wisdom. Historically used in war and labor, elephants are still revered today in festivals, temples, and traditional art. The white elephant, in particular, symbolizes divine power and royal heritage.

13. Canada – North American Beaver

Hardworking, industrious, and clever, the beaver became Canada’s official emblem in 1975. Once hunted for its valuable fur, it now symbolizes resourcefulness, environmental stewardship, and survival. Beavers literally reshape the land with their dams—just as Canadians pride themselves on building a diverse nation.

14. Scotland – Unicorn

Yes, you read that right. Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn—a mythical creature symbolizing purity, power, and mystery. The unicorn appears in Scottish heraldry as a symbol of pride and defiance. It’s a reminder that national symbols don’t have to be real to be meaningful.

15. Kenya – African Lion

Kenya, known for its stunning savannas and wildlife tourism, holds the African lion as a national emblem. Lions represent bravery, leadership, and strength, and are central to Maasai culture. Despite their status, wild lion numbers are declining—making their protection more urgent than ever.

16. Bhutan – Takin

The takin is a bizarre-looking, goat-antelope hybrid found in the Himalayas. It’s Bhutan’s national animal and is believed to have been magically created by a Buddhist saint. The takin represents uniqueness, spiritual mysticism, and Bhutan’s deep connection to its mountainous environment.

17. Indonesia – Komodo Dragon

The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard and a true prehistoric predator. Found only in Indonesia, it symbolizes fearlessness, power, and biodiversity. As a national animal, it draws attention to Indonesia’s rare and sometimes dangerous natural heritage.

18. Philippines – Carabao (Water Buffalo)

A vital farm animal in the Philippines, the carabao represents hard work, patience, and strength. It's celebrated in festivals and rural life and symbolizes the strong ties between the Filipino people and their agricultural roots.

19. Finland – Brown Bear

Like Russia, Finland’s forests are home to the brown bear, and the Finns hold this majestic creature in high regard. It embodies wisdom, strength, and a deep respect for nature. The bear has also played an important role in ancient Sami shamanism and Finnish folklore.

20. Brazil – Jaguar

The jaguar, the top predator of South America’s rainforests, symbolizes power, beauty, and freedom in Brazil. It’s featured in Indigenous myths and is a flagship species for conservation in the Amazon. Though rarely seen, its presence is crucial to ecosystem health.

More Than Mascots: Why National Animals Matter

National animals aren’t just symbols—they reflect the soul of a country. They often represent the values a nation aspires to: courage, freedom, endurance, humility, or harmony with nature. Many also serve as ambassadors for conservation, reminding citizens of the wildlife that shares their land and history.

For example:

• The panda has helped raise global awareness of endangered species.

• The tiger has become a rallying point for protecting India’s forests.

• The kiwi has galvanized national pride in New Zealand’s unique ecosystems.

When chosen thoughtfully, national animals can inspire pride and responsibility, reminding us of our role as caretakers of the Earth.

Final Thoughts: A Passport to Planet Earth

From the quiet kiwi to the roaring lion, each animal on this list tells a story—not just about nature, but about people, culture, and national identity. They are more than symbols; they are threads in the fabric of their nations. By protecting these animals and understanding their roles in our shared history, we also protect our planet’s future.

So next time you look at a flag, a coin, or a coat of arms, remember: behind every emblem lies a wild, beating heart.

🐾 Want More?

Explore more articles on national parks, endangered species, and wildlife travel destinations in future posts. Want help planning a wildlife-inspired itinerary around these animals? Just ask!