A nation can have an animal, a tree, a bird, or an object as its national symbol. For example, the Bald Eagle is the national animal of the United States of America. It was adopted as a symbol of national significance by the Continental Congress on June 20th 1782. The design of the Bald Eagle holding 13 arrows, and a 13-leaf olive branch has been the same since its inception.
National symbols are extremely important, as they represent certain aspects which are considered to be of national significance for the country and its people. These symbols may or may not appear on the national flag, emblem, or coat of arms. It is important to understand that national symbols should never be confused with the less formal symbols that are usually associated with clichés.
National Animals of Countries Around the World
Now let's move on to the various national animals of countries around the world. Some countries pick just one animal; others honor several at once. Watch the conservation status next to each one — you'll spot how many of these proud symbols now need our protection.
Blue Marlin and Flamingo (Bahamas)
The Bahamas chose two very different animals: the powerful blue marlin of the open sea and the bright pink flamingo of the shallows.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable and NA
Takin and Druk (Bhutan)
Bhutan honors the takin, a shaggy mountain animal that looks like a cross between a goat and an ox, alongside the Druk — the Thunder Dragon from Bhutanese legend.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable and Mythological Creature
Persian Leopard, Asiatic Lion, Persian Fallow Deer, Persian Cat, Mugger Crocodile, and Asiatic Cheetah (Iran)
Iran celebrates a whole cast of animals, from the rare Persian leopard and Asiatic lion to the elegant Persian cat. Sadly, most of them are in trouble in the wild.
IUCN Status: Endangered, Endangered, Endangered, NA, Vulnerable, and Critically Endangered
Aurochs (Moldova)
The aurochs was a giant wild ox and the ancestor of today's cattle. Moldova keeps it as a national symbol even though the last one died out long ago.
IUCN Status: Extinct
European Rabbit, Wood Mouse and European Hedgehog (Monaco)
Tiny Monaco picks small, gentle animals to match: the European rabbit, the wood mouse, and the spiky little European hedgehog.
IUCN Status: Near Threatened, Least Concern, and Least Concern
Carabao (Philippines)
The carabao is a hard-working water buffalo. For farmers in the Philippines it is a faithful helper in the rice fields, which is why it became a national symbol.
IUCN Status: Least ConcernFrequently Asked Questions
What is the national animal of the United States?
The bald eagle, adopted as a national symbol by the Continental Congress on June 20th, 1782.
What is the most popular national animal in the world?
The lion is the most popular national animal in the world.
Can a national symbol be something other than an animal?
Yes. A nation can have an animal, a tree, a bird, or an object as its national symbol.
Which national animal is extinct?
The aurochs, the national animal of Moldova, is extinct.
European Bison, White Stork and Bielik Eagle (Poland)
Poland's symbols include the mighty European bison — Europe's heaviest land animal — plus the white stork and the white-tailed Bielik eagle that appears on its coat of arms.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable, Least Concern, and Least Concern
Rufous-vented Chachalaca and Scarlet Ibis (Trinidad and Tobago)
This twin-island nation picks one bird for each island: the cocrico (rufous-vented chachalaca) and the dazzling, bright-red scarlet ibis.
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Dragon, Water Buffalo and Tiger (Vietnam)
Vietnam mixes legend and real life: the dragon from its founding myths, the steady water buffalo of its farms, and the powerful tiger of its forests.
IUCN Status: Mythological Creature, NA, and EndangeredTake the National Animals Quiz!
5 quick questions. Find out how much you really know about the world's national animals.
Sable Antelope (Zimbabwe)
The sable antelope is a handsome animal with a glossy black coat and long, sweeping horns. It is a proud national symbol of Zimbabwe.
IUCN Status: Least ConcernKouprey (Cambodia)
The kouprey is a rare wild ox and the national animal of Cambodia. It is so rare that scientists are not even sure if any are still alive today.
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
It is really unfortunate to see that most of the animals and birds mentioned here are on the verge of extinction. For centuries, humans have underestimated how important animals are for keeping nature in balance. It is up to us to protect these amazing natural treasures and make our world a more beautiful place. If reading this list made you curious, you can discover many more animals that need our help on our endangered animals list.
Explore More Animals
Scientific Names of AnimalsA brief write-up on two-part scientific names of animals, which will explain how and why these names are used for each and every animal species on the planet.
Forest Animals List: A Field Guide to Who Lives in the WoodsFrom rainforest to taiga, meet the mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and amphibians of the world's forests, plus the endangered species fighting to survive.
A List of Endangered Animals From Every ContinentFrom the Bengal tiger and giant panda to the mountain gorilla and polar bear: a continent-by-continent list of the world's endangered animals, with photos.
Tropical Rainforest Animals List: A Guide to the Jungle's WildlifeFrom jaguars and harpy eagles to poison dart frogs, orangutans and sloths, meet the astonishing animals of the world's tropical rainforests, the richest habita
Fun fact for today!The lion is the most popular national animal in the world — more countries have chosen it than any other animal!