national animal

National Animals

Countries around the world choose an animal as an emblem of their country. Nowhere is this more significant than in Africa, which teems with animal life across most of the 50+ countries which comprise this continent. We look at a few examples.

South Africa

The national animal of South Africa is the springbok. Translated directly from Afrikaans, it means “jump antelope.” The name is most apt, because this graceful animal can run very fast and jump as high as four metres into the air. “Springboks” is also the name of the national rugby team. After the country’s first democratic elections in 1994, the new government wanted to change the name of the national team. In an appeal for unity, Nelson Mandela, the nation’s first democratically-elected president, declared that the team should retain their original name. You will find this creature in great abundance on a South African safari.

Botswana

The zebra is the national animal of Botswana. They are beautiful animals and have a lot of stamina. These strong qualities means that the animal holds a special place in the heart of the people and the decision to make it the national animal is most fitting. Botswana gained independence in 1966 and the black and white stripes on the flag reference the zebra and indicates harmony between people of different races. On a safari in Botswana, travellers will inevitably spot a herd of these stunning animals.

Tanzania

The national animal of Tanzania is the giraffe. The Serengeti, which spans across Tanzania and Kenya, is an important location for giraffe research. You can thus imagine that, not only will you see giraffe while on safari in Tanzania, you will see plenty of them.

Kenya

The lion is the national animal of Kenya. It was chosen as a symbol, because this powerful animal represents strength. It is also a member of the famous Big Five, which forms a key feature of many Kenyan safaris.

Namibia

The Namibian national animal is the Oryx, also known as the gemsbok. This animal is present on the national coat of arms and represents courage, elegance and pride. With its distinctive features, this beautiful antelope is easily spotted on a safari in Namibia.

There are many more countries in Africa with a vast multitude of wildlife standing as national symbols. Countries on other continents have selected animals to represent their ideals and values as well. With the characteristics that animals display, both in legend and in fact, it is easy to understand why nations all over the world choose to have this type of emblem.

Do you know what the national animal of your country is?

Originally published on Best Safari.

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