From mythical to extinct: 5 national animals that tell unusual stories

When we think of national animals, most of us picture powerful and familiar creatures – a lion, a tiger, maybe an eagle. It’s usually about strength and pride. But not every country sticks to the obvious.Some have picked animals that are rarely seen in the wild. Some have chosen species that are slowly disappearing. And in one case, the national animal isn’t even real.Here’s a closer look at five such unusual picks and the stories behind them.Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn. Yes, the same mythical creature we’ve all heard about. The choice goes back a long way and comes from old legends. The unicorn was seen as a symbol of purity and strength, but also independence, something that couldn’t be easily controlled. That idea connected strongly with Scotland’s identity.China’s national animal, the giant panda, is loved around the world. But there was a time when its future didn’t look very secure.For years, pandas struggled because of habitat loss and low birth rates. Their numbers dropped, and they were listed as endangered. Thanks to focused conservation efforts, things have improved, but they are still not easy to spot in the wild.Mauritius has chosen the dodo as its national animal, even though the bird went extinct hundreds of years ago.The dodo was a flightless bird that couldn’t survive after humans arrived on the island. Hunting and other changes led to its quick disappearance.Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, is not very well known, and it definitely doesn’t look ordinary. It has a large, sturdy body with features that remind you of both a goat and a cow. The takin is deeply connected to Bhutan’s culture and beliefs. It is also considered vulnerable, which makes its protection even more important.Madagascar’s national animal, the ring-tailed lemur, is easy to recognize because of its long, striped tail. These animals live only in Madagascar, which makes them unique. But their habitat is shrinking, and that’s putting pressure on their population.Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)