What is the best national animal?

Countries pick an animal to stand for them, and the choices say as much about the country as the creature. Lions, tigers, eagles, kangaroos and one unicorn are all on the ballot.

1

Lion

National animal of Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, the Netherlands and more.

2

Tiger

National animal of India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and North Korea.

3

Bald Eagle

The United States' emblem since 1782.

4

Kangaroo

Australia's emblem, chosen partly because it cannot walk backwards.

5

Giant Panda

China's diplomatic mascot as much as its national animal.

6

Beaver

Canada's emblem, and the animal its fur trade was built on.

7

Kiwi

New Zealand's flightless icon, and its people's own nickname.

8

Gallic Rooster

France's unofficial emblem, born of a Latin pun.

9

Thai Elephant

Thailand's sacred national animal.

10

Golden Eagle

Mexico's emblem, on the flag with a serpent in its beak.

11

Springbok

South Africa's national animal and rugby namesake.

12

Unicorn

Scotland's national animal, and the only mythical one on this list.

13

Welsh Dragon

Wales' red dragon, one of the oldest flags still flown.