# 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.

*By YPB Team · Published August 6, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-national-animal*

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## Current results (0 votes)

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.

Tags: nature, animals, classics