Vancouver, BC, June 21, 2020
Every year on Canada day we are reminded about the greatness and beauty of our country and everything it has to offer.
Just looking at the nature and wildlife is an extraordinary adventure. The nature of the second largest country in the world is overwhelmingly diverse, ranging from the coasts to the high mountains of the Rocky Mountains, from the subpolar tundra in the territories and north of Québec to the mild wine regions of British Columbia. The flora and fauna in Canada are very different depending on the region and Province, depending on your destination. Most travelers look forward to seeing animals in the wild. Canada's national parks, particularly, are great spots for experiencing animals in their natural environment. We have compiled a small hit list of the most popular animal photo subjects from Canada: Bears, Bison, Beaver, Moose, Wolves, Lynxes, Cougars, Seals, Whales and a lot of Birds.
But the most popular animal is, of course, our national animal “the Beaver”.
The beaver is an icon here in Canada. Even long before the 1985 National Symbol of Canada Act came into force, which made the beaver, especially the Castor Canadensis, the official symbol of Canadian sovereignty.
Almost every country is proud to have an animal as a national symbol. We put together a few with interesting facts. Do you have a friend in or coming from one of these countries? We have the right gift for their next birthday or other occasion:
Scotland - Probably the strangest of the national animals:
My path now leads me to Europe, more precisely to Scotland, and here it is getting strange again. The Scots have chosen a national animal that actually only exists in legends, because a unicorn has never really seen anyone. You will find the unicorn not only as a statue in several Scottish cities, but also on house walls and especially as a heraldic animal. Did you notice that it is chained to most of the representations? The Scots have a simple explanation ready, because during the Middle Ages the unicorn was considered a pretty dangerous creature that could only be tied in chains. And don't think everyone could! Only virgins had the power to tame such a fierce unicorn.
China's cute pandas - in harmony with nature:
The panda as a national symbol for friendship, peace and happiness has a long 
tradition in China. The panda was seen as an invincible animal that far exceeded even the tiger in strength. As a sign of power and strength, Chinese rulers liked to put panda furs around their shoulders, which should not only make an impression, but should also prevent illness and mischief. And can you imagine what the colors of the fur still remind many Chinese? Right, the Ying and Yang sign, which also consists of a black and a white half. The panda's calm behavior, paired with its white and black fur, exudes balance and harmony. I don't know about you, but the amiable clumsy people do exactly that for me.
The Eurasian brown bear - embodying the strength and size of Russia:
The animal has appeared in caricatures, articles and plays since the 16th century, depending on the era it refers to the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union or the current Russian Federation. The bear is the national symbol of Russia, belongs to Russian mythology and is something like the embodiment of Russia. But "Masha and the Bear" present the bear as a likeable contemporary - a targeted component of Russia's hybrid warfare: Russia should also be likeable! Unsurprisingly, in the West, especially in the United States, the Russian bear conveyed the image of an awkward brutal.
Happy Canada Day! Enjoy Canadas wildlife locally this year and stay safe.
Your TROIKA Canada team
