London Zoo: Animals of Norway

I am regularly asked where I get my ideas for these animal columns. The answer is that ideas come from research articles, random conversations, and my own experiences. This week, I chose my topic for a unique reason: My dad, who edits all my columns, is planning a trip to Norway and I thought he’d get a kick out of reading a column that ties into his travels.

Norway’s national animal is the Norwegian elk, which is also called the Norwegian elg. It is the same species known in the New World as the moose, where the elk refers to a different species completely. The Norwegian elk is the largest species of deer, reaching over 2 meters at the shoulder and weighing up to 700 kilograms. Their antlers are more than a meter across. Norwegian elk are herbivores, eating aquatic plants, leaves, twigs, and new buds. They are excellent swimmers, able to swim 10 kilometers at a time. Though the designation of national animal is not official, the Norwegian Elk is an important symbol of Norway, representing the quiet strength of its wilderness.