The Animal of the Year is one of the most popular initiatives by the Museum of Natural History, and since the campaign began in 2000, this honour has been awarded to a range of animals: the harbour porpoise, the flying squirrel, the brown bear, the otter, the natterjack toad, the grey wolf, the wild boar, the badger, the eel, and others.

The aim of the Animal of the Year campaign is to draw attention to animals found in Latvia and offer the public the opportunity to learn more about a specific species. Initially, only endangered animal species were nominated for the title, but in recent years exceptions have been made due to current events relevant to other wildlife species or because of visitor interest.

Velga Vītola's photograph used for the original article

https://www.dabasmuzejs.gov.lv/lv/aktualitates/gada-dzivnieks