The African hunting safari will take you to some of the most primitive as well as modern places all across Africa. From the lush forests to the expansive savannahs to the tumbling waterfalls to the lofty mountains there is a land of beauty as well as magnificence that awaits you providing you with the opportunity to hunt the best magnificent trophy animals in complete safety.

No Shortage Of Choices

The choices of African hunting safaris are many and you would like the South African safari that has a very spectacular landscape that is much appreciated all across the world. The plateaus of Zimbabwe and its intertwined hills and valleys provide hunters with good gaming opportunities.

There is also Botswana with scrubby savannahs and sandy basins as well as the great Kalahari Desert to provide varied game. The last frontier in Africa is certainly Tanzania which has the Rift Valley as well as vast plains that add a different dimension to the African hunting safari. And, if you wish to go great cat hunting, then take the African hunting safari in Zambia which has flat hills as well as huge valleys that have many of these creatures waiting for you to aim at.

You can shoot with your gun, or with your camera and the African hunting safari gives you the opportunity to shoot different big game including the lion, elephant, leopard as well as antelopes, hippos, giraffes and a whole lot more. You will also find the aardwolf as well as zebra in your sights on an African hunting safari.

You will certainly love the African hunting safari as you bounce on the back of an old jeep in your search for big game including elephants, tigers, gazelles as well as rhinoceroses. Since these animals are usually not found in captivity seeing them live is a big thrill in itself. Also, African hunting safaris have undergone a sea change and they are not all about killing animals, since many of them are protected. The photographer is more welcome and the excitement is the same.

You might choose to go for a night African hunting safari so that you can catch nocturnal animals such as lions, or you may choose to go in a small group aboard a jeep, or be one amongst a large group. You may have to spend the nights in tent villages which mean that often you don’t have to venture too far out to see the animals graze. In any case, your guide would know all the watering holes as well as places where to track animals that you are interested. Check with them and they’ll most willing to give you good advice.

Originally published here.

World Heritage Sites in India

With the aim to restore and properly maintain the heritage (old) structures, properties of natural importance etc., UNESCO has designated a number of sites across the world as Heritage sites. An ancient land, India has a 5,000 years old history and has been ruled by various dynasties and rulers. Over the centuries the rulers had erected a number of interesting structures across the country. Today those rulers are no more, but the old structures provide a glimpse of the bygone era. For proper maintenance and promoting the sites, UNESCO has designated a number of sites as World Heritage Site. Besides, the places of cultural importance, UNESCO has listed a number of natural properties in heritage list. India has 27 World heritage sites which draw tourists from across the world.

Agra Fort (Agra, Uttar Pradesh – 1983) – Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century, the massive fort is located close to world famous Taj Mahal. Also known as the Red Fort of Agra, the fort houses a number of magnificent structures within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls. Some of the important structures inside the fort are Jahangir Palace, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and two very beautiful mosques.

Ajanta Caves (Aurangabad, Maharashtra – 1983) – Ajanta Caves, the first Buddhist cave monuments date from the 2nd and 1 st centuries B.C. However, with the time during the Gupta period ((5th and 6th centuries A.D.) and ahead many more richly decorated caves were added. The sculptures and painting at Ajanta are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.

Ellora Caves (Aurangabad, Maharashtra – 1983) — Situated close to Ajanta caves, the Ellora complex is home to 34 monasteries and temples dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. With its series of monuments dating from 600 A.D to 1,000 A.D, Ellora Caves bring the civilization of ancient India to life. Ellora houses

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh — 1989) — The monasteries at situated 40 kms from Bhopal on a hill overlooking the plain. The site comprises of a group of Buddhist monuments (monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries) dating back to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi is the oldest Buddhist site in existence and it was a major Buddhist centre in India until the 12th century A.D.

Champaner — Pavagadh Archaeological Park (Panchmahal, Gujarat – 2004) — The site is dotted with unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties including prehistoric (chalcolithic) sites, a hill fortress of an early Hindu capital, and remains of the 16th-century capital of the state of Gujarat. The site also houses fortifications, palaces, religious buildings, residential precincts, agricultural structures and water installations, from the 8th to 14th centuries.

Churches and Convents of Goa (Old Goa – 1986) — Once the capital of the Portuguese, Old Goa is home to a number of churches and convents. The heritage sites include the Church of Bom Jesus, which contains the tomb of St Francis-Xavier — illustrate the evangelization of Asia.

Elehanta Caves (Kolaba, Maharashtra — 1987) — Set on an island close to Mumbai, the Elephant caves a fine collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. At Elephanta caves the Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, which can be seen on the huge high reliefs in the main cave.

Fatehpur Sikri (Agra, Uttar Pradesh — 1986) — Fatehpur Sikri meaning the City of Victory was build during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar. The town was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The deserted town houses complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, including the Jama Masjid.

Great Living Chola Temples (South India, 1987) — Built by the great Chola rulers, the temples stretch all of South India and the neighbouring islands. The site includes three massive 11th- and 12th-century Temples including the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.

Group of Monuments at Hampi (Bellary, Karnataka — 1986) – Hampi was the last capital of the last Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. Its princes built Dravidian temples and palaces which attracted travellers between the 14th and 16th centuries and still draw people from far and near.

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (Chingleput, Tamil Nadu – 1984) — Founded by the Pallava Kings, the monuments in the 7th and 8th centuries, this site is known especially for its rathas (chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (Bijapur, Karnataka – 1987) — Ruler by the Chalukyas in the 7th and 8th centuries, the monuments are known for architectural forms from northern and southern India. Here one can see an impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary.

Humayun’s Tomb Delhi (1993) – Built in 1570, the tomb is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. In fact, the tomb later inspired several major architectural innovations, including the construction of the Taj Mahal.

Khajuraho group of monuments (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh – 1986) — Constructed by Chandella rulers between 950 and 1050 A.D, the temples are known for their erotic sculptures. Originally there were around 86 temples, but now only 20 temples categorized into three distinct groups and belong to Hindus and Jains.

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya (Bihar — 2002) — One of the four holy sites related to the Lord Buddha, the Mahabodhi temple complex houses temples and the tree where Buddha supposed to took enlightenment. Mahabodhi Temple Complex draws Buddhists from across the globe.

Mountain Railways of India (West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, 1999) — The heritage site includes the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in West Bengal state and Nigiri Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu State. Built by the British, the railway passes through winding treks in mountains. Mountain railway was highly significant in facilitating population movement in the British colonial era and still today serve as a convenient mode of transport to hill stations.

Qutub Minar and its monuments (Delhi — 1993) – Built in the early 13th century, the Qutub Minar is 72.5 m high, tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base. The tower is surrounded by structures of archaeological importance such as funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and two mosques, including the Quwwatu’l-Islam, built of materials reused from some 20 Brahman temples.

Red Fort Complex (Delhi — 2007) — Situated in the heart of Old Delhi, the Red Fort Complex was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad. Named for its massive red sandstone enclosing walls, the fort is home to a number of magnificent structures including Diwan — I — Khas and Diwan — I — Aam.

Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh — 1993) — Set in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains, the Rock Shelters are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the 21 villages adjacent to the site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings.

Sun Temple, Konark (Puri, Orissa, 1984) – Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, the Sun temple is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya’s chariot. Built in the 13th century, the sun temple is one of India’s most famous Brahman sanctuaries. Its 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs and it is led by a team of six horses.

Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 1983) — One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal is a picturesque mausoleum of white marble. Built in between 1631 and 1648 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India.

Kaziranga National Park (Assam, 1985) — Situated in the heart of Assam, this park is one of the last areas in eastern India undisturbed by a human presence. Kaziranga is known for the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of birds.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur, Rajasthan, 1985) — Once the duck-hunting reserve of the Rajput Maharajas, Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the major wintering areas for large numbers of aquatic birds. Here you can see some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane. The national park is also known as Bharatpur National Park.

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam, 1985) — One of the important wildlife parks of India, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is known for the good population of one-horned rhinoceros. Manas sanctuary is also home to a great variety of wildlife, including many endangered species, such as the tiger, pygmy hog and Indian elephant.

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (Uttarakhand, 1988) – Nestled high in West Himalaya, in the state of Uttarkhand, Valley of Flowers National Park is noted for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty. This park is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. Set amidst rugged mountain Nanda Devi National Park also provides shelter to a variety of floral and faunal species. Both these national parj together encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya.

Sunderbans National Park (West Bengal, 1987) – World’s largest delta, the Sundarbans covers 10,000 kms of land and water (more than half of it in India, the rest in Bangladesh). Sunderbans is renowned for housing world’s largest area of mangrove forests. Here you can spot a number of rare or endangered species including tigers, aquatic mammals, birds and reptiles.

Originally published here.

So, you have done the vacation thing — winters in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, summers in Europe, spring holidays spent on the sun warmed beaches of South America — and now you are wondering just what is left in the way of a holiday destination. And anyone tired of more traditional vacations or for anyone seeking thrills and adventure — not to mention excitement and exotic culture — should be a holiday safari in the lush, beautiful wilds of Africa.

People automatically think of animals when they hear the word “safari,” and while animals are certainly a large and interesting part of any Safari in Africa, they are by no means the only part.

There are a wide variety of activities offered in most holiday safari packages. There are riding and walking tours, during which visitors can see not only game but also breathtaking scenery and depending on the region of Africa, motorboat tours, canoe trips and the self drive itineraries can ensure you get to unearth the hidden Africa.

Visit local tribes and Bushmen, learn about customs and cultures, and take part in game drives and hikes, which are a staple when on Safari.

Observing animals in their natural habitat is a tradition among holiday safaris in Africa and instead of asking what kind of animals you should expect to see on an African safari. A better question would be to question which can you might not expect to see! The Big Five, referring to leopards, lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceroses, can almost always be found, drinking from watering holes, lounging the heat of the day away, or hunting food (or prey, as the case may be), but they are by no means the only animals you can see. And again, depending on the region of Africa where the safari takes place, visitors can enjoy a diverse range of birds and not to mention giraffes, gazelles, wildebeests, and alligators.

In between all of these exciting, adventurous activities, there is also ample time for rest and relaxation, whether it be reading or napping through the balmy heat of midday or taking leisurely tours through the bush. And after a long day, there is no greater retreat than to enjoy the beautiful African sunset, while looking onto the breathtaking countryside. So experience the raw, primal world of nature for yourself and learn about the rich local cultures and customs by booking your own Safari holiday in Africa, which is sure to offer something for everyone.

Links:

http://www.visionsofafrica.co.uk/
http://www.visionsofafrica.co.uk/destination.asp
http://www.visionsofafrica.co.uk/brochure.asp]

Originally published here.

Get the Disney World Tickets to enter into the theme parks of Disney land. Preferably, you can purchase it online to save time. Surely, you are going to refresh yourself by experiencing this majestic world. So, select Walt Disney World Resort as your destination for your holiday tour. Disney world consists of four theme parks and two water parks. Besides these, shopping center, restaurants, entertainment and recreation center are also available.

Animal kingdom is one of the most interesting theme parks among those four theme parks. You will be surprised by its natural charming. This theme park is separated into seven distinct areas. The animals roam around the park and you can have a great safari ride to see their activities. Animal Kingdom Park is symbolized as tree of life. Here you’ll find kangaroos, flamingos, axis deer and many more.

So, get Disney Animal Kingdom Tickets and just take an open-sided safari vehicle for an expedition seeing many African animals. Animals from Africa freely roam through acres of savanna, rivers and rocky hills. The guests can see giraffes, hippos, elephants, lions, rhinoceroses and other animals. Apart from these you will see dinosaur, dragon and other dangerous animals of past. Don’t get afraid because these animals of past are all in artificial form.

Water Park is also another attraction in Disney land. You can experience artificially created waves by making a watery adventure. One thing you need to make sure is that in winter the parks usually get closed. So you have to take information in advance regarding that matter if you are dying to enjoy the adventures of the water Park.

Otherwise, buy the Water Park Tickets and just jump down into the water and see how adventurous your journey is. One thing you have to keep in mind is about your kid’s safety. Actually, all Disney parks have lifeguards, usually wearing bright red suits, but, to be safe, make yourself the first line of safety for the kids in your crew.

The tickets you purchased for entering into Disney world has some rules. It expiries within 14days of its first use. And the other thing is you have to pay a per day visit into the parks you selected, before your tickets get expired.

Originally published here.

So, you have done the vacation thing — winters in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, summers in Europe, spring holidays spent on the sun warmed beaches of South America — and now you are wondering just what is left in the way of a holiday destination. And anyone tired of more traditional vacations or for anyone seeking thrills and adventure — not to mention excitement and exotic culture — should be a holiday safari in the lush, beautiful wilds of Africa.

People automatically think of animals when they hear the word “safari,” and while animals are certainly a large and interesting part of any Safari in Africa, they are by no means the only part.

There are a wide variety of activities offered in most holiday safari packages. There are riding and walking tours, during which visitors can see not only game but also breathtaking scenery and depending on the region of Africa, motorboat tours, canoe trips and the self drive itineraries can ensure you get to unearth the hidden Africa.

Visit local tribes and Bushmen, learn about customs and cultures, and take part in game drives and hikes, which are a staple when on Safari.

Observing animals in their natural habitat is a tradition among holiday safaris in Africa and instead of asking what kind of animals you should expect to see on an African safari. A better question would be to question which can you might not expect to see! The Big Five, referring to leopards, lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceroses, can almost always be found, drinking from watering holes, lounging the heat of the day away, or hunting food (or prey, as the case may be), but they are by no means the only animals you can see. And again, depending on the region of Africa where the safari takes place, visitors can enjoy a diverse range of birds and not to mention giraffes, gazelles, wildebeests, and alligators.

In between all of these exciting, adventurous activities, there is also ample time for rest and relaxation, whether it be reading or napping through the balmy heat of midday or taking leisurely tours through the bush. And after a long day, there is no greater retreat than to enjoy the beautiful African sunset, while looking onto the breathtaking countryside. So experience the raw, primal world of nature for yourself and learn about the rich local cultures and customs by booking your own Safari holiday in Africa, which is sure to offer something for everyone.

Links:

http://www.visionsofafrica.co.uk/
http://www.visionsofafrica.co.uk/destination.asp
http://www.visionsofafrica.co.uk/brochure.asp]

Originally published here.

Get the Disney World Tickets to enter into the theme parks of Disney land. Preferably, you can purchase it online to save time. Surely, you are going to refresh yourself by experiencing this majestic world. So, select Walt Disney World Resort as your destination for your holiday tour. Disney world consists of four theme parks and two water parks. Besides these, shopping center, restaurants, entertainment and recreation center are also available.

Animal kingdom is one of the most interesting theme parks among those four theme parks. You will be surprised by its natural charming. This theme park is separated into seven distinct areas. The animals roam around the park and you can have a great safari ride to see their activities. Animal Kingdom Park is symbolized as tree of life. Here you’ll find kangaroos, flamingos, axis deer and many more.

So, get Disney Animal Kingdom Tickets and just take an open-sided safari vehicle for an expedition seeing many African animals. Animals from Africa freely roam through acres of savanna, rivers and rocky hills. The guests can see giraffes, hippos, elephants, lions, rhinoceroses and other animals. Apart from these you will see dinosaur, dragon and other dangerous animals of past. Don’t get afraid because these animals of past are all in artificial form.

Water Park is also another attraction in Disney land. You can experience artificially created waves by making a watery adventure. One thing you need to make sure is that in winter the parks usually get closed. So you have to take information in advance regarding that matter if you are dying to enjoy the adventures of the water Park.

Otherwise, buy the Water Park Tickets and just jump down into the water and see how adventurous your journey is. One thing you have to keep in mind is about your kid’s safety. Actually, all Disney parks have lifeguards, usually wearing bright red suits, but, to be safe, make yourself the first line of safety for the kids in your crew.

The tickets you purchased for entering into Disney world has some rules. It expiries within 14days of its first use. And the other thing is you have to pay a per day visit into the parks you selected, before your tickets get expired.

Originally published here.

DODOES have become a symbol of extinction. The last of these flightless birds died about 1680 on the island of Mauritius. Many of the species presently at risk live on islands too. In the last 400 years, 85 out of 94 species of birds known to have disappeared have been island birds.

Animals on vast continents are also in danger of extinction. Consider the tigers that once roamed throughout Russia. Now only the Amur subspecies remains in Siberia, and its numbers have dwindled to a mere 180 to 200. The tigers of southern China reportedly number only 30 to 80. In Indochina these animals face extinction “within ten years,” reports The Times of London. Likewise, in India, home to some two thirds of the world’s tigers, authorities estimate that these majestic creatures could be extinct in a decade.

Rhinoceroses and cheetahs are on the decline. Only about a thousand giant pandas are now found in the wild. Pine marten are nearly extinct in Wales, and red squirrels “may disappear from mainland England and Wales in the next ten to 20 years,” claims The Times. Across the Atlantic in the United States, bats are the most endangered land mammal.

The outlook in the world’s oceans is no less bleak. The Atlas of Endangered Species labels marine turtles as “perhaps the most endangered group” of sea creatures. Amphibians appear to fare better; however, according to New Scientist magazine, 89 species of amphibians have come to be “at risk of extinction” in the last 25 years. Some 11 percent of the world’s bird species face extinction too.

But what of smaller creatures, such as butterflies? The picture is similar. Over a quarter of Europe’s 400 butterfly species are in danger 19 being threatened by imminent extinction. Britain’s large tortoiseshell butterfly joined the dodo on the list of extinct species in 1993.

Growing Concern

How many species of creatures become extinct every year? The answer depends on which expert you ask. Though scientists disagree, all accept the fact that many species are in danger of becoming extinct. Ecologist Stuart Pimm observes: “The controversy about how fast we are losing [species] is fundamentally a debate about our future.” He adds: “Over the past centuries, we have accelerated the rate of extinction of species far beyond the natural rate. Our future is poorer as a consequence.”

Our planet, Earth, is like a house. Some people who care about endangered species study ecology, a term coined in the latter part of the 19th century from the Greek word oi’kos, “a house.” This field of interest focuses on relationships between living things and their environment. The 19th century saw a growing interest in conservation, heightened no doubt by reports of extinctions. In the United States, this led to the establishment of national parks and protected areas that offer creatures sanctuary. Presently, there are an estimated 8,000 internationally recognized wildlife protection areas worldwide. Together with a further 40,000 sites that help maintain habitat, they constitute nearly 10 percent of the world’s land area.

Many concerned people now espouse so-called green causes, either through movements that publicize the threats of extinction or those that simply educate people about the interdependency of life. And since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, a greater awareness of environmental issues generally characterizes government thinking.

The problem of endangered species is global and growing. But why? Are any attempts to prevent the extinction of species currently successful? And what of the future? How are you involved? Our next articles offer answers.

Originally published here.

DODOES have become a symbol of extinction. The last of these flightless birds died about 1680 on the island of Mauritius. Many of the species presently at risk live on islands too. In the last 400 years, 85 out of 94 species of birds known to have disappeared have been island birds.

Animals on vast continents are also in danger of extinction. Consider the tigers that once roamed throughout Russia. Now only the Amur subspecies remains in Siberia, and its numbers have dwindled to a mere 180 to 200. The tigers of southern China reportedly number only 30 to 80. In Indochina these animals face extinction “within ten years,” reports The Times of London. Likewise, in India, home to some two thirds of the world’s tigers, authorities estimate that these majestic creatures could be extinct in a decade.

Rhinoceroses and cheetahs are on the decline. Only about a thousand giant pandas are now found in the wild. Pine marten are nearly extinct in Wales, and red squirrels “may disappear from mainland England and Wales in the next ten to 20 years,” claims The Times. Across the Atlantic in the United States, bats are the most endangered land mammal.

The outlook in the world’s oceans is no less bleak. The Atlas of Endangered Species labels marine turtles as “perhaps the most endangered group” of sea creatures. Amphibians appear to fare better; however, according to New Scientist magazine, 89 species of amphibians have come to be “at risk of extinction” in the last 25 years. Some 11 percent of the world’s bird species face extinction too.

But what of smaller creatures, such as butterflies? The picture is similar. Over a quarter of Europe’s 400 butterfly species are in danger 19 being threatened by imminent extinction. Britain’s large tortoiseshell butterfly joined the dodo on the list of extinct species in 1993.

Growing Concern

How many species of creatures become extinct every year? The answer depends on which expert you ask. Though scientists disagree, all accept the fact that many species are in danger of becoming extinct. Ecologist Stuart Pimm observes: “The controversy about how fast we are losing [species] is fundamentally a debate about our future.” He adds: “Over the past centuries, we have accelerated the rate of extinction of species far beyond the natural rate. Our future is poorer as a consequence.”

Our planet, Earth, is like a house. Some people who care about endangered species study ecology, a term coined in the latter part of the 19th century from the Greek word oi’kos, “a house.” This field of interest focuses on relationships between living things and their environment. The 19th century saw a growing interest in conservation, heightened no doubt by reports of extinctions. In the United States, this led to the establishment of national parks and protected areas that offer creatures sanctuary. Presently, there are an estimated 8,000 internationally recognized wildlife protection areas worldwide. Together with a further 40,000 sites that help maintain habitat, they constitute nearly 10 percent of the world’s land area.

Many concerned people now espouse so-called green causes, either through movements that publicize the threats of extinction or those that simply educate people about the interdependency of life. And since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, a greater awareness of environmental issues generally characterizes government thinking.

The problem of endangered species is global and growing. But why? Are any attempts to prevent the extinction of species currently successful? And what of the future? How are you involved? Our next articles offer answers.

Originally published here.

Mascots around the world are used for similar events in most countries. Almost all countries utilize mascots for some if not all of their sporting events. Football (American version), basketball, rugby, hockey, and especially soccer widely use mascots for college and professional games. Soccer is one of the most widely popular sports world-wide, so mascots are heavily used in these sporting events. Some teams use the soccer ball itself and dress it up as a personified mascot. Mascots can look very similar to each other and very different in various nations. Animal mascots are some of the most popularly used for sports on an international basis:

- bears
- birds
- whales
- sharks
- crocodiles
- alligators
- tigers
- bulls
- rhinoceroses
- dogs
- wolves
- cats
- frogs

Mascots and the Militaries of Countries

The military in most countries hold their own kind of mascots. Many nations have animal mascots associated with either the enter military, or like the United States one branch of the military. The bulldog is the official mascot of the United States Marine Corps. The current incarnation of the military mascot is ‘Lance Corporal Molly,’ who resides at a recruiting depot in San Diego, CA.

Throughout England and Wales there are different animal mascots to represent the various branches.
The Royal Regiment of Wales uses a live, white goat as its mascot. The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment has the ram as its mascot. Its current incarnation is Derby XXVIII, which was given in 2005 to the Duke of Devonshire. It is also known as ‘Private Derby.’ The Black Buck Antelope is the mascot of The Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers, a branch of the British army.

Ireland has the Irish Wolfhound as its mascot for the Irish Guards. It was presented to them by the Irish Wolfhound Club. The Club was hoping to boost the public’s interest in the breed.

How Mascots Around the World are Different

Mascots do differ around the world and can be used for very different types of events. Several countries around the world have festivals and parades that are indigenous to particular areas of the globe. Tropical places like Jamaica, Trinidad, and many West Indies islands have parades and carnivals. They have parades to celebrate tribal people. Sometimes troops of people from many countries including the United States and the UK will dress up in exotic outfits our ‘tribalwear’ and act as mascots for the events.

Many of the costumes are very ornate involving a lot of beadwork, face paint, and sometimes bikini or loin cloth style outfits. The outfits come in an array of beautiful colors and contribute to a festive feel for the event. These human mascots can either walk or dance in parades, or visit with people who come to watch the parades. They are very interactive with the crowds and do this as a profession. Many undergo classes that teach them the art of being a mascot. Some are indigenous to their own country, while many troops travel to different carnivals and parades to perform as mascots around the world.

Mascots that are Meaningful to Multiple Countries

It may be hard to believe that there are mascots that are meaningful to multiple countries. Some may have the same mascots, but maybe a different style of the same mascot. An example of this is Ronald McDonald. Many countries such as China and France use him as a mascot for the McDonald’s Restaurant. However, the style that is used may be very different that of the United States. France has recently run commercials of both a young woman and a young man dressed up in modern fashion that still resembles the clown’s outfit. China recently featured a cartoon version of some of the McDonald’s characters in cartoon form using Chinese children in the background.

Also, the Olympics are a time when the whole world shares mascots in like kind. The 2010 Olympics that are to be held in Canada already feature three mascots that will be shared globally: Miga, Quatchi, and Sumi. The characters are patterned after Japanese anime styling.

Originally published here.