Animal of the year

29.05.2019.
Animal of the year 2024 the roe deer
Animal of the year 2024 the roe deer
Photo - I. Lange
Animal of the year 2024 the roe deer
Animal of the year 2024 the roe deer
Photo - V. Vītola
Animal of the year 2023 the sand lizard 
Animal of the year 2023 the sand lizard 
Photo - I. Tīrmanis
Animal of the year 2023 the common lizard
Animal of the year 2023 the common lizard
Photo - I. Tīrmanis
Animal of the year 2022 weasel
Animal of the year 2022 weasel
Photo - E. Smislovs
Animal of the year 2021 the European hare
Animal of the year 2021 the European hare
Photo - S. Bērziņa
Animal of the year 2021 the mountain hare
Animal of the year 2021 the mountain hare
Photo - Līgatne Nature Trails
Animal of the year 2020 the Eurasian beaver
Animal of the year 2020 the Eurasian beaver
Photo - V. Skuja
Animal of the year 2019 the elk
Animal of the year 2019 the elk
Photo - LMNH
Animal of the year 2018 the red squirrel
Animal of the year 2018 the red squirrel
Photo - LMNH
Animal of the year 2017 the European eel
Animal of the year 2017 the European eel
Photo - LMNH
Animal of the year 2016 the European badger
Animal of the year 2016 the European badger
Photo - LMNH
Animal of the year 2015 the wild boar
Animal of the year 2015 the wild boar
Photo - LMNH
Animal of the year 2014 the grey wolf
Animal of the year 2014 the grey wolf
Photo - LMNH
Animal of the year 2013 the European pond turtle
Animal of the year 2013 the European pond turtle
Photo - LMNH
Animal of the year 2012 the smooth snake
Animal of the year 2012 the smooth snake
Photo - LMNH

Annually a certain wild animal species of Latvia is selected by the Museum to be the animal of the year. The species is chosen according to the importance in terms of conservation and ecology topics as well as fascinating lifestyle facts. Various public events are organized every year for different audiences - interdisciplinary competitions for pupils, photo contests for amateur and professional nature photographers, story nights and family events for children, educational exhibitions for general public, and many more. 

The animal of the year is announced every year in January, and is one of the most anticipated activities. 

2025the white-breasted hedgehog Erinaceus roumanicus
the European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus
2024the roe deer Capreolus capreolus
2023the common lizard Zootoca vivipara and the sand lizard Lacerta agilis 
2022the weasel Mustela nivalis
2021

the European hare Lepus europaeus and

the mountain hare Lepus timidus

2020the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber
2019the elk Alces alces
2018the red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris
2017the European eel Anguilla anguilla
2016the European badger Meles meles
2015the wild boar Sus scrofa
2014the grey wolf Canis lupus
2013the European pond terrapin Emys orbicularis
2012the smooth snake Coronella austriaca
2011the western barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus
2010the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra
2009the brown bear Ursus arctos
2008the grey seal Halichoerus grypus
2007the natterjack toad Epidalea calamita
2006the Siberian flying squirrel Pteromys volans
2005the fat dormouse Glis glis
2004the harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena
2003the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx
2002Ena montana
2001the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera
2000the European stag beetle Lucanus cervus