Steemit Engagement Challenge S11-W2 - The Animals (Mascot)

Smiling a little, I start this post.

The mascot or symbol for the Netherlands needs to be representative of the wildlife present in the country.

Leaving my home eliminates the likelihood of encountering a predator, even though deadly animals reside in the surrounding area. Realizing that wild boars, wolves, and vipers are rare animals. Recognizing their scarcity over 45 years of living in the wild.

But then, which animal is the symbol of the Netherlands? I hear you thinking. I will no longer keep you in limbo.

The animal associated with the Netherlands for centuries is the lion. Also a wild animal but has yet to live in the wild here since the 2nd century and certainly won't for the foreseeable future.

It is mainly about the symbolism the lion stands for.

Pride, power, and victory.

In 1579, we see the lion for the first time in the history of the Netherlands on a seal of the States General, then the governors of the Netherlands.

The Netherlands prospered, traded, and stood at the beginning of the golden age. An era of economic and cultural prosperity, power, and victory. Which once again confirms the connection with the lion.

Gradually, the lion took a permanent place on the coats of arms of various provinces. Finally, in 1815, when the Netherlands became a kingdom, the lion appeared on the newly designed coat of arms.

The lion stands on its hind legs on this shield with a sword, arrows, and crown.

Everyone here on Earth knows what kind of animal the lion is.

So let me not bore you with things you already know about the lion. Did you know that the lion is the only feline that roars together? They do this to mark their territory. A roar can be heard up to 8 kilometers away.

Where can these beautiful animals be admired in the wild if they don't live in the Netherlands?

Unfortunately, this stunning creature faces extinction risk. Approximately 23,000 lions live in their indigenous environment, primarily in Africa, south of the Sahara.

According to moderate predictions, only approximately 23,000 wild lions are expected, with the majority in southern Africa. However, a few still live around Gir Forest National Park in India.

That is only 10% of the areas where they lived in the wild in the past. That was then all of Europe, Asia and Africa.

But back to today, to the Netherlands.

So here, you can admire the lion in zoos as a mascot or symbol.

Initially and primarily, our country's national soccer team ranks. Their shirts feature the lion, and many a supporter dresses up as a mighty lion; even the most minor supporter participates in this madness.

Our national soccer team

And, of course, we encourage our lionesses (what we call our footballing ladies) during the World Cup 2023, currently being held in Australia & New Zealand.

Logo Royal Dutch Football Association

And both the Dutch Football Association and the Basketball Association have the lion as a mascot in their logo.

Logo ING bank

But Dutch companies also gratefully use the mighty lion in their logo: banks (ING), Ahold Delhaize (multinational retail and wholesale holding company, etc., etc.

Symbol of the Dutch Army, land forces

And the last one I am going to mention is the Dutch Army. Also, they use the mighty lion in their logo.

Flag of the province of Limburg

Verified Achievement #1 link by @meraki7578 || 16 - 07 - 2023



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