Calgary Zoo holds vote to choose ‘Canada’s Greatest Animal’

As campaign slogans go, they really stand out from the pack: “Root for the Brute,” “The Snout with Clout” and “The Chic Beak.”

They were all part of the fun as the Calgary Zoo kicked off an unusual election Thursday, inviting Canadians to help choose “Canada’s Greatest Animal.”

It’s a light-hearted way for the zoo to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.

“It’s a campaign that we hope will kick-start a celebration of the wonderful Canadian species that are so important to our national identity,” Lindsey Galloway said. “And to raise awareness of the serious challenges they face in the wild.”

Voters can cast their ballot for any one of seven candidates: the grizzly bear, bison, mountain goat, grey wolf, grey owl, the whooping crane and the beaver.

WATCH BELOW: Global visited the Calgary Zoo Thursday to check out some of the animal candidates for the Canada’s Greatest Animal contest in light of the country’s 150 birthday.

1:13 Canada’s Greatest Animal candidates frolic at the Calgary Zoo

As Canada’s national animal since 1975, the beaver is the incumbent candidate.

But Galloway is inviting voters to consider other choices.

“Sure the beaver is cuddly, industrious and has great teeth, but is it really Canada’s greatest animal?” he asked.

Voting is now open at www.calgaryzoo.com/greatestanimal with the zoo set to announce the results on May 19.