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The Great Moose Migration Captivates Millions in Northern Sweden

Each spring, a remarkable event draws the attention of millions worldwide as they tune in to a continuous livestream showcasing the migration of moose in northern Sweden. This annual spectacle, known as “The Great Moose Migration,” documents the majestic creatures as they navigate the Angerman River on their journey toward lush summer pastures.

This year’s streaming program on SVT Play, Sweden’s national broadcaster, launched earlier than usual due to unseasonably warm temperatures in April. The extended coverage kicked off on a Tuesday, marking a significant moment in the tradition that has gained popularity since it began in 2019 as part of the “slow TV” movement.

Cait Borjesson, a dedicated viewer aged 60, first discovered the annual livestream during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the launch of this year’s broadcast, she has kept her television on for 16 straight hours. “It’s incredibly relaxing,” she noted, highlighting the soothing natural sounds of birds, wind, and rustling trees that create an immersive experience of nature from the comfort of her home.

For Cait, watching the migration has evolved into an annual ritual, leading her to request time off work to engage fully in the three-week event. She describes the stream as therapeutic, providing relief from anxiety and panic attacks.

Cait is among a substantial community that SVT’s livestream has attracted, including a Facebook group with over 77,000 members. This online space serves as a platform for viewers to exchange memorable experiences, share emotional responses to the migration, and connect over their shared interest in the moose’s journey.

A standout portion of the moose migration is witnessed in the village of Kullberg, situated alongside the Angerman River. Goran Ericsson, dean of the faculty of forest sciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and a scientific advisor for the livestream, explained that moose traditionally return to their summer ranges after spending the winter in warmer areas. “This migration has its roots in history dating back to the ice age,” Ericsson noted, adding that moose distributions are more balanced across the landscape during warmer months.

According to Ericsson, approximately 95% of moose in northern Sweden embark on this journey annually. He pointed out that earlier migrations are not an anomaly, with this year’s shift primarily attributed to minimal snowfall. “While early springs can occasionally occur, we remain within the normal variability range,” he stated.

To capture this incredible migration, over 30 cameras are strategically positioned across the expansive terrains. The livestream first attracted nearly one million viewers upon its debut in 2019, and its audience has grown substantially, with nine million tuning in during 2024.

Minh-Xuan Truong, a researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences who has studied the livestream’s audience, remarked on the evolving media landscape. In a world driven by rapid content consumption, he noted that many viewers cherish the opportunity to experience nature through the unique lens of “slow TV.” This genre is characterized by extended, unedited broadcasts that unfold in real-time without the distraction of background music or commentary. “Many viewers express that it feels like looking through an open window into a forest,” he explained.

Sweden’s forests are home to approximately 300,000 moose, often referred to as the “King of the Forest” in this region. The Great Moose Migration not only celebrates the majestic animal but also fosters a connection between viewers and the rich natural environment of Sweden.

Source
www.bbc.com