See ‘Mac the Moose’ – The World’s Largest Moose Statue

Sometimes, you need to be loud and proud to get some attention. There is no shame in this game, especially when it works! Going extra, extra-large with this moose statue was a good call for the city it calls home. See ‘Mac the Moose,’ the world’s largest moose statue, and learn more about his background (including why he was temporarily dethroned!).

The World’s Largest Moose Statue

It’s made from a couple of different materials including cement, mesh, and metal piping to ensure its frame. It stands at just over 34 feet tall, and its weight is astronomical — a whopping 10 tons! It’s Mac the Moose. Now, Mac had a little fall in glory in 2019 when news traveled that there was an ungulate sculpture in Norway that was just about 30 centimeters taller than Mac at the time. Well, those who revere Mac wouldn’t have it. So, the plan immediately came together to build Mac a larger set of antlers. For a time, he was antlers-less, which made for an odd encounter. But alas, in 2019, Mac the Moose once again made it to the number-one spot for the largest moose statue in the world.

History: Mac the Moose

How does a giant moose come to be, anyway? Well, the artist was Don Foulds from Saskatoon. He built Mac the Moose in 1984. Today, Mac the Moose sits at the Moose Jaw Visitor Center, but he didn’t arrive there until 2004. The creation wasn’t built on a whim — there was a purpose behind the creative madness, and it was to ensure that the city of Moose Jaw would become a major attraction for visitors. His name wasn’t always Mac, either.

To name this enormous statue, a contest was held. Eventually, the name Mac was chosen to honor Les Mackenzie, the late city alderman. Mac serves as a kind of guard for the visitor center, standing tall, greeting visitors, and always being available for photos. His initially appointed job was to attract visitors and while his job title remains the same, his responsibilities have shifted a little as he caters to the many selfie-takers of today.

In 2013, Mac was appointed Moose Jaw’s Best Celebrity by the Moose Jaw Times Herald. Mac wasn’t always respected for the role he takes, however. There were several instances of vandalism over the years. Once, he was painted blue and, on another occasion, his jaw was broken. But despite the adversity, Mac has continued to recover and rise even higher to reclaim his role as the ultimate city greeter and his throne as the largest moose statue in the world.

Wildlife in Moose Jaw, Canada

Moose Jaw is located in Saskatchewan where there are tons of wildlife. This environment includes subarctic woodland in the northeastern region and subarctic woodland in the southwestern region. There are boreal forests, and some areas are more densely packed than others. There’s a wide range of animal species and yes, moose definitely live on these lands. There are also elk, deer, grizzly bears, bison, and wolves. Other animal populations include the lynx, fox, coyote, caribou, and black-footed ferret. In terms of birds, you can spot songbirds, owls, hawks, and waterfowl and since there are many bodies of water throughout the region, there are plenty of commercial and game fish as well.

Things to Do in Moose Jaw, Canada

Obviously, if you’re headed to Moose Jaw, stopping by to snap a photo with Mac the Moose is a must. That’s just the start of the fun you can have here, however. Check out Little Chicago Entertainment to go underground and experience a unique escape adventure. Stop into the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery to appreciate the visual art and learn more about Moose Jaw’s history. Stay at Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa to rejuvenate while immersed in geothermal mineral water.

For outdoor adventures, check out Crescent Park, which covers 28 acres and offers a variety of places to explore, including a children’s water park, outdoor amphitheater, lawn bowling, and tennis club. If you’re into berries, you can’t miss Bend in the River Berries, where you can get cherries, raspberries, rhubarb, and more. There are places where you can have breakfast and brunch. Have a casual dinner or make it upscale. For nightlife, head out to bars and pubs to enjoy a beer while recounting your day. The Tourism Moose Jaw website breaks it all down for you, explaining what opportunities to experience and explore the city are available to you.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Tom Tietz/Shutterstock.com