Millions Tune In as Sweden’s Moose Migration Kicks Off Early

The Great Moose Migration in Sweden has captivated millions as this year's livestream saw an early start, showcasing the majestic animals' movement towards summer pastures.

Every spring, for the past six years, millions have eagerly watched a continuous livestream tracking the annual migration of moose in northern Sweden. Dubbed "The Great Moose Migration," the event showcases the animals as they traverse the Angerman River, making their way to lush summer pastures.

This year, the all-day program, streamed through SVT Play—Sweden's national broadcaster—kicked off on Tuesday, a week earlier than anticipated due to unseasonably warm April weather. Since its debut in 2019, the broadcast has become a beloved "slow TV" experience, attracting a faithful following.

Cait Borjesson, 60, is among the many who have become devoted followers of this unique livestream after discovering it during the COVID-19 pandemic. "My TV has been on for 16 hours straight since it started," she shared. "It's incredibly soothing. You feel connected to nature, even if you're indoors." Cait has turned watching the migration into a yearly ritual, often taking leave from work to immerse herself fully in the three-week event. She described the experience as "therapeutic," helping her manage anxiety and panic attacks.

The livestream has garnered a diverse audience, connecting viewers through an active Facebook community with over 77,000 members who share memorable moments and emotional responses to the migration. A significant portion of the moose's journey unfolds through the village of Kullberg, beside the Angerman River.

Goran Ericsson, dean at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and a scientific adviser to the broadcast, highlighted the historical significance of this migration, which has been ongoing since the ice age. "Around 95% of moose in northern Sweden migrate each year," he explained, noting this season's early migration results from milder winter conditions and less snowfall.

Boasting more than 30 cameras, the production provides viewers with vivid perspectives of the moose’s travels through the expansive landscape. When the livestream first aired in 2019, it attracted nearly a million viewers, and by 2024, that number had soared to nine million.

Researcher Minh-Xuan Truong observed that in an era dominated by fast-paced media, many people find solace in the slow-paced nature of this broadcast. "Viewers often describe it as a window into a forest," he said, adding that most would rather listen to the authentic sounds of nature than have music or commentary.

With approximately 300,000 moose roaming Sweden's woodlands, these magnificent creatures are colloquially regarded as the "King of the Forest."