Millions Tune In for Sweden's Annual Moose Migration

April 16, 2025 – Millions of viewers around the world are expected to watch Sweden's Great Moose Migration, a unique live streaming event capturing the annual journey of these majestic animals as they transition to their summer grazing pastures. The broadcast, which is airing on Sweden's national broadcaster SVT, began on Tuesday, a week earlier than planned due to unseasonably warm weather prompting early moose activity.

A Phenomenon in Slow TV

Last year, the live stream attracted an astonishing nine million viewers, despite long stretches of inactivity. The event features remote cameras and drones monitoring herds of moose as they swim across the Angerman River, located 187 miles northwest of Stockholm. This 20-day broadcast is part of a growing trend known as "slow TV," which originated in Norway in 2009 with a seven-hour live train journey.

Professor Annette Hill, a media and communications expert at Jonkoping University, explains that the charm of slow TV lies in its authenticity. Unlike traditional reality shows, which often stage events for dramatic impact, slow TV presents unfiltered glimpses into nature. “Nothing catastrophic is happening, nothing spectacular is happening. But something very beautiful is happening in that minute-by-minute moment,” she said.

Dedicated Viewers Prepare for the Event

For devoted followers of the Great Moose Migration, preparing for the live stream has become a ritual. Ulla Malmgren, a 62-year-old fan, expressed her commitment by stocking up on coffee and pre-preparing meals to ensure she does not miss a second of the event. “Sleep? Forget it. I don't sleep,” she humorously stated.

The first year of broadcasting in 2019 saw nearly a million viewers captivated by the simple beauty of moose migration, and interest has surged since then. The appeal of watching these typically shy animals in their natural habitat has turned the event into a seasonal highlight for many.

Behind the Scenes: Production and Logistics

The production team consists of about 15 staff members who manage the broadcast. Project manager Johan Erhag pointed out that the show is not only cost-effective—delivering over 500 hours of footage last year—but it also contributes to a relaxed atmosphere for the crew.

Moose have followed the same routes for centuries, allowing the team to strategically lay nearly 12 miles of cable and position 26 remote cameras as well as seven night cameras. A drone is also utilized to enhance the visual experience for viewers.

In total, approximately 300,000 moose inhabit Sweden’s forests. Known as the “King of the Forest,” a bull moose can stand 6 feet 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 450 kilograms (992 pounds).

As the migration unfolds over the coming weeks, audiences worldwide will continue to tune in, celebrating nature's beauty through the lens of Sweden’s Great Moose Migration.