National Wildlife Day
National Wildlife Day is celebrated twice every year on September 4 and February 22 with the purpose of raising awareness about endangered species and their habitats, which need to be protected and rescued.
It is also a day to recognize the work of several animal sanctuaries and zoos that help preserve wildlife and educate their visitors about the threats animals face.
The celebration is not the same as World Wildlife Day, which is a separate event held in March and supported by The UN.
Background of National Wildlife Day
National Wildlife Day was founded in 2005 by Colleen Paige, to bring awareness to the problems that the planet's wildlife faces. In September 2006, the world lost one of its best wildlife experts and conservationists, Steve Irwin.
Paige dedicated National Wildlife Day to honour Steve Irwin's work and added February 22, his birthday, as an additional observance.
This is a day for preservation organizations and sanctuaries to promote their work and teach people about how crucial it is that we keep endangered animals and their habitats safe.
Animal extinction often happens because of human actions, so it is important to educate people on how they can help prevent this. Many animals are defenseless and count on our help to survive, this day should inspire us all to do good and take action.
Endangered Animals in India
Recent reports have shown that there are 10 species in India that face the threat of extinction. This includes:
- Asian elephant
- Ganges River Dolphin
- One-horned Rhinoceros
- Bengal Tiger
- Snow Leopard
- Red Panda
- Asiatic Lion
- Indian Bison
- Nilgiri Tahr
- Lion-tailed Macaque
Endangered North American Wildlife and Plants
National Wildlife Day draws our attention to some of the dilemmas our planet faces, with not only animals being endangered but also rarer forms of flora and fauna.
According to The International Union for Conservation of Nature, there are 40,084 species facing the threat of extinction, and 8722 of those are critically endangered,
In North America, this includes animals such as:
- Atlantic Whitefish (only found in Canada, in parts of Nova Scotia)
- White River Spine dace (A freshwater fish only found in Nevada)
- Florida Semaphore Cactus (A tree-like cactus found in Florida and almost completely eliminated by humans who have dug up and kept the plant to themselves)
- Oceanic Hawaiian Damselfly (Once common in Hawaii there is now thought to be less than 1000 remaining)
- Fat-whorled Pond snail (Can be found in Utah and Wyoming, although its numbers are declining)
What to do on National Wildlife Day
- If you have a special interest in animals and conservationism, check with zoos and sanctuaries near you to see if they need any volunteers.
- If you are unable to do the above, set up a monthly donation to a zoo or preservation organization, or sponsor one of their animals.
- Educate your local zoo, school or non-profit organization about National Wildlife Day to increase awareness among people.
- While the protection of animals is of paramount importance, keeping their habitat clean is also our responsibility since we are the ones making it inhabitable most of the time. Thus, team up with others and organize a cleanup of beaches, parks and so on.
- Plant native trees in your backyard and locality to increase the green cover and consequently reap its benefits!
- Educate yourself! Keeping yourself educated about wildlife extinction, conservation, world climate and so on is important in order to take the necessary steps to tackle it.
Since wildlife isn't just about animals, but all nature, you use this day as an opportunity to go for a hike or a camping trip. Maybe try to escape the busy city life and connect with the nature around you for a bit, exploring the great outdoors. While you're at it, keep the environment safe for animals by cleaning any trash that you find left behind by other people before you.
Colleen Paige
Colleen Paige is an animal rights activist and environmentalist known for inventing several important awareness days. Her passion for animal advocacy and her commitment to creating a better world for animals and humans alike have been the driving forces behind her work. These efforts have made a significant impact on the welfare of animals, for example reducing pet homelessness and bringing awareness to the plight of countless animals. Not only passionate about animals, she also has created national holidays that encourage us to care for the environment.
Dates attributed to her include:
