Celebrate National Wildlife Day Every September 4 and February 22
Every September 4 and February 22 we celebrate the world’s wildlife and spread the word about all the animals in danger of going extinct. It’s National Wildlife Day, a day we can use to try to start doing better for the world around us.
Animal advocate Colleen Paige started National Wildlife Day to raise awareness of the troubles animals around the world face and encourage everyone to fight for the animals who have no voice.
The original Sept. 4 date memorialized the death of Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter. He died on September 4, 2006.
In 2018 she changed the date to February 22, also to honor Steve Irwin, but this time his birthday (Feb. 22, 1962).
At some point she apparently decided to celebrate on both dates! Two days each year to celebrate wildlife and fight for the animals? We couldn’t agree more!
Although the day does exist to raise awareness of endangered animals, it is different from Endangered Species Day, which is an officially recognized day (by the US government) celebrated in May. There’s also a World Wildlife Day in March, a UN-recognized day.
A Brief Word on Endangered Species
Thousands of species around the world are in danger of going extinct. Many species have already gone extinct.
You might wonder why it matters, but it does. Nature is a balancing act, with each animal having its place in the web of life. When you pull out one piece, you disrupt the whole web.
Many endangered species actually do have their own awareness days:
- Save the Eagles Day, January 10
- Western Monarch Day, February 5
- International Polar Bear Day, February 27
- National Dolphin Day, April 14
- World Turtle Day, May 23
- And many, many more …
But there can never be too many people giving voice to the animals who need us to protect them. In spite of all the days, people still kill protected animals. And populations of many of them keep declining.
Other animals are also being endangered by our changing climate.
- Sea otters
- Pygmy rabbits
- American wolverine
- And many more …
Learn more about endangered species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Ideas For Celebrating National Wildlife Day
Spread the word about National Wildlife Day and encourage everyone to get involved.
Is there a zoo or animal sanctuary near you? See if they’re having anything special for the day. Make it a point to attend. Even better, volunteer or donate to the event.
If they’re not having an event this year, suggest they start planning to have one next year. Offer to help. Target your help to your strengths (i.e – if you’re good at fund raising do that. Or if you’re better at planning or promotions, offer to do that.).
The day’s official website also lists ideas on how to help.
Even if your zoo isn’t having an event for the day, stop in for a visit. It’s never a bad day to check out all the zoo has to offer.
If the zoo is part of a conservation effort, learn more about it. If you like what you learn, consider volunteering to help or donating to the cause.
You can do things closer to home too:
- Did you know that you can get your yard certified as a wildlife habitat? Obviously not for big species, but bees, butterflies and other small animals are also threatened and need protection. We can each do our little part to help them.
- Get your neighbors and your whole community involved too.
What will you be doing to celebrate National Wildlife Day this year?
[…] National Wildlife Day: Too many animals around the world are in danger of going extinct. And after recent wildfires (especially in Australia), many already vulnerable animals are in even more danger. 😥 On Steve Irwin’s birthday, let’s ask how we can help. And then do it! […]
[…] National Wildlife Day: All around the world wildlife is at the mercy of humans. And all too often humans aren’t too merciful. For this day let’s help spread the word about the dangers wildlife face from us and encourage everyone to help protect our endangered wildlife. […]