On September 4th each year, people around the world come together to celebrate National Wildlife Day. This is a day that honors the beauty, diversity, and suppleness of the animal kingdom and the delicate balance that it creates with nature.
While initially the day was only celebrated and observed on September 4th, it now is also observed on February 22nd, in honor of the memory and birthday of wildlife warrior, Steve Irwin. The day encourages the resplendence of wildlife, the effectiveness of the language of plants and flowers, and the essential need for conservation and sustainability of these elements of the natural world and the fauna that inhabits it.
Although World Animal Day has been celebrated far longer (since October 4th, 1925 to be precise), the animal behaviorist, author, animal advocate, conservationist, and philanthropist Colleen Paige established National Wildlife Day in 2005. Paige had a deep passion for animals and their welfare and saw an opportunity to create a day that would inspire people to appreciate and protect these faunae. And since then, the day’s primary objective remains to raise awareness about the need for wildlife conservation.
This special day serves to bring awareness to endangered animals nationally as well as globally. These animals need to be preserved and rescued from their demise each year. The day also acknowledges zoos and outstanding animal sanctuaries globally for everything they do to help preserve this planet’s animals and educate the public about conservation. This is especially so for children.
Since its inception, National Wildlife Day has grown into a global movement that brings together individuals, organizations, and governments to advocate for the preservation of wildlife and the environment. With each passing year, the celebration has evolved and become even more providential, and now encompasses broader themes including sustainability, biodiversity, and the vital role of nature in our lives.
NWD encourages wildlife lovers to stand up and fight for animals that need a voice, visit their local zoos, and donate what they can to make a difference in the lives of these animals.
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