NATIONAL WILDLIFE DAY

National Wildlife Day on September 4th encourages improved awareness of the species around us and in the broader world. 

This National Day focuses on endangered species, preservation, and conservation efforts around the world. Zoos, aviaries and marine sanctuaries provide a variety of ways to get involved.

No matter where you live, opportunities abound to learn and participate in the day. Wildlife doesn’t only exist in the forest or outside the city limits. Look closely. The creatures and animals sharing our world live under our feet and in the sky above us. Our rivers, lakes and oceans are teeming with wildlife of all sizes. It’s essential to understand how we impact the habitats that animals need to survive. Their homes supply their food and shelter.

Around the world, facilities and organizations will present seminars and educational programs. Additionally, podcasts and documentaries alert us to the changing conditions for various species around the world.  Some may be as close as your own back yard. From the sky to the depths of the ocean, wildlife surrounds us.

Since wildlife relies on a stable habitat, understanding conservation and preservation is important. Developing strategies helps to maintain existing habitats and repair or replace those that have been destroyed. These strategies are especially important when a decline in a species is detected. For example, each year in August, International Whale Shark Day brings attention to the plight of the world’s largest fish. Despite efforts, the gentle giant continues to decline in numbers.   

NATIONAL WILDLIFE DAY HISTORY

Colleen Paige, the Pet Lifestyle Expert, and author founded National Wildlife Day in 2005. She created the day in honor of and later in memory of wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin. The global awareness day brings education to the public concerning the number of endangered animals and the need for conservation and preservation. 

If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me. Because humans want to save things that they love. – Steve Irwin

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWildlifeDay

Participate in a presentation. Volunteer to fund-raise for rehabilitation services. Other ways to celebrate the day include:

  • Learn about the needs of endangered species and how conservation efforts work.
  • While learning, implement your own techniques, as suggested by preservationists.
  • Go on a wildlife walk and learn about the inhabitants near you. Visit the National Wildlife Federation to learn more. 

Use #NationalWildlifeDay to post on social media. Share photos of your neighborhood wildlife or even those farther from home. 

NATIONAL CHICKEN MONTH

For over two decades, the National Chicken Council has banded together with major chicken producers in the U.S. to promote chicken sales in September. As a result, September is known as National Chicken Month! This once slow month, as the summer grilling season waned, has turned into one of the year’s best performing sales periods. September might be the month we find out which came first, the chicken or the egg.

First domesticated for cockfighting, the chicken eventually made its way to the dinner table. Many families have their own homemade spice recipes. A major part of enjoying chicken is the spicing. Food experts have debated for years about the contents of KFC. White pepper, paprika, and even Thousand-Island dressing are among the eleven herbs and spices supposedly in the Colonel’s recipe.

There are 25 billion chickens in the world, making them the most abundant bird species. Did you know all vertebrate species lay eggs? And, all hard-shelled variety eggs originated with reptiles? Chickens, like many birds, are descendants of the dinosaurs. Chickens are relatively closely related to reptiles on the evolutionary chain. In recent decades, many researchers have started describing dinosaurs as more like flightless birds than reptiles. Even though chickens are not entirely flightless, they can get airborne enough to get over a fence or into a tree.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Ever wonder why so many different meats like rattlesnake and alligator apparently taste like chicken? Several explanations point to why mainstream Americans tend to have limited experience with judging flavor. Our taste buds, in other words, are not finely tuned. Our meat experiences are limited mostly to beef, pork, and chicken. A gourmet with a seasoned palette has a broader experience, which makes them more apt to identify exotic meats like rattlesnake and alligator.

Chicken is full of health benefits. When eaten without the skin, chicken is very lean. It is carb-free and rich in Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as two important minerals, phosphorus, and selenium. Various parts of the chicken are considered special treats in some countries. For instance, in China, chicken feet are considered a delicacy.

HISTORY

For over two decades, the National Chicken Council has banded together all of the major chicken producers in the U.S. to promote chicken sales in September, turning a once slow month, as the summer grilling season waned, into one of the year’s best-performing sales periods.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

There are several ways to observe National Chicken Month. We recommend trying a new recipe. Whether you choose white meat, dark meat, fried, broiled, baked or warmed over, prepare your chicken the way you like it!

Try one of our family favorites…

Use #NationalChickenMonth in social media correspondence.

Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo with French Door, 25 QT Extra Large Family Size Meals to Cook Two Foods in Two Different Ways at The Same Time, Up to 60% Faster from Frozen to Finish#NationalChickenMonth
Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo with French Door, 25 QT Extra Large Family Size Meals to Cook Two Foods in Two Different Ways at The Same Time, Up to 60% Faster from Frozen to Finish

Zoo & Aquarium Month

National Zoo and Aquarium Month is an excellent time to plan your trip and make a donation to favorite zoo or aquarium.

Launch into summer by visiting an aquarium or zoo near you. All around the country, parks are gearing up for visitors. They offer programs all year round regarding the wildlife they support that are educational and fun.

Aquariums and Zoo's
Visit your favorites

These are some favorites near me. Be sure to check with them for re-opening schedules.

Gulf Breeze Zoo
Gulf Breeze Zoo
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Alabama Coast Zoo
Alabama Coast Zoo
Gulf World Marine Park
Gulf World Marine Park
Audubon Aquarium New Orlens, LA
Audubon Aquarium New Orleans
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Butterfly House Navarre, FL
Butterfly House Navarrre, FL stay tuned for new location

HOW TO OBSERVE

There’s more than one way to explore your zoo or aquarium.

  • Many zoos offer passes that are good at other wildlife parks and aquariums across the country.
  • Learn about vanishing habitat and conservation while visiting the wildlife parks.
  • Check out their rehabilitation programs and learn how zoologist and veterinarians help injured animals return to the wild.
  • Sponsor one of your favorite creatures! Many programs offer a way to help support the wildlife we enjoy most, especially those that are endangered.
  • Speaking of endangered species, learn about reduced populations and find out which ones are making comebacks.
  • Which zoos have nurseries? Several wildlife programs pair up to create conservative breeding programs to help create a sustainable population. Ask if your zoo participates in Species Survival Plans.

Use #ZooAndAquariumMonth

Scientific Foundations of Zoos and Aquariums: Their Role in Conservation and Research 1st Edition

by Allison B. Kaufman (Editor), Meredith J. Bashaw (Editor), & 1 more
Scientific Foundations of Zoos and Aquariums: Their Role in Conservation and Research 1st Edition

by Allison B. Kaufman (Editor), Meredith J. Bashaw (Editor), & 1 more