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INTERNATIONAL RED PANDA DAY

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During the third Saturday in September, International Red Panda Day dedicates a day to learning about about red pandas. Join the campaign to raise awareness about saving their habitats.

Red pandas are much smaller than the more familiar black and white pandas. In fact, red pandas are not related to giant pandas at all. Red pandas weigh between 12 to 20 pounds, which is about the size of a housecat. These adorable mammals live in the trees of the Himalaya Mountains. The Red panda’s popularity in Asia features them in cartoons and as team mascots. However, only about 10,000 red pandas live in the wild. Because of deforestation, poaching, and the illegal pet trade, red pandas are endangered.

5 Fun Facts About Red Pandas

  1. Their fur is the color of cinnamon and keeps them warm in cold climates.
  2. Red pandas eat mostly bamboo.
  3. They were discovered in 1825, before the giant panda.
  4. Other names for the red panda include bear-cat, firefox, and Himalayan raccoon.
  5. Although they resemble raccoons, they have no living relatives.

According to the Red Panda Network, red pandas symbolize of life. Red pandas help to keep forests healthy, the water clean, and the ecosystem vibrant. Saving the red panda helps combat global climate change as well as protect the ecological integrity of South Asia.

INTERNATIONAL RED PANDA DAY HISTORY

The Red Panda Network launched International Red Panda Day in 2010. At that time, 16 schools and a few zoos participated in red panda activities. Currently, more than 60 zoos around the world participate, with over 100,000 visitors on Red Panda Day.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalRedPandaDay

Many conservation organizations, along with schools and zoos all around the world, celebrate International Red Panda Day. Some zoos celebrate by having informational presentations about red pandas. In China, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding visits schools in rural areas where red pandas live. In Nepal, communities celebrate with speech competitions and film viewings. Many other organizations host activities that educate the public on the importance of red panda conservation.

If you want to take part in International Red Panda Day, check with your local zoo to see if they have any activities. Donate to the Red Panda Network or another group that strives to protect the red panda. Encourage your child to become a Red Panda Ranger to help spread the word about red pandas. You can also share an image of a red panda on social media with #InternationalRedPandaDay.

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY DAY

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The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) along with millions of photographers and photography lovers across the nation observe Nature Photography Day on June 15th.

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HISTORY

Nature Photography Day was designated by NANPA in 2009 to promote the enjoyment of nature photography.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use your dedicated camera and/or the camera on your phone to take some photos of nature.  Use #NaturePhotographyDay in social media.

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NATIONAL POLLINATORS MONTH

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National Pollinators Month in June encourages the planting of pollinator gardens of native, non-invasive pollen and nectar-producing plants. When these gardens bloom, they attract bees, birds, bats, and other natural pollinators.

These pollinators make the difference between valuable fruits and vegetables on our tables. While we’re planting native flowers and trees, we’re also providing for our future. Pollinators such as the monarch butterfly and the honey bee have been in decline. All the reasons have not been identified. However, increasing the available habitat does help!

HISTORY

National Pollinators Month is an initiative of the National Wildlife Federation. With pollinators on the decline, their initiative is designed to increase native pollen and nectar-producing through the Million Garden Challenge.  

HOW TO OBSERVE

Find out which are the best plants for your zone. Visit www.nwf.org to find out more. Use #NationalPollinatorsMonth or #BeeCounted to share on social media.

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Bring your garden to life!
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NATIONAL ZOO LOVERS DAY

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Each year on April 8th, National Zoo Lovers Day encourages us to explore our local zoos. Each year millions of people visit zoos and learn about the many animals that live there. Also known as zoological parks, many of them serve as breeding centers. These facilities are relied upon when species are endangered or at risk of becoming endangered. They also provide education to the public about a broad variety of animals and their habitats. 

Enjoy seeing your favorite animals swinging from the trees or splashing in the water and have a fun-filled day.

A few zoo facts:

  • The Vienna Zoo is the oldest existing zoo and was opened to the public in 1765.
  • The United State’s first zoo open to the public, Central Park Zoo, opened in 1864 in New York.
  • Philadelphia Zoo holds the oldest zoo charter, formed in 1859. It officially opened to the public in 1874.
  • There are 350 zoos in the United States
  • Approximately 175 million people visit a zoo each year.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom has had more than 9.8 million annual visitors.
  • More than 3.2 million people visit the San Diego Zoo each year.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ZOO LOVERS DAY

  • Visit your local zoo.
  • Make a donation to a zoo program.
  • Share your zoo experiences with others.
  • Take a virtual tour of a zoo. There are many different kinds of zoos. Take a virtual tour of this reptile zoo and learn about the reptiles that live there.
  • Use #NationalZooLoversDay to post on social media.
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WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DAY

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Each year on December 4th, Wildlife Conservation Day seeks to spread awareness about preserving and protecting the natural world and its inhabitants. Additionally, the observance strives to put an end to wildlife crime and supporting the Endangered Species Act.

Wildlife Crime

Wildlife crime includes illegal poaching and smuggling of animals. Additionally, it includes transporting a specific animal product by criminal groups to make a profit. A few examples would be rhino horns and elephant tusks. Wildlife crime is detrimental to the ecosystem as it causes animals to become endangered or extinct.
Because of poaching, these six animals are at risk of becoming extinct:

  • Elephants
  • Rhinos
  • Tigers
  • Sea turtles
  • Lemurs
  • Gorillas

Can you imagine living in a world where these fantastic animals no longer exist? If wildlife crime continues, it could very well happen. This is why Wildlife Conservation Day focuses on putting an end to wildlife crime.

The Endangered Species Act

Another focus of Wildlife Conservation Day is the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA was signed into law by President Nixon in 1973. The program helps to protect endangered plants and animals. The lead federal agencies for implementing the ESA include:

  • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
  • U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The FWS maintains a list of all the endangered species, which include birds, insects, fish, reptiles, mammals, crustaceans, flowers, grasses, and trees. In late 2019 President Trump announced a major overhaul to the law that would reduce regulations. Because of this, it’s more important than ever to support the ESA.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DAY HISTORY

The call to wildlife conservation began in the 1900s. At the time, the bison nearly became extinct, and the passenger pigeon disappeared. These two events introduced the public to the concept of extinction.

Throughout the years, much was done to create awareness about wildlife conservation. However, it wasn’t until 2012 that former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton created Wildlife Conservation Day.
At the time, Clinton had stated, “Wildlife cannot be manufactured. And once it’s gone, it cannot get replenished. Those who profit from it illegally are not just undermining our borders and our economies; they are truly stealing from the next generation.”

HOW TO OBSERVE #WildlifeConservationDay

Many conservation groups, zoos, and wildlife organizations hold a variety of events. These events focus on ending wildlife crime and saving endangered species. They host educational seminars and exhibits. They also offer discounted or free passes to their facilities.

To participate:

Sign the WWF pledge to stop wildlife crime

  • Don’t buy illegal wildlife products, such as ivory
  • Boycott unsustainable food products, such as palm oil
  • Donate to a conservation group or wildlife organization
  • Educate yourself on wildlife crime and endangered species
  • Learn more about the Endangered Species Act
  • Watch documentaries on wildlife issues and animal protection, including Blackfish, Forks Over Knives, and Racing Extinction.

Be sure to share this day on social media with #WildlifeConservationDay