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 ELEPHANT APPRECIATION DAY

If you didn’t remember September 22 is National Elephant Appreciation Day, it’s fine. We’re sure the elephant probably didn’t forget.

People of all ages are fascinated by elephants. Discover some interesting facts about them to celebrate with us! 

These captivating and social animals live between 60 to 70 years. Like humans, elephants develop remarkably close family bonds. Two species, the African Savannah and Asian elephant, exist. However, recently scientists suggested that the African Forest elephant is also a unique species and not a subspecies. 

Each day, poachers kill approximately 100 elephants for their ivory, meat, bones, and skin. 

These pachyderms are closely related to rhinoceroses and hippos. In fact, pachyderm describes thick-skinned animals with hooves or nails similar to hooves. While the African elephants outgrow the Asian, both hold the prize for the largest land mammal on earth. However, there are some differences between the species, though. 

Differences Between African & Asian Elephants:

  • The African elephant grows larger ears.
  • In the Asian species, only the male grows tusks. However, in the African, both male and female elephants grow tusks.
  • One of the things that fascinate us about elephants is their trunk. It’s super sensitive. At the end, a small finger-like appendage grows. The appendage, also known as a lobe, gives elephants the ability to pick up small twigs, bits of grass and other items. On the Asian elephant, the lobe grows at the top tip of the trunk. However, the African elephant grows a lobe at the top and bottom, giving it extra pinching dexterity. 
  • Both species live in herds. The herds are led primarily by a matriarch and comprised of sisters, daughters and their young. As the males grow, they move off on their own. Asian herds tend to be smaller than the African herds.
  • While both species are herbivores, their diets vary based on the available habitat. 

Elephants are spirited and playful animals. Have you ever seen them frolic in the water?  And they will defend their own with their mighty tusks. Whether foraging for food or digging a mud hole, their tusks are vital for survival. Since hunters value the ivory more than the life of the elephant, they endanger the continued existence of these majestic animals. 

Do elephants never forget? Well, studies have determined that elephants have excellent memories. They remember vital locations over large areas of land. Elephants also show recognition of faces and other elephants even after a long time has passed. And while we may be forgetful from time to time, we don’t recommend forgetting this holiday!

NATIONAL ELEPHANT APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY

National Elephant Appreciation Day originated in 1996 to raise awareness concerning the plight of elephants. 

The word “pachyderm” is often used in reference to an elephant. However, the elephant isn’t the only pachyderm in the world. The obsolete term was once a classification of animals which also included hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, pigs, and tapirs.

Elephants do sleep standing up, though not all the time. Wild elephants will spend more time sleeping standing up than their captive relatives.

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National Wildlife Day

National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day

National Wildlife Conservation Day

National Endangered Species Day

World Lion Day

National Monkey Day

National Pig Day

National Elephant Day

National Dolphin Day

National Wildlife Week

World Wildlife Day

National American Eagle Day

Save the Eagles Day

National Panda Day

International Red Panda Day

National Zoo Lovers Day

National Zoo and Aquarium Month

HOW TO OBSERVE ELEPHANT APPRECIATION DAY

Don’t forget to celebrate the Elephant on September 22nd! Show your appreciation today by visiting the elephants at your local zoo. Get involved. Learn about conservation and eliminating poaching.

Read up about elephants. We suggest The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony or Love, Live and Elephants: An African Love Story by Daphne Sheldrick. You could also read Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss or any of the Babar stories by Jean de Brunhoff.

Documentaries bring the life of the elephant into our living rooms. Watch Elephant directed by Mark Linfield or When Elephants Were Young directed by Patricia Sims.

Use #ElephantAppreciationDay to post on social media.

Celebrate World Lion Day: Protect the King of the Jungle

August 10th is World Lion Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of lions and the urgent need for their conservation. Once roaming across Africa, Asia, and Europe, lion populations have drastically declined due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. Today, fewer than 20,000 lions remain in the wild.

The lion species, also known as Panthera leo, is one of the largest species on earth. Typically weighing 300 to 550 pounds, the lion can vary from a light buff color to a deep reddish brown color.  Surprisingly, there is also the rare white lion found in the wild. Easily recognized by it’s thick mane, the lion is also muscular and has a loud, deafening roar.  Unfortunately, as majestic lions my seem, they are slowly disappearing.

As far back as 3 million years ago, lions roamed freely across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East .  Today, loins are live freely in their natural habitat in only two locations, Africa and Asia.  In addition, some lions are bred in captivity.

Lions are listed as a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Though they are not under the classification of an endangered species, they still face obstacles that endanger their survival.

Currently, there are about 30,000 to 100,000 lions left on earth.  In the past few decades, lion populations have decreased almost by half.  Trophy hunting and loss of natural habitat are the primary reasons for the diminishing lion population.

This World Lion Day, let’s honor these majestic creatures and take action to ensure their survival. Here’s how you can participate and make a difference.

Why Lions Matter

Lions are apex predators, crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance. Their decline signals broader environmental issues that affect us all. By protecting lions, we safeguard biodiversity and our planet’s future.

This World Lion Day, let’s roar for change!

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Animal days

How to Observe #WorldLionDay

Learn about lions—their behavior, habitat, and the threats they face. Share fascinating facts with friends and family to spread awareness.

Did you know?

  • Lions are the only big cats that live in social groups called prides.
  • A lion’s roar can be heard up to 5 miles away!
  • They have disappeared from 94% of their historic range.

Support Conservation Organizations

Donate to or volunteer with organizations working to protect lions, such as:

Reduce Demand for Wildlife Products

Avoid products that contribute to habitat destruction or illegal wildlife trade, such as trophies or traditional medicines made from animal parts.

Visit a Sanctuary or Zoo (Responsibly)

Support ethical wildlife sanctuaries that prioritize conservation over entertainment. Avoid places that allow lion petting or exploitative activities.

Share on Social Media

Use your voice to amplify the message! Here’s how:

Share a Documentary Clip – Recommend films like The Lion King (for fun) or Blood Lions (for awareness).

Post a Lion Photo – Share an image with facts and the hashtag #WorldLionDay, #SaveTheKing,  #LionConservation,  and #ProtectWildlife

NATIONAL DOG MONTH

All during the month of August, National Dog Month celebrates our loveable canine pals smack in the middle of the dog days of summer. Dogs are the #1 most commonly owned pets on the planet, and with good reason. Did you know that scientific studies prove our pawsome companions make us happier, less stressed, and more optimistic? The list of benefits to spending time with a dog goes on and on, but it all proves one thing––that a month-long celebration of our furry best friends has been a long time coming.

Rosie is a rescue as is tiny Peanut. They are the best of friends.

Whether your dog burrows under the blankets with you at night, plays in the sprinkler, or alerts you to a health need, we know they are constantly improving our lives and making them more fun. Not only that, but the companionship and affection we share with them make their lives better, too. Dog lovers know
a life without dogs is a life missing something special, and that’s a fact worth celebrating.

NATIONAL DOG MONTH HISTORY

Milk-Bone brand (The J.M. Smucker Company) founded National Dog Month in 2020 to recognize all the ways dogs make our lives better.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDogMonth

This is the easy part. Celebrate with your best pal. Take an extra-long walk. Play fetch or spare an extra Milk-Bone treat. Get your dog the toy he’s been wanting or visit the dog park. Speaking of visits, make your next veterinarian appointment to ensure your pet stays healthy and strong. Donate to your local shelter or to a larger dog nonprofit. You can also volunteer your services. Not only will the dogs appreciate the support, but so will their future human companions. However you celebrate, be sure to use #NationalDogMonth to post on social media.

Milk Bone
Milk Bone

NATIONAL I LOVE HORSES DAY

On July 15th we recognize the love of one magnificent creature on National I Love Horses Day!

With over 200 breeds, these spirited animals give humans much to love. Their loyalty and devotion throughout history may only be a fraction of the reasons to love them. Not just a means of transportation, horses cleared fields, fought wars, and moved cattle. Beyond their utility, their companionship was indispensable on long lonely trails. Cattlemen, pioneers, and more recognize horses as cornerstones of survival in a burgeoning nation.

Horse Breeds

The tallest horse breed is the Shire. The stallions of this draft horse breed tower at 17 hands above the tiny Falabella, which grows to only eight hands and is the smallest breed of horse.

The phrase “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” is a reminder to be grateful for the gifts, opportunities or kind gestures that come our way. The phrase comes from inspecting a horse’s teeth to determine its health and value. If the horse was a gift, such an inspection would be considered an insult.

The quarter horse, named for its speed on a short track, is one the of three fastest breeds of horses. Thoroughbreds follow quarter horses for longer distance, but Arabians outlast both breeds for endurance on the longest races.

Horse Facts

A horse can see almost 360° at once. Because of this, it’s difficult to sneak up on a horse. Their only blind spots are directly behind them and in front. However, don’t approach a horse from behind; their powerful hind legs can do serious damage if they decide to defend themselves with a kick. Because horses have such an excellent range of vision, they can be easily distracted or startled. Trainers will place blinders or blinkers on their harness to block the horse’s view from the side. The small piece of leather helps the horse to focus their vision forward.

Just like human hair and fingernails, a horse’s hooves are made of the same protein – keratin. Farriers specialize in caring for horses’ hooves. They not only fit horses with shoes, but they trim their hooves and make recommendations for hoof care and foot health. Since horses spend an enormous amount of time on their feet, the care a farrier provides is instrumental to their overall health.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalILoveHorsesDay

Celebrate by visiting a local stable for a horseback ride. Seek a view of wild horses in a national park. Spend time riding your own horse if you have one.

Post on social media using #NationalILoveHorsesDay.