World Wildlife Day, September 4

"The love for all living creatures is the most notable attribute of man." ~ Charles Darwin

Learn about Wildlife Day

Every year we lose numerous species to the growth and expansion of human holdings, but through the effort of zoos, sanctuaries, and preservation organizations that rate is being slowed. These groups do amazing work, educating and bringing awareness to people everywhere, all while preserving these precious treasures from Mother Nature. Wildlife Day reminds us that there are creatures out there that cannot speak for themselves, so we have to stand up and be a voice for them. The animals will thank you for it, as will the generations to come who will still be able to enjoy them!

Big Island Sea Turtle

Hummingbird Nest

History of Wildlife Day

In September of 2006, the world suffered a terrible loss. Steve Irwin, known colloquially as “The Crocodile Hunter”, died in an encounter with a sting ray that went horribly awry. These normally docile and peaceful creatures pack a powerful punch in their tail, and instead of swimming away as Steve expected, it instead attacked him with its stinger. After hundreds of strikes, Steve believed he had sustained only a punctured lung, but the stinger had actually managed to pierce his heart causing him to bleed out. So passed an amazing man from the world.

Big Cats

Rex Rabbit

What does this have to do with Wildlife Day? Steve Irwin was an expert on animals, and spent much of his career working to bring attention to endangered species and aid covservation. In his honor National Wildlife Day reminds us that the animals of the world are a precious resource, and of the many zoos, sanctuaries, covservatories, and organizations that work together every year to help preserve them for future generations. If we don't start taking care of them now, we're going to lose them. Once an animal has gone extinct, they're lost forever to future generations, it's our responsibility not to let that happen.

How to Celebrate Wildlife Day

Thankfully, there are plenty of options to help support endangered animals, and every wildlife day is a great opportunity to get out and do it. Almost every community has animal sancturies and zoos nearby, so get out with family and friends to enjoy these amazing exhibits real soon! While you are there see what you can do to donate time, and/or money, or possibly help spread the word about what they may be doing.

“We don’t own the planet Earth, we belong to it. And we must share it with our wildlife.” 
-- Steve Irwin

I love people who love animals! ✿

[ THANK YOU daysoftheyear.com for portions of this post. ]

[ Steve Irwin quote provided by inspiringquotes.us ]

Wildlife art prints featured throughout can be found at indyandcleo.etsy.com 

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