World Animal Day is for anyone who loves animals

A cow’s “moo” has a different accent depending on what region they originate from. Goats have accents just like we do. Bats always turn left when they fly out of a cave. Zebras are actually white with black stripes. Flamingos can only eat when their heads are upside down. Dolphins make a unique signature whistle that describes its individual identity. And a duck’s quack never echoes, anywhere, but no one really knows why! These are just a few of the million amazing animal facts – facts that prove just how incredible and unique animals are. Their presence on this planet enriches our own individual human journey through life.

There are a lot of things in the world that threaten the future of animals that call this planet home. Everyday, natural resources are being misused, wetlands and forests are being destroyed for new cities to be built, and habitats are being fragmented for roadways. Harmful species are being introduced into ecosystems they do not belong in, and illegal wildlife trade and poaching are wiping out entire populations of animals. It’s estimated that nine percent of all species become extinct every million years; one and five species go extinct every year. This rate of extinction has sped up five times in the Earth’s history. As human beings, we are neighbors, roommates, and friends to these creatures, and it’s our responsibility to help protect them so that their future generations can grow and thrive, and, in turn, our future generations can be blessed with the joy of sharing their lives with them too.

World Animal Day began in 1931 as a way to highlight the plight of endangered species. This day has since evolved into a day to honor all the animals of the world, regardless of the celebrators nationality, religion, faith, or political beliefs.

Why We Celebrate World Animal Day Every Day

To celebrate animal life in all its forms
To celebrate humankind’s relationship with the animal kingdom
To acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives – from being our companions, supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives
To acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives

World Animal Day was started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species. October 4 was chosen as World Animal Day because it is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment

Since then, World Animal Day has become a day for remembering and paying tribute to all animals and the people who love and respect them. It’s celebrated in different ways in every country, with no regard to nationality, religion, faith or political ideology.

The online World Animal Day event was launched in 2003 by Naturewatch and the number of events taking place throughout the world has increased each year. They hope that with your help this trend will continue.

That is the aim of the World Animal Day initiative: to encourage everyone to use this special day to commemorate their love and respect for animals by doing something special to highlight their importance in the world. Increased awareness will lead the way to improved standards of animal welfare throughout the world.

Building the World Animal Day initiative is a wonderful way to unite the animal welfare movement and something that everyone can join in with whether they are part of an organization, group, or as an individual. Through education we can help create a new culture of respect and sensitivity, to make this world a fairer place for all living creatures.

On their website you will find everything you need to make World Animal Day a reality in your area today and every day. They have events listed by countries and continents. Now is a great opportunity to help make animal welfare issues front page news around the globe – a be vital catalyst for change in the world!

How You Can Get Involved on World Animal Day

• Expand your own knowledge and broaden your own horizons by picking up a book by an animal expert extraordinaire

• Write a letter to your local newspaper, or put up a post on your favorite social media site, or blog informing people of World Animal Day

• Donate to a local animal charity or shelter. Local shelters are always in need of food, litter, and supplies. Check with your local shelter before going shopping as many have a giving tree or wish list.

• Volunteer at your local shelter or look into fostering an animal.

• Make your garden more animal friendly: Add a bird bath, and include bee-friendly plants. Learn more here!

• Surprise your animal companion with an unexpected treat, walk, or toy, and carve out some extra time during the day to enjoy their company. If you know somebody who doesn’t have that same opportunity, volunteer to spend some extra time with their companion, too!

The purpose of this day is for people to “use this special day to commemorate their love and respect for animals by doing something special to highlight their importance in the world. Increased awareness will lead the way to improved standards of animal welfare throughout the world.”

Empower. Educate. Collaborate. Be a part of something special today to celebrate all of the animals of the world!

Before you get out there and make a positive difference in your community here is a humorous collection of animals around the world doing what animals do best: having fun and enjoying life!

Enjoy and please spread the joy!

Watch the World Animal Day Mash Up Here!