Tag: Awareness

2025 · National Day Calendar

Monkey Day 2025 🐒

TanjaLeave a comment
Golden Lion Tamarins at the Dallas Zoo in Texas

It’s a difficult task to pinpoint the exact moment that monkeys first emerged as a unique species within the animal kingdom, but it is believed that their appearance took place approximately 60 million years ago. This vast amount of time would pass, month by month by millennium, both creeping and speeding along, without the existence of a National Monkey Day! At long last, though, thanks to two pioneering college students, this would change in the year 2000.

Casey Sorrow and Erik Millikin, both studying art at Michigan State University, are responsible for the creation of this simian-centric celebratory day. Sorrow (fittingly) would admit to the Detroit Metro Times that he experienced a form of malaise around the holiday season and felt compelled to find a way to combat these December blues. After jokingly jotting down “Monkey Day” in a friend’s calendar, Sorrow took the idea and ran with it: when December 14th rolled around, he and his art school friends dressed up as monkeys and ran amok, putting on their best monkey impressions.

They would go on to incorporate ideas related to their newly formed holiday into their artwork and homemade comics. Publishing these pieces online allowed for the notion of a Monkey Day to spread, and now, decades on, the day is observed throughout the world in countries including Germany, India, and Thailand.

What started out as a bit of fun has evolved into a full-blown operation. Monkey Day serves as an important anniversary each year for raising awareness of modern threats to monkeys, with entities such as National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institution, and Greenpeace promoting the day. Sorrow and Millikin have also been instrumental in utilizing monkey-themed art as vehicles to serve this end, as well. Their work has brought an entirely new understanding of the term “monkey business!”

:https://nationaltoday.com/monkey-day/

2025 · National Day Calendar

International Cheetah Day 2025

TanjaLeave a comment
The cheetahs are basking in the Winter sun.

The story of how International Cheetah Day was born is worthy of a movie adaptation. It all started in 1977 when American Zoologist, Dr. Laurie Marker, took Khayam, a cheetah she raised from a cub at Wildlife Safari in Oregon, to Namibia. It was part of an experiment to determine whether captive cheetahs could be taught to hunt and live in the wild on their own again.

The experiment was a success, and she and Khayam returned home to the U.S. But during her stay in Namibia, Dr. Marker noted that livestock owners threatened the cheetah population in the wild. They were eliminating cheetahs vigorously because they were becoming a threat to their livestock.

Determined to help resolve the rift between Namibian farmers and cheetahs, Dr. Marker vowed to preserve the wild cheetahs and founded the Cheetah Conservation Fund in 1991. She negotiated with the locals and educated them about wildlife preservation. In honor of his memory, Dr. Marker chose Khayam’s birthday to promote cheetah conservation. Since 2010, the world has been celebrating International Cheetah Day on December 4 to raise awareness about the extinction threat they face.

Sadly, due to the excessive hunting of wild cheetahs for their fur and the loss of their habitat due to increased human settlements, as of 2020, there are only around 7,100 cheetahs left in the wild. This is a shocking 50% decline in the last four decades. So, let us recognize this as the day to respect and conserve cheetahs.

:https://nationaltoday.com/international-cheetah-day/

2025 · National Day Calendar

World Rivers Day 2025

TanjaLeave a comment
Boats of the Colorado River Discovery (2008)

When there’s already so much talk about the harmful effects of water pollution, why do we need a special day dedicated to rivers? Although most of us are aware of the problem, we may not know how we can participate to be part of the solution. Because a large proportion of the Earth’s population relies on fish for sustenance, we need to actively prevent the degradation of rivers as a result of industrial waste and maintain the balance of the underwater ecosystem.

Understanding this, Mark Angelo proposed a global event celebrating rivers in their beauty and necessity. A worldwide water advocate, Angelo tasted success after organizing the British Columbia, Canada Rivers Day in the 1980s, and wanted to replicate the same globally. The U.N. responded positively to his idea as it matched their theme, ‘Water for Life Decade.’

The first World Rivers Day was celebrated in 2005, and all climate change activists showed their solidarity by organizing the very first World Rivers Day event. Today, World Rivers Day is observed in 100 countries around the world, where those involved show the community and society at large how they can limit the threats to depleting waterways. In 2019, a draft to protect the highly polluted but life-giving Yellow River in China through natural resources became formalized on World Rivers Day.

:https://nationaltoday.com/world-rivers-day

2025 · National Day Calendar

Save The Koala Day 2025 🐨

TanjaLeave a comment

The Australian Koala Foundation, also known as AKF, started the Save The Koala Month celebrations as a part of its campaign dedicated to helping the koala population. The Australian Koala Foundation began its own noble journey in 1986 under the guidance of two veterinary doctors and the direction of Deborah Tabart. The foundation aims to save the wild koalas by protecting and managing their habitat. They organize an annual campaign to raise awareness of the threats to the koalas and raise funds to continue with their objective.

In 2012, the wild koala was listed as ‘vulnerable to extinction,‘ under the EPBC Act of the Australian Law. This happened only after the Australian Koala Foundation persistently lobbied for the grant of special status to the vulnerable koala population. A senate inquiry led the way, and Deborah Tabart attended each senate hearing and oversaw approximately a hundred submissions — the resultant report was a conclusive indictment of the government’s failure in protecting one of Australia’s most popular icons, the koalas. However, the listing did not prove to be enough. Sadly, for the koalas and for those who care, Australia continues to downplay the immediate attention that koala conservatorship needs. The Australian Koala Foundation is now demanding a Koala Protection Act, similar to the Bald Eagle Act (enacted in 1942). The aim is to implement the act into Australian law for guaranteed protection in the years to come. The Koala Army works tirelessly at all levels of the government to encourage the implementation of the Koala Protection Act.

:https://nationaltoday.com/save-the-koala-day/

2025 · National Day Calendar

National Zoo Awareness Day 2025

TanjaLeave a comment

The history of zoos dates back to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. The intent, of course, was different. Back then, many rulers kept exotic animals — to either gift other rulers or for vanity’s sake. There was little to no effort in caring for the animals. Humans still lacked the requisite knowledge or will.

Over millennia, our understanding of the animal kingdom has evolved. We saw animal trainers and zookeepers emerge. However, the general idea of animals as exotic entertainment persisted. Gradually, new knowledge and tools for caring for animals became widespread; zoos and aquariums were born. Around the same time, the idea of humans caring for wildlife first took root and stayed.

By the 19th century, zoology had become a popular field of science. Private animal collections were frowned upon, becoming less and less popular over time. The modern zoo, as we know it today, grew from this evolution of thought. Even so, not all of them are the same.

There are zoos open to the public, while others are purely for conservation purposes. Many private zoos run breeding programs to protect critically endangered species from extinction. Other programs take in rescued animals that can no longer survive in the wild for various reasons.

As conscientious citizens, we must critically examine the zoos in our areas. What is the intent? Are there programs that benefit the animals and conservation? Does the zoo educate the community on wildlife and ecosystems? Are the animal enclosures mimicking natural habitats? National Zoo Awareness Day hopes to instill fascination, love, and respect for animals, particularly when they are in human care.

:https://nationaltoday.com/national-zoo-awareness-day/

2025 · National Day Calendar

National Dog Day 2025 🐕

TanjaLeave a comment

Dogs are man’s best friend for a reason, so why not celebrate them? These furry friends range in all different shapes, sizes, and breeds. There is a dog out there for everyone! Whether you like big dogs or small dogs, every pup should be celebrated on National Dog Day. This holiday was created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, a Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate. She created this day so that all dogs can be celebrated and also to draw attention to the number of dogs in shelters and to encourage adoption for those who have yet to find a place to call home. August 26 is significant to Colleen because it is the day her family adopted her Sheltie when she was 10 years old.

Since the first celebration in 2004, National Dog Day has grown and is now celebrated across the world. In 2013, the holiday was written into New York legislation and can be seen on the New York State Senate’s website. To spread the word further, those who oversee the holiday have joined forces with many rescue partners, including The Humane Society of the United States and West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue. Together, they draw attention to the number of dogs that are without a home and try to actively encourage people searching for a dog to visit an adoption shelter instead of a pet store.

Since the first day back in 2004, it is estimated that approximately one million dogs have been saved through adoption in the U.S. For dog owners who aren’t looking to add to their family, National Dog Day has become a day for treating their friends like the legends they are and enjoying the connection that we’ve built up with dogs over thousands of years. Colleen Paige, the founder of the holiday, also uses the day to draw attention to the multiple ways in which dogs contribute to our society. From putting their lives on the line to help law enforcement track down bombs or drug dealers to providing assistance for those who need it, dogs play an important role. Nowadays, dogs can even identify cancer in patients.

National Dog Day has also been using its platform to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure, and continuously pushes for all dogs to be allowed to live happy and abuse-free lives. National Dog Day is on an upward trajectory and continues to grow in popularity. It is widely covered in the media each year, and rescue homes are the all-important exposure they need to get their message across. Whether you choose to celebrate by volunteering at a rescue home, making a donation to a shelter, or giving your furry friend an extra big cuddle, make sure you spend this day acknowledging just how awesome dogs are.

:https://nationaltoday.com/national-dog-day/

2025 · National Day Calendar

International Orangutan Day 2025 🦧

TanjaLeave a comment
Orangutan at the Fort Worth Zoo

The exact year that International Orangutan Day was established is uncertain. The day is marked, however, to save species that are on the edge of extinction. The goal of International Orangutan Day is to raise awareness about the predicament of this species, which has progressed from endangered to critically endangered. Orangutans have been around for millions of years and are thought to be the ancestors of gorillas. They are large apes that spend the majority of their time in trees and are only found in the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra. The two species that live there were formerly thought to be the same.

Further research has shown that they are two distinct species that separated some 400,000 years ago. Orangutans have enormous arm lengths that reach about seven feet from tip to tip, which is impressive given that they only stand around five feet above the ground. When orangutans stand up straight, their hands are almost touching the ground. Their long arms complement their arboreal lifestyle, letting them move from tree to tree and construct shelters from the canopy’s massive leaves. Because orangutans spend 90 % of their time in the treetops looking for food, deforestation is highly damaging to them. Orangutans are mostly herbivores, but omnivorous orangutans will eat bark, insects, and even meat if available.

The tropical rainforest had been destroyed due to the farms’ improper management. Furthermore, the farmers consider the orangutans to be a nuisance and either kill them or burn the forest down. There have only been 20,000 survivors since 2006, but there should be more now. As a result, deforestation is the fundamental cause of such a tiny number of orangutans, and if it continues, the big apes will become extinct sooner. Raising awareness by commemorating International Orangutan Day can assist in increasing the possibility of this endangered species being rescued.

Unfortunately, humans are the greatest threat to the survival of orangutans. Deforestation, for example, encroaches on their habitat. In addition, illicit hunting claims the lives of 3,000 orangutans each year. Some wildlife specialists believe the orangutan will become extinct in the wild over the next 50 years. However, several organizations are working to conserve orangutans. The Centre for Orangutan Protection, the Sumatran Orangutan Society, The Orangutan Project, Orangutan Outreach, and the Humane Society are a few of these organizations.

: https://nationaltoday.com/international-orangutan-day/

2025 · National Day Calendar

World Honey Bee Day 2025

TanjaLeave a comment

🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯

Honey Bee on Purple Milkweed

The first World Honey Bee Day was observed in 2009, and it has since gained popularity. The holiday is intended to promote beekeeping, but it also exposes a lot about honey bees. Honey’s sweetness is often celebrated during the holiday season. It is used in some of the most delectable dishes found all around the world. Honey has a worldwide appeal and is frequently used as a metaphor for fruitfulness in literature.

Since the earliest civilizations, honey has been used as a sweetener for various foods. Though the method of collecting honey was sometimes painful, the people still happily took the risk.
The importance of honey was not limited to edibility alone. It has been used as a preservative and for treating certain ailments. The benefits of honey quickly sparked the desire for beekeeping since the Egyptian civilization. The method and upkeep improved as time went on. After a comb harvest, a man named Lorenzo Langstroth discovered a way to keep the hive going.

Bees were also discovered to have a significant role in pollination. Because pollination is so crucial to us, this has drawn a lot of attention to the role of bees. World Honey Bee Day is a holiday dedicated to raising awareness about the bees’ numerous advantages. It’s a day to celebrate beekeeping and encourages you to learn more about it. However, it is also a day that reminds us of the worldwide extinction of bee species. It’s a holiday that encourages us to think about our impact on the environment.

: https://nationaltoday.com/world-honey-bee-day/

🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯🐝🍯

2025 · National Day Calendar

World Lion Day 2025

TanjaLeave a comment

The first World Lion Day came into being in 2013. It was headed by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, a couple who are passionate about preservation and wild cats. After realizing that lion populations have drastically decreased worldwide, the Jouberts approached “National Geographic” for the brand’s help. Forming a partnership with them, the couple came up with the Big Cat Initiative (B.C.I.) in 2009. The B.C.I.’s main goal would be to protect and preserve the remaining lion species in the world. While aspects like deforestation, climate change, and human intervention may have impacted lion populations, studies have shown that their extremely low numbers may also have to do with ice ages and natural environmental disasters that have led them to become secluded in only a few countries of the world, namely India and South Africa. To date, the B.C.I. has made substantial leaps, from getting 150+ grant awards to reducing almost 3,000 threats to 3,000 wild cats to removing 13,000 life-threatening snares.

The lion comes from the ‘Felidae’ family of cats, and it is considered to be an apex predator. It is the second-largest cat, weighing around 300 to 600 pounds, with the first being its cousin, the tiger. An average lion’s body is muscular with a short, round head and ears, and a tufty tail. Its sex can be identified through its heavy and luscious mane, which is absent in lionesses. Lions also happen to be the only cats that roam around in large groups known as a pride. Scientists believe that lions do so because it is easier to catch prey in the wild. Their natural habitats are savannas and grasslands. You will most likely find a pride of lions near water bodies as they strategically wait for prey to come there for a drink and then pounce on them.

:https://nationaltoday.com/world-lion-day/