World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day History

World Wildlife Day, established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the world's wild animals and the environmental concerns they face. It emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, the crucial role that wildlife plays in ecosystem health, and the urgency of combatting wildlife crime. The day is also intended as a celebration of the beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora present on our planet.

World Wildlife Day, first observed in 2014, was declared to commemorate the day the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora was signed. For Canadians, this observance holds special significance. Canada is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including many endangered species such as the polar bear, right whale, and the spotted owl. World Wildlife Day promotes the conservation of these species and their habitats, aligning closely with Canada's ongoing efforts towards environmental preservation. It also encourages dialogue about wildlife policy and biodiversity in Canada, raising awareness not only nationally, but globally.

World Wildlife Day in Canada is observed through various initiatives, from educational campaigns and environmental cleanups to habitat restoration works and community events. Schools and public institutions often host special presentations and activities designed to raise awareness about Canadian wildlife and the challenges they face. This day aligns with Canada's commitment to conservation and sustainable living. World Wildlife Day takes place annually on March 3.

Facts about World Wildlife Day

• The theme for World Wildlife Day in 2024 was Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation. In 2023 the theme was Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration.
• Elephants, pangolins, rhinoceros, sharks and tigers are among the most critically poached and trafficked species in the world.
• According to the UN, the biggest threat to wildlife is habitat loss. Other threats include overgrazing, farming, and development. Habitat loss accounts for 80% of the loss in biological diversity.
• According to Conservation Ontario, the main threat to Ontario's turtle population are roads.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Wildlife Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Wildlife Day

• Enjoy the planet’s biodiversity by visiting the zoo or by going on a safari. You could also visit a nature museum, a botanical garden, or a national park to see the wide variety of flora and fauna.
• Volunteer to help clean up trash and other debris along a beach, park or stretch of road. Garbage and debris pollute the water and land habitats of our planet's plants and animals. In addition to polluting, garbage and debris can be ingested by animals or can act as a net and trap them.
• Watch a film to learn more about Wildlife in Canada:
  Wild Canada - This is a four-part series that takes an awe-inspiring look at the world around us, shot with ultra-high-definition cameras that capture sweeping panoramas and extraordinary close-ups of Canada's majestic terrain and diverse species.
  The Nature of Things - This is a long-running documentary series. While not exclusively about Canadian wildlife, it often features it, given the show is from Canada.
• Discover the Toronto Zoo: One of the largest zoos in the world, it offers visitors the chance to see a variety of wild animals, including polar bears, elephants, and gorillas.