World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day History

World Wildlife Day aims to celebrate and raise awareness of the world's wild plants and animals. It provides an opportunity to highlight the plight of many endangered species as well as the conservation efforts undertaken to protect them. This day is also meant to underscore the important role that natural ecosystems play in sustaining human existence by providing food, water, air and other resources necessary for life.

World Wildlife Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, in response to the urgent need to focus global attention on wildlife conservation. In the United Kingdom, this day is particularly relevant, considering the nation's diverse wildlife and habitats, as well as its active role in international conservation efforts. The UK, home to over 90,000 different animal species, is committed to preserving biodiversity. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the fundamental piece of legislation for wildlife protection in the UK, helps to reinforce the importance of this observance. Additionally, UK's conservation organisations such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and WWF-UK work endlessly to protect wildlife both locally and abroad, often highlighting their work on World Wildlife Day.

World Wildlife Day is celebrated with a myriad of activities ranging from educational programmes for children, wildlife-themed exhibitions, charity events, and media campaigns. Schools and nature clubs often organise field trips and workshops encouraging the young generation to appreciate and conserve our world's diverse wildlife. The Royal Parks, home to a wide variety of fauna and flora, also host several official celebrations on this day. This global day of action serves as an important reminder to UK citizens about the ongoing need for conservation and preserving biodiversity. World Wildlife Day is observed on 3rd March each year.

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.
• The UK has 15 national parks and over 200 designated nature reserves, which provide essential habitats for many species. Some notable reserves include the Cairngorms in Scotland, the Lake District in England, and the Brecon Beacons in Wales.
• The UK hosts a vast number of nature reserves, national parks, and conservation organizations, such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Wildlife Trusts, and the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) UK branch, that partake in World Wildlife Day initiatives by raising awareness, organizing events, and promoting wildlife conservation.

In the News and Trending in the UK for World Wildlife Day

Top things to do in the UK 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 United Kingdom:
  Wild Britain– This series offers an in-depth look at the diverse wildlife across the UK, exploring different habitats and seasons.
  Winterwatch – An annual BBC series that tracks the behavior of British wildlife during the winter season.
• Visit the Marwell Zoo in Hampshire: Known for their conservation efforts, it’s a fantastic opportunity to educate both children and adults about wildlife.