World Wildlife Day

What is World Wildlife Day?

World Wildlife Day is a United Nations international day essential in bringing awareness to the wild animals and the natural habitat they live in. By educating more people on the needs of wildlife, we can take better care for the animals, both in the wild and those who are unfortunately in captivity.

Wild animals belong in the wild and deserve to live in their natural environment. World Wildlife Day is a reminder of that, and we believe that wild animals should have a right to a wild life.

World Wildlife Day is a day to celebrate all the natural biodiversity that creates the world around us. From the largest animal to the smallest plant, each plays their part and contributes to the health of our planet.

When is World Wildlife Day?

World Wildlife Day is celebrated annually on March 3rd.

The date of March 3rd was chosen as it is the date CITES was founded. CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) began in 1973, and this year will be the 50th year of the organisation operating.

Why celebrate World Wildlife Day?

Most captive animals have either been taken from their natural home in the wild, or bred in captivity, having never known real freedom. There are hundreds of thousands of animals currently being held in captivity, in unnatural environments, and forced to perform for tourists.

These animals range from many species, from tigers and elephants performing tricks, to donkeys and camels being used as transportation. Venues can range from amusement parks to mobile zoos, and deceptive marketing can create the illusion of sustainability and ethical values. However, the reality is far from kind.

To get animals to behave in certain ways, harsh training methods are inflicted, with the animals being disciplined until the ‘correct’ behaviour is actioned.

However, by sharing information and raising awareness, more people are being made aware of the suffering captive animals endure for the sake of ticket sales. Together we can end the commercial exploitation of wildlife.

How to celebrate World Wildlife Day?

This World Wildlife Day, make sure you do your best to support wild animals and their natural environments.

It may seem supportive to attend animal shows on holiday, but the reality doesn’t reveal the suffering they face. Harsh training methods, repetitive performances, and unnatural living environments keep thousands of animals in an endless cycle of suffering.

You can celebrate World Wildlife Day and support wild animals by:

• Learning more about Responsible Travel and reading our latest report.
• Not buying any tickets to shows featuring captive wild animals
• Booking with companies who do not promote animal shows, and avoid the companies who are actively failing wild animals
• Considering more ethical travel methods such as Ecotourism
• Telling your friends and family about the reality behind the performances for these animals 🗯
• Signing up to our Real Responsible Traveller newsletter to take action when we need you!