National Endangered Species Day is May 21st! The day was established in 2006 to encourage education about the thousands of endangered species currently known in the natural world. It is a wonderful chance to celebrate and increase awareness of the fragility of these species and what can be done to help protect them. Wildlife centers, zoos, aquariums, libraries, and schools across the nation host events in honor of the day each year.

Learn More About Endangered Species

The Federal Endangered Species Act was signed in 1973 and aims to preserve and protect those creatures most in danger of dying out, often due to unfortunate behavior and practices by humankind. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and United States Fish and Wildlife Services are the federal agencies responsible for upholding the law. A list of endangered species is maintained by the FWS and includes animals from all over the world, including black rhinos, orangutans, blue whales, red pandas and many more.

Celebrate with Your Community

There are several ways you can celebrate National Endangered Species Day in your life and community. If your area does not have an event planned, approach local libraries or community centers to see if you may host one. Events might be exhibits exploring various endangered species or a themed movie night under the stars showing the trials of endangered species and how they might be helped.

Get Kids Involved

Activities for kids abound online and around the world! The Endangered Species Coalition hosts a Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest that children in grades K-12 are welcome to participate in, as well as an Endangered Species Chalk Art Contest. Kids are also encouraged to hold pollinator parties in which they get outside and spend time searching for pollinators and plants native to their area to celebrate the good work that pollinators do to keep the Earth and its inhabitants thriving.

Finally, you can support National Endangered Species Day by living a life free of wildlife products that are illegal, such as ivory, and food products that are dangerous to the sustainability of wildlife, such as palm oil. Educate yourself about endangered species and your national wildlife, the Endangered Species Act and what you can do to help them, and get started today making a difference in the lives of these precious creatures.