World Wildlife Day
A global day celebrating the diversity of wild animals and plants on Earth, and highlighting the importance of protecting them from extinction and illegal trade.
Date3 March
TopicEnvironment & Sustainability
Established2013
Ways to observe this day
- Visit a nearby nature reserve or zoo and learn about its conservation work
- Share a photo or fact about an endangered species in your region
- Avoid buying products made from parts of threatened wild animals
- Follow or support an organization working to protect wildlife
On December 20, 2013, the UN General Assembly proclaimed March 3 as World Wildlife Day, choosing the date to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. The day responds to the sharp decline in many wild species due to poaching, habitat loss, and illegal trade.
World Wildlife Day raises awareness of the ecological, economic, aesthetic, and spiritual value of wild plants and animals, and rallies support for conservation efforts. It is marked by UN agencies, environmental organizations, and nature reserves worldwide through photo exhibitions, school awareness campaigns, and scientific seminars addressing issues such as illegal wildlife trafficking and the impact of climate change on endangered species, alongside field initiatives to protect natural habitats.
