Nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history: we’ve had a devastating 70% drop in wildlife populations since the 1970s, with 1 million animal and plant species now threatened with extinction. And given that around 50,000 wildlife species ensure the livelihoods of 1 in 5 people worldwide, it’s critical to take responsibility for and do our part in their protection. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s National Wildlife Day?

👉 Official Name: National Wildlife Day
💚 Cause: Support national efforts to conserve wildlife in countries worldwide
📅 Next Date: September 4, 2026
🐦 Hashtag: #NationalWildlifeDay, #ProtectYourWildlife, #WildlifeConservation

Keep reading to find all the important information about National Wildlife Day at a glance: its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.

The Most Important Information About National Wildlife Day at a Glance

1️⃣ The big picture: National Wildlife Day urges people to take action for wildlife by raising awareness of local endangered animals and plants that need to be rescued from their demise. This event aims to remind the public of their responsibility to care for local nature by encouraging educational outreach and public involvement in conservation efforts. It also aims to foster a deeper understanding of how our lifestyles and the products we consume can negatively impact local wildlife and inspire change for a sustainable future. 

2️⃣ Why it is important: Wildlife needs our support more than ever, as 30,000 species per year – or about three per hour – are being driven to extinction. Even more worryingly, wildlife is dying off 1,000 times more rapidly today than during the 60 million years before humans existed. Habitat destruction, especially in the tropics, is the major driver, with agriculture accounting for 60% of global biodiversity loss and about ¼ of CO₂ emissions worldwide. Then, the resulting climate change further accelerates the loss of wildlife. In addition, wildlife is highly impacted by poaching, wildlife crime, and pollution (especially plastic pollution). 

3️⃣ How you can get involved: From exploring local wildlife to becoming a citizen scientist, these are the best ways to celebrate National Wildlife Day:

1. Enjoy the wildlife: Take time to spend part of this day enjoying the great outdoors and explore the wildlife you encounter – from birds to flowers and riverside animals. You can try going on a hike in a national park to discover local protected species and fund, through your ticket, local conservation. 
2. Become a citizen scientist: Being a citizen scientist is a powerful and enjoyable way to advance wildlife conservation and research. No matter your knowledge, you can join scientific initiatives to help track wildlife, monitor habitats, or report sightings of specific animals. In this way, you can provide hands-on support to your local wildlife!
3. Fund conservation efforts: Donate your time and money to organizations that fight to protect wild animals and plants, and maintain their ecosystems. You can also plan a fundraiser at your workplace and donate to animal sanctuaries, schools, libraries, and environmental groups, to advance wildlife education and conservation. 
4. Make lifestyle changes: Commit to small and powerful steps to implement a wildlife-friendly lifestyle to continue enjoying the benefits and beauty that nature brings us all.

Below are our favorite charities that are relevant for National Wildlife Day:

• Best Charities That Protect Our National Parks
• Best Wildlife Conservation Charities
• Best Charities That Protect Wild Animals
• Impactful Ninja: Animal Charities
• Impactful Ninja: Nature Conservation Charities

A Brief History of National Wildlife Day

When was this event established: National Wildlife Day was created in 2006 by Colleen Paige, an animal activist, philanthropist, and pet & family lifestyle expert. She founded this observance to advance wildlife conservation and raise awareness of threats to wildlife welfare. She also created this Day in honor of Australian conservationist Steve Irwin, also called “The Crocodile Hunter”, following his death on September 4, 2006. 

How has it developed since then: Later on, Colleen Paige made National Wildlife Day bi-annual, with the other observance on February 22, which is Steve Irwin’s birthday. Today, the event is observed in the US and worldwide through educational events, expert webinars, and social media campaigns to help raise public awareness of wildlife threats and advance funds for conservationists. 

3 Interesting Facts About National Wildlife Day

1. National wildlife winners: Brazil is Earth’s biodiversity champion. It has countless terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and the most plant and amphibian species counts. Furthermore, Indonesia has over 10,000 islands, the world’s third-largest rainforest, and the most mammal species of any country. The third place goes to China, which has a staggering array of habitats, from tropical rainforests in Yunnan to the Gobi desert. 
2. The most endangered: The world approaches irreversible tipping points of nature loss. The steepest declines in wildlife populations were found in Latin America and the Caribbean – 95% –, followed by Africa (76%) and Asia–Pacific (60%). The strongest decline has been in freshwater wildlife (85%) and plants: twice as many plants have disappeared in the last 250 years than birds, mammals, and amphibians combined!
3. National conservation: Globally, 244 countries have over 300,000 protected areas and 6,555 national parks. This adds up to 8.66 million square miles of protected land and waters – nearly 17% of Earth’s surface. What’s more, the protected land area has doubled since 1990. As a result, the world spends $80-$90 billion on conservation each year, but studies show more may be needed to save ecosystems from collapse.

Upcoming Dates of National Wildlife Day

National Wildlife Day is observed every year on September 4.