World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day History

World Wildlife Day is dedicated to raising awareness about biodiversity and the crucial role it plays in human well-being. Promoted by United Nations (UN), these observances underscore the urgent need to combat wildlife crime and human-induced reduction of species, which have biodiversity impacts, economic consequences, and undermine the rule of law. This day also serves to celebrate the various forms of wild fauna and flora and emphasizes their inherent value and contribution to sustainable development and human well-being.

The UN General Assembly announced World Wildlife Day on 20 December 2013, in an endeavour to give global attention to wildlife conservation and to highlight its role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. For New Zealand, this observance is deeply significant. As an island nation, it boasts a unique collection of endemic wildlife, some of which are faced with the threat of extinction. Thus, World Wildlife Day is a call to preserve and protect the unique biodiversity of New Zealand, especially key species such as the Kiwi bird, the Hector’s dolphin, and the Kea parrot, among others.

World Wildlife Day is observed in New Zealand through a variety of activities and campaigns. Conservation organisations, educational institutions, and communities come together to organize public rallies, workshops, and exhibitions to foster a better understanding of New Zealand's unique wildlife. Campaigns are often geared towards encouraging the protection of endangered species and their habitats, while also advocating for sustainable wildlife management practices. World Wildlife Day is celebrated each year on March 3rd.

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 critically endangered kākāpō, a nocturnal, flightless parrot native to New Zealand, is a prime example of the importance of wildlife conservation. Efforts by the Kākāpō Recovery Programme and the Department of Conservation have been instrumental in increasing the kākāpō population from around 50 individuals in the 1990s to over 200 today.
• The successful conservation efforts of the black robin (Petroica traversi) is another example of New Zealand's commitment to preserving its native wildlife. In the early 1980s, only five black robins remained. Through intensive conservation efforts, the population has risen to around 250 individuals.

In the News and Trending in NZ for World Wildlife Day

Top things to do in NZ 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 New Zealand:
  Wild New Zealand – National Geographic series that takes you on an adventure showcasing the landscapes and wildlife of New Zealand.
  New Zealand: Earth's Mythical Islands – BBC series that gives viewers a glimpse into the diverse animals and landscapes of New Zealand.
• Visit the Wellington Zoo: Wellington Zoo is the first zoo in New Zealand and a major attraction for animal lovers. It boasts over 500 different species of animals, from the smallest monkeys to the most majestic lions and everything in between.