World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day History

World Wildlife Day celebrates the conservation, protection and celebration of the world's wild animals and plants. On this day, the spotlight is on the diverse forms of flora and fauna, highlighting their intrinsic value and contributions to sustainable development, food security and human well-being. The day seeks to raise global awareness on the issues affecting wildlife, including habitat loss, climate change, and illegal trafficking, emphasizing the urgent need for nations to take relevant actions towards wildlife preservation.

World Wildlife Day has historical roots embedded in the work of the United Nations. It was proclaimed in 2013 during the 68th session of the UN General Assembly. For South Africa, with its abundant wildlife and biodiversity, this is of immense relevance. The day calls for concentrated efforts towards protecting South Africa's wildlife, which ranges from lions, elephants and rhinos to diverse bird species. It drives actions against threats such as poaching, habitat degradation and climate change, which jeopardize South Africa's unique ecological heritage and its ecotourism, a significant contributor to the nation's economy.

In South Africa, World Wildlife Day is highlighted with various activities that underscore the value of wildlife and the necessity of its conservation. These activities include educational programs in schools and communities, wildlife excursions and forums to discuss sustainable wildlife management strategies. National parks and nature reserves often offer free entries or special events to encourage public participation in wildlife conservation. World Wildlife Day is celebrated each year on March 3rd.

Facts about World Wildlife Day

• The theme for World Wildlife Day in 2025 was Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet, and 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 coastline of South Africa is home to a diverse range of marine life, including over 2000 fish species, whales, dolphins, seals, and the famous great white shark. The sardine run, an annual migration of billions of sardines along the coastline, is among the largest marine events in the world.
• The Cape Floristic Region in South Africa is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, with around 10,000 plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. This region is often highlighted during World Wildlife Day celebrations as a unique and vital aspect of South Africa's natural heritage.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Wildlife Day

Top things to do in South Africa 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 South Africa:
  The Elephant Queen - This feature-length documentary tells the heartwarming story of an elephant matriarch who guides her family across the unforgiving African landscape.
  Africa - This six-part series presented by David Attenborough explores the wildlife and landscapes of Africa, including those found in South Africa.
• Visit Kruger National Park: South Africa's most famous national park is a great place to observe wildlife especially on World Wildlife Day. You can see a variety of animals including the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos).