Rakshita
We share this world with millions of other living organisms and it belongs to them as much as to us. Unfortunately, for centuries human activity has been interfering with the natural balance of the earth. To restore all the damage it has caused to the wildlife it is important to take serious actions.
World Animal Day is an international initiative celebrated annually on the 4th of October that serves the purpose of preserving endangered species of animals.
History and Significance of World Animal Day
World Animal Day was originally initiated by Heinrich Zimmermann on the 24th of March 1925. In 1929, the celebration was combined with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi on the 4th of October as he bestowed his deep support for the improvement of ecology. The universal acceptance for a World Animal Day was announced officially in 1931 at the International Animal Protection Congress after Zimmermann proposed it. So, 4th October has been celebrated as World Animal Day around all countries in the world.
Initiatives by the Indian Government:
It is a crucial step that has united the world as one to come forward and contribute their part in preserving and protecting wildlife.
Indian Government has been actively participating in this cause by launching initiatives like Project Tiger and UNDP Sea Turtle Project. The legal implementation of several wildlife oriented laws has also paved the way for animal welfare in India. Fisheries Act 1897, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, and Biological Diversity Act 2002 has spread a lot of awareness regarding the protection of animals.
Endangered animals in India that you should be aware of:
According to WWF India, all six priority species – inhabiting the different landscapes and forests of our extremely diverse country – are listed as ‘threatened’ by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Four of these – the Red Panda, the Bengal Tiger, the Ganges River Dolphin and the Asian Elephant are endangered – while the Snow Leopard and the Greater One Horned Rhinoceros are considered vulnerable.
What can YOU do for Animal Welfare?
- Spread awareness: If you are a part of an organization or institution you must educate people around you about the plight of wildlife. Acknowledging a problem is the first step towards solving it.
- Adopt pets: Start talking about animals, and you will find numerous people claiming to be animal lovers, dog lovers, or cat lovers. You must advise them to adopt pets and give them a safe life filled with nourishment.
- Keep natural habitats clean: All of us are nature enthusiasts but we must keep nature litter-free. Seeing tourist places like hill stations, beaches, and rivers filled with plastic and garbage is heartbreaking. You must take responsibility and prevent yourself and others from littering natural habitats.
- Prevent pollution: This is something every individual can do and should do. At the end of the day, global warming is causing the highest destruction of nature. Prevent pollution of land, water, and air. This is the best way to safeguard the diversity of the earth.
You can also visit the wonderful national parks, forest reserves, or wildlife sanctuaries in India to celebrate this day. Creating beautiful memories amidst the wild will make you realize its magnificence as well as significance.
You can also read: 11 Forest Reserves to Visit in India
