World
Animal Day was first launched in 1931 at a convention of ecologists
to draw attention to the plight of endangered species. Its scope
has since developed to encompass the animal kingdom in general.
The 4th October was chosen for the day because it is the Feast
Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
World Animal Day is intended as a day of celebration for anyone
in the world who cares about animals. It is not restricted to
any one nationality, creed, religion, political belief or ideology.
World Animal Day is celebrated annually in many countries, including
Singapore, Malta, Lithuania and Australia.
World Animal Day - Mission Statement
• To celebrate animal life in all its forms
• To celebrate humankind’s relationship with the animal
kingdom
• To acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in
our lives – from providing food, through being our companions,
to supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into
our lives
• To acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals
enrich our lives
• World Animal Day takes place every year on 4 October.
Animal welfare groups, sanctuaries and individuals throughout
the world hold special events to heighten public awareness of
animal issues and to encourage people to think about how we as
humans relate to animals.
How you can help
To get involved, all you need is an idea. In fact, you don't even
need that as WAD have plenty of ideas for your successful World
Animal Day contribution. And of course they will help you to advertise
your event for free. Visit their Get
Involved pages for more information.
Or how about helping to spread the word by sending your friends
a special World Animal Day e-card.
Celebrity Support
"I feel strongly that we are the Guardians of this Planet.
Animals are under our sacred protection! Fail them, and we will
pay for it dearly."
Brian Blessed, actor
"How wonderful to have a day to celebrate
all the animals in the world. What a lonely, awful place it would
be without them. They enrich every aspect of life - let's celebrate
them and work together to bring an end to all animal suffering."
Twiggy Lawson, actress and model
"I have been incredibly fortunate that
my work has brought me into such close contact with the natural
world - and I never cease to be amazed by the variety, beauty
and intelligence of the animals I paint. World Animal Day provides
a wonderful opportunity for us all to celebrate the ways in which
our lives are enriched by animals - and to support all the hardworking
organisations which are striving to end animal suffering worldwide."
Pollyanna Pickering, wildlife artist
For further information, contact Christine Lee
on +44 (0)1242 252871 or email info@worldanimalday.org.uk
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