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Get ready to celebrate National Zoo Awareness Day on Aug. 31! This special day was created in 1982 as a way to recognize the important role that zoos play in preserving and protecting endangered species, teaching conservation lessons, and bringing people closer to nature. Not only is it a great opportunity for animal lovers everywhere to visit their favorite zoo or wildlife sanctuary, but it's also an important reminder of how we can all do our part in helping protect these amazing creatures.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1828</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Modern Zoo Opens</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Zoological Society of London opens the world's first scientific zoo in England.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1874</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First American Zoological Park</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo open to the public in the United States, begins operation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1982</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of National Zoo Awareness Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Zoo Awareness Day was created to celebrate the role of zoos in wildlife conservation and nature education.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Association of Zoos and Aquariums</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) was established to promote best practices in animal care, conservation, education, and science.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Zoos Embrace Digital Engagement</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the advent of the digital age, zoos begin to utilize technology for entertainment, educational programs, and animal welfare initiatives.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Zoos Amidst COVID-19</div><div class='timeline-text'>Zoos worldwide adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic by offering online content and implementing safety protocols for visitors.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a zoo</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a day to visit your local zoo and help raise awareness for animals in captivity. Plus, you get to see some amazing creatures and learn more about them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at the Zoo</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>What better way to celebrate National Zoo Awareness Day than to volunteer your time! Find out if your local zoo is in need of volunteers, or contact an animal protection organization to see how you can help.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Adopt an Animal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many zoos offer animal adoption programs that allow you to 'adopt' an animal and provide financial support for their care and feeding. Adopting an animal is great way to give back and show your support for wildlife conservation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraiser for a local zoo or animal rescue center. Invite friends and family to join in with donations of goods or money. You could also set up an online donation page as well.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread the word</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share information about National Zoo Awareness Day on social media, with the hashtag #NationalZooAwarenessDay, or start a blog dedicated to raising awareness about wildlife conservation efforts.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Zoos help with conservation efforts</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many zoos are actively involved in conservation and research programs to protect endangered species and their habitats. These efforts can help ensure the future of our planet's biodiversity, and also give us a chance to learn more about animal behavior and how we can promote their well-being.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Zoos increase public awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By providing an up close and personal look at animals from around the world, zoos help educate visitors on the importance of protecting our planet's biodiversity. Seeing animals in person helps foster an appreciation for them that may not develop from seeing pictures or videos alone.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Zoos provide recreational activities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Zoos offer a great way to spend time together as a family away from television screens or phones. There are usually plenty of interactive exhibits, workshops, and even 'behind the scenes' tours that both children and adults alike can enjoy.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Zoos are Leading Rescue Missions for Species at the Brink of Extinction</h3><p class='facts-content'>Zoos often partner with international conservation organizations to save species on the brink of extinction, contributing their expertise in animal care, veterinary medicine, and reproductive science.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Zoos are Education Powerhouses</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each year, zoos attract millions of students through guided tours and field trips, making them excellent locations for environmental education.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Zoo Professionals Undertake Field Conservation Work</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many zoos are also involved in conducting scientific research in natural habitats around the world to contribute towards conservation efforts and provide valuable information about wildlife.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Zoos Provide Sanctuary for Rescued Wildlife</h3><p class='facts-content'>Zoos often serve as rescue centers for injured wildlife or animals confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, providing them with a safe haven and medical treatment.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Zoos are Improving Animal Welfare</h3><p class='facts-content'>Zoos around the world are working to improve habitats and care protocols to ensure that animals under their care live enriching and comfortable lives.</p></div></div>
National Zoo Awareness Day is celebrated on August 31 every year. In 2024 National Zoo Awareness Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Aug 31
Thursday
2024
Aug 31
Saturday
2025
Aug 31
Sunday
2026
Aug 31
Monday
2027
Aug 31
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