World Wildlife Day in the United States

History: World Wildlife Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 20, 2013. The date of March 3 was chosen to celebrate and raise awareness of the world's wild animals and plants because it marks the day of the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.

Traditions: While World Wildlife Day is not a public holiday with established traditions like national holidays, it serves as an important occasion for raising awareness about wildlife conservation. Organizations, conservationists, and educators come together to plan events and activities that highlight the importance of protecting wildlife.

What People Do:

• Educational Events: Schools and educational institutions may organize workshops or seminars to educate students about the importance of wildlife conservation.
• Social Media Campaigns: Individuals and organizations use social media platforms to spread messages about conservation efforts and to share facts about endangered species.
• Fundraising: Conservation groups often use World Wildlife Day as an opportunity to raise funds for their projects aimed at protecting wildlife habitats or combating poaching.
• Outdoor Activities: Some people participate in outdoor activities like bird watching, nature walks, or visits to national parks to connect with wildlife.
• Documentary Screenings: Film screenings focusing on wildlife are common, aiming to inspire viewers to take action towards conservation efforts.

In the United States, various government agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also participate by promoting World Wildlife Day through their channels and organizing events that align with each year's theme as set by CITES.