Endangered Species Day

On May 16, America celebrates Endangered Species Day and our nation’s commitment to protecting endangered species and their habitat with events across the country.

On Endangered Species Day, parks, wildlife refuges, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, museums, libraries, schools, agencies, businesses, conservation organizations, religious organizations and community groups hold events to highlight the everyday actions that people can take to help protect our nation’s wildlife heritage. “Endangered Species Day is a celebration of our nation’s wildlife heritage such as the American bald eagle, gray wolf, gray whale, pacific salmon and many other wildlife, fish and plants,” said Leda Huta, Executive Director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “We owe it to our children and grandchildren to leave behind a legacy of protecting endangered species and the special places they call home.” Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the San Diego Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, the Bar Harbor Whale Museum, the Port Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, WA, the International Wildlife Film Festival and over 90 venues in 28 states are organizing events to celebrate Endangered Species Day. “Across the country, America’s symbol, the Bald Eagle has made a remarkable recovery thanks to the Endangered Species Act,” said Betsy Loyless with the National Audubon Society. “The Bald Eagle is now both a symbol of America and a symbol of conservation and sound stewardship of our natural heritage. It is fitting that Americans take a patriotic moment on Endangered Species Day to appreciate the bald eagle and the natural heritage that is such an important part of what makes America great.” Endangered Species Day also provides an opportunity to learn more about the wide variety of actions that individuals and groups can take to help protect our nation’s endangered wildlife, fish and plants, including building backyard wildlife habitat, protecting open space, and supporting local efforts to clean up rivers, parks, and other natural areas.