World Animal Day is celebrated annually on October 4. (Image: Shutterstock)
World Animal Day 2024 theme, “The world is their home too,” highlights that animals are not just inhabitants of the earth but vital parts of our ecosystem.
Animals, much like humans and plants, are vital to our ecosystem. They contribute in numerous ways that are integral to maintaining ecological balance. From regulating ecological processes such as nutrient cycling, decomposition, and the nitrogen cycle, their role in environmental protection is indispensable. Beyond this, animals also contribute significantly to human well-being.
To highlight their importance and advocate for their welfare, October 4 is observed as World Animal Day. This day not only educates people about our most endangered species but also teaches how to protect and rescue them. To mark this day, people can support animal rescue shelters, launch welfare campaigns, or simply learn how to make a positive impact on animal welfare.
On this occasion, let’s delve into the history, significance, inspiring quotes and some interesting facts.
World Animal Day 2024: History
World Animal Day was first commemorated on March 24, 1925, at the Sports Palace in Berlin, Germany, thanks to the initiative of cynologist and animal protection advocate Heinrich Zimmermann. His goal was to raise awareness about animal welfare, and over 5,000 people attended to show their support for the cause.
Interestingly, World Animal Day coincides with the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
World Animal Day 2024: Significance
World Animal Day is an important occasion that serves to remind people of the ways in which animals enrich our lives. The day emphasises the need to promote the animal protection movement by encouraging the establishment of rescue shelters, launching animal welfare campaigns, raising funds and conducting awareness activities to improve animal living conditions.
Often referred to as Animal Lovers Day, this observance fosters love, care and protection for animals through the support of individuals and organizations dedicated to advocating for animal rights. Celebrating this day highlights the collective responsibility we have towards ensuring the well-being of animals.
World Animal Day 2024: Theme
The theme for this year’s World Animal Day, “The world is their home too,” highlights that animals are not just inhabitants of the earth but vital parts of our ecosystem. It emphasises their right to live in a safe and protected environment.
World Animal Day 2024: Quotes
- “If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals.” – Albert Einstein
- “An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” – Martin Buber
- “When a man has pity on all living creatures, then only is he noble.” – Buddha
- “He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” – Immanuel Kant
- “Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil, jealousy, or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring – it was peace.” – Milan Kundera
- “Killing animals for sport, pleasure, adventure, and for hides and furs is a phenomenon that is at once disgusting and distressing. There is no justification in indulging in such acts of brutality.” – Dalai Lama
- “As custodians of the planet, it is our responsibility to deal with all species with kindness, love, and compassion. That these animals suffer through human cruelty is beyond understanding. Please help to stop this madness.” – Richard Gere
- “Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful, and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.” – Alfred A. Montapert
World Animal Day 2024: Interesting Facts
- A newly born kangaroo is equal to the size of a Lima bean (it is called Sem Phali in Hindi).
- Starfish don’t have a brain.
- Polar bears have a black skin colour, which helps them absorb heat from the sun to stay warm in an Arctic climate. In fact, due to their transparent and hollow fur, they can sometimes appear in various colours, including yellow, grey, orange, and even green.
- Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dogs who can reach a speed of 45 mph.
- A 2-inch rope of spider silk is capable of stopping Boeing 747.
- Zebras are one of the world’s swiftest land animalsdue to their remarkable speed and agility.
- Octopuses have three hearts. Two pump blood to the gills for oxygenation, while the third pumps it to the rest of the body
- Honeybees can flap their wings 200 times every second.
- Horses use facial expressions to communicate with each other, such as showing teeth, flaring nostrils, and ear movements to convey emotion and intentions.
- Dog’s sense of smell is approximately 1,00,000 times better than that of a human. While they have fewer taste buds than humans, their olfactory system is much more powerful.
