World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day History

World Wildlife Day, established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the world's wild animals and the environmental concerns they face. It emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, the crucial role that wildlife plays in ecosystem health, and the urgency of combatting wildlife crime. The day is also intended as a celebration of the beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora present on our planet.

World Wildlife Day, first observed in 2014, was declared to commemorate the day the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora was signed. For Canadians, this observance holds special significance. Canada is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including many endangered species such as the polar bear, right whale, and the spotted owl. World Wildlife Day promotes the conservation of these species and their habitats, aligning closely with Canada's ongoing efforts towards environmental preservation. It also encourages dialogue about wildlife policy and biodiversity in Canada, raising awareness not only nationally, but globally.

World Wildlife Day in Canada is observed through various initiatives, from educational campaigns and environmental cleanups to habitat restoration works and community events. Schools and public institutions often host special presentations and activities designed to raise awareness about Canadian wildlife and the challenges they face. This day aligns with Canada's commitment to conservation and sustainable living. World Wildlife Day takes place annually on March 3.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 World Wildlife Day in Canada

• The 2026 observance of World Wildlife Day is centered on the theme Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods, which highlights the essential role that wild flora plays in global healthcare and traditional knowledge.
• One of the most striking statistics for 2026 reveals that more than 20 percent of the wild plant species used globally for medicinal and aromatic purposes are currently threatened with extinction due to overharvesting and habitat loss.
• The upcoming celebration marks a significant shift in focus toward "wildlife" that is not animal-based, specifically targeting the 50,000 wild species that meet the daily needs of billions of people worldwide.
• In a local context, Canadians may find particular interest in the conservation of native species like American Ginseng and Goldenseal, both of which are wild-harvested medicinal plants that have faced significant population declines in North America.
• The World Wildlife Day Film Showcase, organized in partnership with Jackson Wild, will feature a curated selection of creative works that explore the "healing power of nature" and the communities dedicated to protecting these vital botanical resources.
• International experts have noted that approximately 70 to 95 percent of people in developing countries still rely on traditional medicine for their primary healthcare, much of which is derived from the very wild-growing plants being celebrated this year.
• The 2026 event coincides with a growing awareness of Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge in Canada, emphasizing how the sustainable management of aromatic and medicinal plants is deeply intertwined with cultural heritage and local livelihoods.
• While the observance primarily highlights plants this year, it also serves as a critical lead-in to major conservation milestones for iconic Canadian fauna, such as the ongoing efforts to protect the boreal population of Woodland Caribou.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Wildlife Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Wildlife Day

• Enjoy the planet’s biodiversity by visiting the zoo or by going on a safari. You could also visit a nature museum, a botanical garden, or a national park to see the wide variety of flora and fauna.
• Volunteer to help clean up trash and other debris along a beach, park or stretch of road. Garbage and debris pollute the water and land habitats of our planet's plants and animals. In addition to polluting, garbage and debris can be ingested by animals or can act as a net and trap them.
• Watch a film to learn more about Wildlife in Canada:
  Wild Canada - This is a four-part series that takes an awe-inspiring look at the world around us, shot with ultra-high-definition cameras that capture sweeping panoramas and extraordinary close-ups of Canada's majestic terrain and diverse species.
  The Nature of Things - This is a long-running documentary series. While not exclusively about Canadian wildlife, it often features it, given the show is from Canada.
• Discover the Toronto Zoo: One of the largest zoos in the world, it offers visitors the chance to see a variety of wild animals, including polar bears, elephants, and gorillas.