Endangered Species Day May 21

On May 21, America celebrates Endangered Species Day with hundreds of events across the country. Recognized by the United States Senate in a unanimous resolution, Endangered Species Day observes our nation's commitment to protecting endangered species and their habitat.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that we are in the 5th year of Endangered Species Day, building awareness about our America’s wildlife heritage - the bald eagle, gray wolf, gray whale, pacific salmon and many other wildlife, birds, 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.”

"Endangered Species Day is a great opportunity for children and adults alike to learn about endangered species and the habitats where they live," said David Robinson, Endangered Species Day Director. "The goal of Endangered Species Day is simple-to educate people about the importance of protecting our nation's wildlife and wild places."

Over 100 Endangered Species Day events across the countryFor Endangered Species Day, parks, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, museums, libraries, schools, 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. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is observing Endangered Species Day at a number of wildlife refuges, parks, fish hatcheries and other locations around the country.

The United States Capitol, the United States Botanic Garden, the National Zoo, Maine Wildlife Park, the Bozeman Fish Hatchery, the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Golden Gate National Parks, Chula Vista Nature Center and the San Diego Zoo are some of the venues for the more than 100 events that have been organized to celebrate Endangered Species Day.

United States Senate Endangered Species Day ResolutionThe United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution declaring May 21st as Endangered Species Day. The resolution (S. Res. 503) “encourages the people of the United States to become educated about and aware of threats to species, success stories in species recovery and the opportunity to promote species conservation worldwide and to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

“As we work to protect our environment, we can’t forget the importance of wildlife in sustaining earth’s ecosystems,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). “Endangered Species Day will provide a great opportunity to increase awareness and invite more people to join the fight to protect God’s creatures.”

The resolution was sponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), along with Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Carl Levin (D-MI), John Kerry (D-MA), and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ.)

“The federal government plays a critical role in protecting threatened and endangered species. On May 21, we will celebrate Endangered Species Day to encourage greater awareness about the threats to endangered species and to promote species conservation worldwide. I encourage all Mainers to take advantage of the opportunities that day to learn more about what each of us can do to protect threatened and endangered species,” said Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).Supporting Organizations

In addition to the Endangered Species Coalition, numerous conservation and education organizations support Endangered Species Day, including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Garden Clubs of America, the National Association of Biology Teachers, the National Science Teachers Association, the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., San Diego Zoo, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Earth Day Network, National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society and Defenders of Wildlife.

More information can be found at www.EndangeredSpeciesDay.org

The Endangered Species Coalition is a national network of hundreds of conservation, scientific, education, sporting, religious, humane, business and community groups across the country. Through public education, scientific information and citizen participation, we work to protect our nation's wildlife and wild places. The ESC is a non-partisan coalition working with concerned citizens and decision makers from all parties to protect endangered species and habitat.