National Wildlife Day: Dates & Wildlife-Friendly Ways to Mark It

National Wildlife Day is an excuse to pay attention to animals that have not been domesticated, branded, dressed as admirals or otherwise recruited into human administration.

It is observed on 22 February and 4 September. World Animal Protection dates the first celebration to September 2005 and credits animal advocate Colleen Paige; it says the February date was later added to honour wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin on his birthday.

It is also worth clearing up one recurring bit of calendar confusion: National Wildlife Day is not the same as United Nations World Wildlife Day, which is held on 3 March.

When is National Wildlife Day?

World Animal Protection lists National Wildlife Day twice each year, on 22 February and 4 September.

The organisation says the day was first celebrated in September 2005 and was established by Colleen Paige. A second date, 22 February, was later added in memory of Steve Irwin and falls on his birthday.

Is National Wildlife Day the same as World Wildlife Day?

No. The names are similar enough to guarantee several decades of confused captions, but they are separate observances.

United Nations World Wildlife Day is observed annually on 3 March. The UN General Assembly proclaimed the date in 2013, choosing 3 March because it marks the 1973 adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, better known as CITES.

National Wildlife Day, meanwhile, is observed on 22 February and 4 September.

1. Learn one local species properly

You do not need to begin with tigers, whales or whichever animal has recently acquired the most cinematic documentary.

Choose something you can actually encounter where you live: a garden bird, urban fox, hedgehog, bee, butterfly or another local species. Learn how to identify it, what habitat it uses and which reputable organisations monitor or protect it.

One species understood properly is more useful than knowing twelve inspirational wildlife quotes over a stock photograph of an elephant.

2. Watch wildlife without making yourself the event

Good wildlife watching is usually quieter than social media suggests.

The Wildlife Trusts' wildlife photography guidance recommends keeping a respectful distance, taking care around habitats and putting the animal's welfare first.

If an animal changes its behaviour because you have approached, you are probably already too involved. Give it space, follow site signage and use paths where required.

3. Photograph wildlife responsibly

A long lens and patience are considerably better wildlife-photography tools than chasing an animal until it provides a closer composition.

The Wildlife Trusts advises photographers not to get too close, to be cautious with flash, to avoid damaging habitat and not to use recorded calls to lure birds, particularly around nests.

The photograph is not worth more than the animal's ability to continue behaving normally after you leave. This seems obvious. Humanity has nevertheless developed several industries around needing reminders.

4. Record what you see

Wildlife photographs can be more than attractive files sitting between screenshots and takeaway menus.

The RSPB's guidance on recording wildlife recommends keeping notes and photographs of sightings and points to tools such as iNaturalist when help with identification is needed.

Record the date, place and anything useful about the sighting. Do not disturb nesting or roosting wildlife to obtain a better record.

5. Support conservation work that is already being done

National Wildlife Day can also be used to support organisations working on habitat, species protection, rescue, research or public education.

Check what a reputable organisation currently needs. That may be donations, volunteering, recording sightings, campaigning, habitat work or simply following guidance in a protected area. Current requests are more useful than assuming conservation organisations have an infinite warehouse for whatever people happen to donate.

6. Make your own outdoor habits less disruptive

Small behaviour changes matter when many people use the same parks, paths, beaches and reserves.

Follow local signs, keep to paths in sensitive areas, take litter home and keep dogs under control. The Wildlife Trusts notes that repeated disturbance can cost wild animals valuable feeding or resting time, particularly in sensitive habitats.

If you are taking your dog outdoors and want photographs without turning wildlife into accidental background talent, our outdoor dog photography guide focuses on clear pet photos in suitable locations.

7. Know the difference between wildlife and pets

National Wildlife Day is about wild species and conservation. It is not an “exotic pet day”, and keeping an animal in a home does not make it a representative of wild populations or habitats.

If you actually came here looking for advice about creating artwork of a rabbit, bird or another companion animal, that is a separate subject. Our guide to portraits of pets beyond dogs and cats covers that without pretending the living room has become a wildlife reserve.

National Wildlife Day photo checklist

• Keep enough distance that the animal can behave normally.
• Stay on paths and respect protected or restricted areas.
• Avoid flash when it may disturb wildlife.
• Do not use food, calls or other lures simply to manufacture a photograph.
• Never interfere with nests, dens or young animals for a better angle.
• Record the location carefully without publicising sensitive locations where that could create pressure.
• Put welfare before the photograph.

Frequently asked questions

When is National Wildlife Day?

National Wildlife Day is observed on 22 February and 4 September each year.

Who created National Wildlife Day?

World Animal Protection credits animal advocate Colleen Paige and dates the first celebration to September 2005.

Why are there two National Wildlife Day dates?

World Animal Protection says 4 September was the original date and 22 February was later added to honour Steve Irwin on his birthday.

When is World Wildlife Day?

United Nations World Wildlife Day is observed every year on 3 March. It is a separate international observance proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2013.

What is a good way to celebrate National Wildlife Day?

Learn about local wildlife, observe and photograph animals without disturbing them, record sightings responsibly and support reputable conservation organisations or local habitat work.

Is National Wildlife Day about exotic pets?

No. The observance focuses on wildlife and conservation. Companion animals, including less common pets, are a different subject.

Wildlife does not need us to make it more dramatic. National Wildlife Day is better used to notice what is already there, learn something accurate and leave the animal with fewer reasons to regret being spotted by a human.

Header photo: European robin by Jethro Busby via Wikimedia Commons, released under CC0 1.0.