If animals are your passion then Visit the Zoo Day gives you a great opportunity to really get close to some of the most intriguing and engaging species on the planet.
No matter where you live, your usually not far from a zoo, so why not go for a visit and find out more?
In most of the better zoos around the globe, the enclosures the animals are kept in are relatively roomy and attempt to mirror an animal’s natural environment as closely as possible. Some zoos house indigenous species as well as or rather than those from further away.
All in all, zoos are fascinating (and often smelly) places where we can get a lot closer to nature than we would ever have the chance to otherwise, and that’s definitely worth trying at least once or twice in life.
How to Celebrate Visit the Zoo Day
Visit the Zoo
The best way to celebrate this day is to visit a zoo yourself, and perhaps take a friend or your children with you.
You have likely been to the zoo before, however, so you are aware of how people just move from one animal to the next, never paying any of them nearly as much attention as they should.
Study Up on Zoo Animals
This time, try to make your trip to the zoo different. Make a point of reading up on several specific animals beforehand in order to know as much a bout them as possible before you see them live.
Then, spend more than the few moments most people spend gazing idly at the creature before moving right onto the next one.
Study it, observe it, try to get the best look possible, take note of the animal’s behaviour, which you can later discuss with your partner or family.
This Visit the Zoo Day, remember why zoos were created in the first place, and take advantage of the full learning potential they offer.
Learn About Zoo Programs
Zoos are at the forefront of much of the research which goes on into animal behaviour and how best to protect vulnerable animals from extinction.
Many zoos have breeding programmes running, where they work with other facilities around the world to increase the numbers of endangered populations.
History of Visit The Zoo Day
The idea of having exotic animals confined to a certain area for other people to view or observe is not new at all.
The earliest such enclosure , called a “menagerie” discovered by excavators in Egypt and is believed to date back to about 3500 B.C. King Solomon of Israel was a known ancient animal collector, as were King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia and Alexander the Great.
Wild animals were also collected to be used in the arenas during the Roman Games, though most of those died violent deaths after being pitted against each other for the amusement of the crowd.
Later, British kings kept wild animals in the Tower of London, with the price of viewing them being a small dog or cat that could be used to feed them.
The first actual zoo, created not to stroke the ego of a monarch, but rather to educate and entertain, was opened in London in 1828.
Visit the Zoo Day was likely begun as a tradition by those who are excited to get out of the house and do something fun with the family just after Christmas, while the kids are still out of school!
Visit The Zoo Day FAQs
You may also like
American Zoo Day
Celebrate American Zoo Day by exploring wildlife, supporting conservation, and learning how zoos protect endangered species and connect people with nature.
- Australia
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- and 1 more
National Zoo Lovers Day
Gather some friends and family and appreciate the incredible animals of the world by visiting, donating to, or volunteering at your local Zoological Garden.
- United States
National Zoo Awareness Day
National Zoo Awareness Day encourages everyone to appreciate the beauty and importance of zoos. This day invites people to explore the wonders of wildlife and learn about the crucial role zoos play in conservation. When visiting zoos, families and friends can bond over shared experiences and create lasting memories. Zoos...
- Australia
- Canada
- International
- and 2 more
National Zoo and Aquarium Month
Facilitating immersive experiences to educate and inspire conservation efforts for diverse ecosystems and endangered species.
- United States
National days and holidays on December 27
Zagreb Advent
Zagreb Advent is a magical celebration that transforms Croatia's capital into a winter wonderland. The streets light up with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Wooden stalls filled with handmade crafts and delicious treats line the squares, and the air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and...
- Croatia
National Fruitcake Day
Indulge in variations of a classic cake from all over the world or compete to see who can fling this fruit-packed favorite the furthest.
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- United States
National Leftovers Day
Repurposing remnants into delightful dishes not only reduces waste but transforms every meal into an environmental stewardship.
- Australia
- United Kingdom
Kwanzaa
Uniting in cultural richness, illuminating principles like unity, purpose, and creativity through vibrant rituals and meaningful gatherings.
- Brazil
- Canada
- France
- and 4 more
Seize Every Day
Join free for personalised recommendations, email reminders and exclusive guides. Never miss a day.