World Lion Day 2023: Date, Significance and History
World Lion Day 2023: Date, Significance and History
Every year on August 10th, people all across the world observe World Lion Day. This global observance aims to raise awareness about lion conservation and protection. It provides an opportunity to educate people about the challenges these majestic animals face around the world and to support conservation efforts. Additionally, the day is a chance to honor these grandiose felines, recognizing their importance in ecosystems and various cultures globally.
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World Lion Day 2023 Significance
World Lion Day plays a vital role in rallying support and action to ensure a future for these remarkable animals in the wild by shining a spotlight on lions and their conservation needs. There is an urgent need for their conservation hence, the day aims to educate people about the importance of lions in ecosystems and their cultural significance.
World Lion Day 2023 Celebration
On World Lion Day, lions and their distinctive characteristics are celebrated through art, photography, and cultural events, while many organisations, wildlife conservation groups, zoos, and individuals participate in activities and campaigns or use the day to raise funds for lion conservation projects, anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and research initiatives. Workshops, seminars, webinars and public talks are often organised on this day to provide information about lions, their behaviour, threats and conservation strategies.
World Lion Day 2023 History
World Lion Day was first established in 2013 by Big Cat Rescue, the world’s largest accredited sanctuary dedicated to lions and it was co-founded by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, a husband-and-wife team who recognised the need to draw attention to the declining lion populations and the threats they were facing in the wild. In 2009, the Jouberts approached “National Geographic” and formed a partnership with them to come up with the Big Cat Initiative (B.C.I.).
Later in 2013, they began the initiative to bring together both National Geographic and the Big Cat Initiative under a single banner to protect the remaining big cats living in the wild and since then, World Lion Day is observed annually on August 10 to raise awareness about the conservation issues faced by the lions and to celebrate the beauty and significance of these iconic big cats.