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Endangered Species Day is May 17

May 15, 2013

Endangered Species Day is May 17

May 17 marks the seventh annual “Endangered Species Day.” Celebrated the third Friday in May, it was initiated by the Endangered Species Coalition and officially passed by the U.S. Senate in 2006. Since the first Endangered Species Day, many government agencies, zoos, aquariums and non profit organizations around the country have become official supporters of the day, sponsoring activities and events that promote awareness about the many endangered species around the world and issues of conservation.

As of 2012 The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimated there are 3,947 critically endangered species and 5,776 endangered species. Many of the animals on the list include species found in the regions where the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund works, including the mountain gorilla and the Grauer’s gorilla. Thanks to intensive conservation efforts such as our daily patrols, the population of mountain gorilla has been growing at a low yet steady rate since the 1970s, though they are still very much endangered, numbering less than 900.

To find Endangered Species Day events in your area check the official website: http://www.stopextinction.org/esd.html

The Endangered Species Coalition also suggests many ways to participate in the days festivities and to learn more about conservation efforts online such as signing petitions, listening to podcasts, art contests, as well as resources for teachers and resources to host your own event for Endangered Species Day.

Thank you to all of our supporters for helping to save endangered gorillas!