About World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day on 3 March celebrates the world's wild animals and plants and the need to protect them. The UN General Assembly proclaimed it in 2013, choosing the anniversary of CITES, the treaty that regulates international trade in endangered species.
Wild animals and plants give us food, medicine, clean air and water, and much of the beauty of the natural world. Many species are now at risk from habitat loss, pollution, poaching and illegal trade.
World Wildlife Day falls on the anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, known as CITES, which was signed on 3 March 1973. The treaty helps make sure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The UN General Assembly proclaimed 3 March as World Wildlife Day in 2013.
How it is marked
Conservation groups, zoos and forest departments hold talks, photo exhibitions and nature walks. Schools organise quizzes, drawing contests and visits to parks or sanctuaries. In India, home to tigers, elephants, rhinos, snow leopards and a huge variety of birds and plants, the day is a chance to learn about national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and long-running efforts such as Project Tiger. Many people also mark it by choosing not to buy products made from wild animals or plants that may have been taken illegally.
What to write
A good card celebrates nature and gently encourages care for it, without lecturing.
- Happy World Wildlife Day. Still not over that tiger sighting on our safari. Worth the 5 a.m. alarm.
- Thank you for rescuing that injured kite from the terrace. You knew exactly who to call.
- To my wildlife photographer friend, when do I get a print of that hornbill shot? Happy World Wildlife Day.
How to wish someone on World Wildlife Day
wonder at wild animals and plants, and care for the forests, rivers and seas they call home
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why is World Wildlife Day on 3 March?
It marks the day CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, was signed in 1973. The UN General Assembly chose this anniversary when it proclaimed the day in 2013.
Does World Wildlife Day include plants?
Yes. The day celebrates both wild animals and wild plants, since CITES protects many plant species as well as animals.
How can students mark World Wildlife Day?
Students can hold a quiz on local species, make posters about animals at risk, set up a bird bath or feeder, or visit a nearby park or sanctuary with a guide. Learning to identify common birds around the school is a simple start.
When is World Wildlife Day in 2026?
World Wildlife Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
What is World Wildlife Day?
World Wildlife Day on 3 March celebrates the world's wild animals and plants and the need to protect them. The UN General Assembly proclaimed it in 2013, choosing the anniversary of CITES, the treaty that regulates international trade in endangered species.
Is World Wildlife Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for World Wildlife Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on World Wildlife Day?
Focus on wonder at wild animals and plants, and care for the forests, rivers and seas they call home. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated World Wildlife Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .