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What Day is Today? Discover World Animal Memorial Days!

Introducing World Animal Memorial Days decided by volunteers committed to protecting animals. From days you never knew existed to well-known ones, let's find out what today commemorates together!

What Day is Today? Discover World Animal Memorial Days!

What Day is Today? Discover World Animal Memorial Days!

Introducing World Animal Memorial Days decided by volunteers committed to protecting animals. From days you never knew existed to well-known ones, let's find out what today commemorates together!

Explore Memorial Days!

Monthly Animal Memorial Days

Whale Day

Whale Day

Every month on the 9th

Whale

Established to spread the culture of whale eating, based on the wordplay of 'Ku(9)jira'. However, there is significant international opposition to whale eating.

Jellyfish Day

Jellyfish Day

Every month on the 9th

Jellyfish

Established by the Shin-Enoshima Aquarium, based on the wordplay 'Ku(9)rage'. The aim is to spark interest and concern about jellyfish.

Chicken Day

Chicken Day

Every month on the 28th

Chicken

Established by organizations including the Japan Chicken Egg Association, based on the wordplay 'ni(2)wa(8)'.

January Animal Memorial Days

Taro and Jiro Day

Taro and Jiro Day

January 14th

Sakhalin Husky

This day commemorates the Sakhalin huskies, Taro and Jiro, who were left behind in Antarctica under various circumstances but were later found alive by helicopter.

Squirrel Day

Squirrel Day

January 21st

Squirrel

Established in 2001 by an American nature conservation facility with the aim of deepening understanding about squirrels.

International Zebra Day

International Zebra Day

January 31st

Zebra

A day established to raise awareness about the situation and conservation of zebras, which are closely related to donkeys.

February Animal Memorial Days

Hedgehog Day

Hedgehog Day

February 2nd

Hedgehog

Originates from the tradition of using a hedgehog to predict the weather upon awakening from hibernation on February 2nd.

Chicken Day

Chicken Day

February 8th

Chicken

Established by Torisen Foods, based on the wordplay 'ni(2)wa(8)'. There is also another Chicken Day set by the Japan Chicken Egg Association.

Bonobo Day

Bonobo Day

February 14th

Bonobo

February 14th, known as Valentine's Day for love, was chosen because bonobos communicate in ways similar to humans.

Cat Day

Cat Day

February 22nd

Cat

Established by the Cat Day Executive Committee as a day of gratitude for living with cats. The wordplay 'NyanNyanNyan' was decided by public offering.

International Polar Bear Day

International Polar Bear Day

February 27th

Polar Bear

Established by Polar Bears International. Why not take a moment to think about polar bears?

World Pangolin Day

World Pangolin Day

The third Saturday of February

Pangolin

A day to advocate for the protection of pangolins, which are said to be the most poached mammals in the world.

March Animal Memorial Days

Pig Day

Pig Day

March 1st

Pig

Established by sisters living in America to show appreciation for intelligent pigs. Celebrations related to pigs are conducted on this day.

Rhinoceros Hornbill Day

Rhinoceros Hornbill Day

March 1st

Rhinoceros Hornbill

Established by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums, based on the wordplay 'Sa(3)I(1)'.

Mini Pig Day

Mini Pig Day

March 2nd

Mini Pig

Established by the Japan Pet Mini Pig Association, based on the wordplay 'Mi(3)Ni(2)'. Mini pigs are known for being intelligent and affectionate.

Goldfish Day

Goldfish Day

March 3rd

Goldfish

Established by the Japan Ornamental Fish Association. The tradition of placing goldfish near doll displays during the Edo period is said to be the origin.

World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day

March 3rd

Wildlife

Established by the United Nations to learn about the current state of wildlife. The choice of March 3rd is derived from the signing date of the CITES treaty.

Rabbit Day

Rabbit Day

March 3rd

Rabbit

Derived from 'Ear Day', based on the wordplay 'Mi(3)Mi(3)', and established to commemorate.

Panda Discovery Day

Panda Discovery Day

March 11th

Panda

Marks the day a French missionary first sighted the unique black and white fur of pandas in China, leading to their global recognition.

Taxonomy Day

Taxonomy Day

March 19th

Taxonomy

Established by American researchers to express gratitude and respect to taxonomists. A day to explore taxonomy.

World Sparrow Day

World Sparrow Day

March 20th

Sparrow

Established by India's Nature Forever Society, initiated by the World Sparrow Day program.

World Frog Day

World Frog Day

March 20th

Frog

Established around 2009 to raise awareness about the need for frog conservation and their current situations.

International Seal Day

International Seal Day

March 22nd

Seal

A day established by the American Congress to make more people aware of the situation of seals.

Cherry Blossom Cat Day

Cherry Blossom Cat Day

March 22nd

Cat

Established by the Animal Welfare Organization to raise awareness of 'Sakura Cats', identified by petal-like markings.

World Puppy Day

World Puppy Day

March 23rd

Dog

Established in America as a day of gratitude towards puppies, while also carrying a deeper meaning against the commodification of life.

Manatee Awareness Day

Manatee Awareness Day

The last Wednesday of March

Manatee

Established by conservation groups to promote awareness of manatee ecology and their current status.

April Animal Memorial Days

Lion Day

Lion Day

April 4th

Lion

Also known as another name for lions, this day was created based on the wordplay 'shi(4)shi(4)'.

Taiwan Cat Day

Taiwan Cat Day

April 4th

Cat

Established by the private organization 'Love Cat Clan Association'. Interestingly, cat cafes, popular in Japan, actually originated in Taiwan!

International Beaver Day

International Beaver Day

April 7th

Beaver

Established by 'Beavers Wetlands & Wildlife' for the purpose of beaver conservation. It coincides with the birthday of a beaver researcher!

Hachiko Day

Hachiko Day

April 8th

Akita Dog

Commemorates the day in 1934 when a bronze statue of the loyal dog Hachiko was erected, established by the Hachiko Statue and Akita Dog Group Monument Maintenance Association.

Zoo Fan Day

Zoo Fan Day

April 8th

Zoo

Known as 'Zoo Lovers Day' in English. A day for people who love zoos to express their gratitude and understand the role of zoos.

World Hamster Day

World Hamster Day

April 12th

Hamster

Marks the day in 1930 when a zoologist from Palestine discovered and began breeding Syrian hamsters for the first time.

Puffin Day

Puffin Day

April 14th

Puffin

Established because puffin flocks arrive in Norway around this time. Also known as 'Puffin Arrival Day'.

World Dolphin Day

World Dolphin Day

April 14th

Dolphin

Established by the American Veterinary Medical Association. While it might be less familiar in Japan, why not take today to learn more about dolphins?

Elephant Memorial Day

Elephant Memorial Day

April 15th

Elephant

Established by the Tokyo Ivory Arts and Crafts Cooperative Association to give thanks to elephants, marking the day the first memorial service for elephants was conducted.

Breeding Day

Breeding Day

April 19th

Breeding

Established by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums, based on the wordplay 'shiiku(4)(1)(9)'. A day to explore the work of zoos and aquariums.

World Cuckoo Day

World Cuckoo Day

April 20th

Cuckoo

Known as 'International Cuckoo Day' in English. Have you ever wondered about the life of a cuckoo?

International Pallas's Cat Day

International Pallas's Cat Day

April 23rd

Pallas's Cat

Established by the Pallas's cat protection organization (PICA) with the hope that more people will learn about Pallas's cats.

World Penguin Day

World Penguin Day

April 25th

Penguin

Established because every year Adelie penguins make their appearance at McMurdo Station in Antarctica around this time.

World Tapir Day

World Tapir Day

April 27th

Tapir

A day established in 2008 to raise awareness about the ecology, current status, and conservation of tapirs living in Central and South America and Southeast Asia.

Elephant Day

Elephant Day

April 28th

Elephant

Commemorates the day an elephant, sent as a tribute from Vietnam, arrived in Kyoto and was presented to the Emperor.

International Guide Dog Day

International Guide Dog Day

The last Wednesday of April

Labrador Retriever

Established by the current International Guide Dog Federation to encourage more people to learn about guide dogs.

May Animal Memorial Days

World Tuna Day

World Tuna Day

May 2nd

Tuna

Established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the current situation of tuna, which are popular yet facing population declines due to high consumption.

World Donkey Day

World Donkey Day

May 8th

Donkey

Known as 'World Donkey Day' in English. Established in 2018 to deepen the understanding of donkeys, which are an important workforce for humans.

Bird-Loving Week

Bird-Loving Week

May 10th to 16th

Birds

Established by the Bird Protection Council, now known as the Japan Bird Federation. Various bird-related events are held during this period.

Love Your Dog Day

Love Your Dog Day

May 13th

Dog

Established by the All Japan Guard Dog Association, now the Japan Kennel Club (JKC), which is involved in many dog-related activities.

World Malayan Bear Day

World Malayan Bear Day

May 16th

Malayan Bear

Said to commemorate the day the endangered Malayan bear was first successfully reintroduced to the wild from captivity. Let's learn about Malayan bears together!

Assistance Dog Day

Assistance Dog Day

May 22nd

Labrador Retriever

Established in 2002 following the enactment of the Assistance Dog for Physically Disabled Persons Act. There is also a similar day in October.

International Day for Biological Diversity

International Day for Biological Diversity

May 22nd

Biodiversity

Established by the United Nations to spread awareness about biodiversity issues. A day to consider a wide range of living creatures around the world.

World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day

May 23rd

Turtle

Established by the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR). It aims to deepen knowledge about turtles.

World Sea Lion Day

World Sea Lion Day

May 30th

Sea Lion

Sea lions, mainly seen in aquariums, are affected by ocean pollution and fishing issues, impacting their population.

World Otter Day

World Otter Day

The last Wednesday of May

Otter

Established by the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF), hoping to spread awareness about otters.

World Binturong Day

World Binturong Day

The second Saturday of May

Binturong

A French organization established this day to deepen knowledge and understanding of the current situation of binturongs.

World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day

The second Saturday of May

Migratory Birds

Established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the situation and conservation of migratory birds. There is also a similar day in October.

June Animal Memorial Days

National Hug Your Cat Day

National Hug Your Cat Day

June 4th

Cat

Known as 'National Hug Your Cat Day', this day encourages posting pictures on social media of you hugging your cat.

Frog Day

Frog Day

June 6th

Frog

Established by members of 'Friends of the Frog' based on the wordplay 'kero(6)kero(6)'. Interestingly, frogs have various calls besides 'kero kero'!

Sheep Day

Sheep Day

June 6th

Sheep

Established by Mary Chocolate Company Ltd., inspired by the number 6 resembling the curled horns of a sheep.

World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day

June 8th

Ocean

Established by the United Nations to consider the marine environment and the creatures living in the oceans, which cover 70% of the Earth.

Starling Day

Starling Day

June 9th

Starling

Established based on the wordplay 'mu(6)ku(9)'. Recently considered a pest in residential areas, but how about learning more about starlings?

Parrots and Cockatoos Day

Parrots and Cockatoos Day

June 15th

Parrots, Cockatoos

Established by NPO TSUBASA based on the wordplay 'Parrot(06) Cockatoo(15)'. A day to wish for the happiness of departed birds.

World Sea Turtle Day

World Sea Turtle Day

June 16th

Sea Turtle

Established to deepen knowledge about endangered sea turtles, their current situation, and conservation efforts. Coincidentally, it's also the birthday of a sea turtle researcher.

World Crocodile Day

World Crocodile Day

June 17th

Crocodile

A team of crocodile experts and scientists was formed to establish this day, aiming to spread knowledge about crocodiles.

World Giraffe Day

World Giraffe Day

June 21st

Giraffe

Established by giraffe conservation organizations to increase knowledge about giraffes.

World Camel Day

World Camel Day

June 22nd

Camel

Established to spread awareness about camels, which live in the harsh desert environment.

July Animal Memorial Days

Facility Dog Day

Facility Dog Day

July 1st

Golden Retriever

Established by certified NPO Shine On! Kids to support children fighting serious illnesses and their families.

World Meerkat Day

World Meerkat Day

July 3rd

Meerkat

Called 'World Meerkat Day' in English, it is said to have been established by an Australian zoo.

World Chimpanzee Day

World Chimpanzee Day

July 14th

Chimpanzee

Marks the day a researcher first went to a national park in Tanzania to study wild chimpanzees. Established to commemorate this.

Shark Awareness Day

Shark Awareness Day

July 14th

Shark

While sharks are often seen as dangerous to humans, only a few species are harmful. Overfishing has led to a decline in some shark populations.

Pet Fire Safety Day

Pet Fire Safety Day

July 15th

Pet

Established by the American Kennel Club and a security company. Fires caused by pets are surprisingly common, and the day aims to raise awareness of this fact.

World Snake Day

World Snake Day

July 16th

Snake

Known as 'World Snake Day' in English. This is an opportunity to learn about the ecology and knowledge of snakes.

World Guinea Pig Day

World Guinea Pig Day

July 16th

Guinea Pig

Established by a guinea pig conservation organization in Canada to deepen correct knowledge about guinea pigs.

Silkie Chicken Day

Silkie Chicken Day

July 21st

Silkie Chicken

Established by Higashikagawa Silkie Chicken Farm Co., Ltd. and three other companies to spread the greatness of Silkie chickens.

World Tiger Day

World Tiger Day

July 29th

Tiger

Established at an international conference in Russia to deepen knowledge about tigers, an endangered species, and to foster interest in their habitat conservation.

National Mutt Day

National Mutt Day

July 31st

Dog

A day created by the founder of National Dog Day to convey the wonderfulness of mixed-breed dogs. There is also a similar day in December.

August Animal Memorial Days

National Alpaca Day

National Alpaca Day

August 1st

Alpaca

Established by the Peruvian government to inform people about alpacas, which are bred in the Andean highlands, and their breeding conditions.

Crocodile Day

Crocodile Day

August 2nd

Crocodile

Based on the wordplay 'Wa(8)Ni(2)', this day celebrates crocodiles. The celebration is originally from Japan!

World Clouded Leopard Day

World Clouded Leopard Day

August 4th

Clouded Leopard

Established by the Howletts Wild Animal Park in the UK.

International Owl Day

International Owl Day

August 4th

Owl

Owls, which have recently become popular as pets, let's take this day to learn more about them.

Hamster Day

Hamster Day

August 6th

Hamster

The wordplay 'Ha(8)Mu(6)' creates this uniquely Japanese memorial day, while International Hamster Day is celebrated on April 12th.

World Cat Day

World Cat Day

August 8th

Cat

Established by the International Fund for Animal Welfare to deepen the bond with cats and to provide them a safe and secure living environment.

Reptile Day

Reptile Day

August 8th

Reptile

Established by reptile shop owners to introduce the charm of reptiles to various people.

World Lion Day

World Lion Day

August 10th

Lion

Established by African Parks in South Africa to raise awareness about lions, which are an endangered species.

Pigeon Day

Pigeon Day

August 10th

Pigeon

Established by Toshimaya based on the wordplay 'Ha(8)To(10)'. The day is dedicated to spreading knowledge about pigeons.

World Elephant Day

World Elephant Day

August 12th

Elephant

Established by a Canadian filmmaker and a Thai conservation organization to call for the protection of elephants, which are at risk of extinction.

International Wolf Day

International Wolf Day

August 13th

Wolf

Wolves in fairy tales may have a scary image, but are wolves really aggressive animals?

World Lizard Day

World Lizard Day

August 14th

Lizard

Did you know that lizards have recently become popular as pets? Let's learn about the ecology and secrets of lizards!

Black Cat Appreciation Day

Black Cat Appreciation Day

August 17th

Cat

In the past, black cats faced terrible discrimination as they were considered bad luck. This day was established to correct those misconceptions and protect black cats.

World Orangutan Day

World Orangutan Day

August 19th

Orangutan

The population of orangutans is declining due to deforestation. Let's consider the future of orangutans together.

World Mosquito Day

World Mosquito Day

August 20th

Mosquito

A British medical researcher discovered malaria parasites in the stomach of Anopheles mosquitoes, proving that mosquitoes transmit malaria.

World Dog Day

World Dog Day

August 26th

Dog

Established to express gratitude towards all dogs, including pet dogs and service dogs. Interestingly, the day also marks when the founder first got a dog.

World African Wild Dog Day

World African Wild Dog Day

August 26th

African Wild Dog

African wild dogs are known for their high hunting success rates and endurance. What is their daily life like?

International Whale Shark Day

International Whale Shark Day

August 30th

Whale Shark

Established to spread knowledge about whale sharks, which are gentle giants and the largest fish in the world.

September Animal Memorial Days

International Primate Day

International Primate Day

September 1st

Primates

Established by animal protection organizations to inform about primate conservation activities. A day to think together about conservation efforts.

Whale Day

Whale Day

September 4th

Whale

Established by the Institute of Cetacean Research in Japan, based on the wordplay 'Ku(9)Ji(4)Ra'. It's a day to reflect on the relationship between whales and Japanese culture.

Crow Day

Crow Day

September 6th

Crow

Established by the Crow's Friend Association to support those who love crows! The wordplay for 'crow' in Japanese sounds like the numbers 9 and 6!

Endangered Species Day

Endangered Species Day

September 7th

Endangered Species

Many species are driven to extinction by human impact. A day to learn about the importance of biodiversity for protecting our planet.

Giant Salamander Day

Giant Salamander Day

September 9th

Giant Salamander

Seems to be established because their activity increases during the breeding season and their shape resembles the number 9!

World Rhino Day

World Rhino Day

September 22nd

Rhino

Established by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to make people aware of rhinos, which are at risk of extinction.

Animal Welfare Week

Animal Welfare Week

September 20th to 26th

Animals

Established to deepen understanding of proper breeding methods and animal welfare. A time to learn about our important family members.

Prevention of Animal Cruelty Day

Prevention of Animal Cruelty Day

September 23rd

Animals

Established by the Japan Animal Welfare Society to learn the importance of life. Animals are irreplaceable beings, just like us.

World Gorilla Day

World Gorilla Day

September 24th

Gorilla

Established by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to protect gorillas, an endangered species, and their forest habitats.

International Vulture Awareness Day

International Vulture Awareness Day

The first Saturday of September

Vulture

Vultures play a vital role in maintaining the environment by consuming dead animals and preventing the spread of diseases.

International Red Panda Day

International Red Panda Day

The third Saturday of September

Red Panda

Established by the Red Panda Network to promote conservation efforts for red pandas.

International Rabbit Day

International Rabbit Day

The fourth Saturday or Sunday of September

Rabbit

Rabbits are still used in animal testing. This day is an opportunity to learn more about rabbits.

October Animal Memorial Days

Assistance Dog Day

Assistance Dog Day

October 1st

Labrador Retriever

Established in 2002 following the enactment of the Assistance Dog for Physically Disabled Persons Act. There's also a similar day in May.

World Animal Day

World Animal Day

October 4th

Animals

Established by the International Animal Protection Conference to think about animal welfare and protection. This day is also the feast day of the patron saint of animals!

Tsushima Leopard Cat Day

Tsushima Leopard Cat Day

October 8th

Tsushima Leopard Cat

Also known as 'torayama'. The day, 'To(10) Ya(8) Bi', is created from a play on words.

Pet Health Check Day

Pet Health Check Day

October 13th

Pets

Established by veterinary associations based on the wordplay 'juu(10) i(1) san(3)'. Early disease detection is crucial.

Stray Cat Day

Stray Cat Day

October 16th

Cat

Established by American cat protection organizations to spread information about 'TNR' activities for the coexistence of stray cats and humans.

World Okapi Day

World Okapi Day

October 18th

Okapi

Established by the Okapi Conservation Project to make everyone aware of okapis.

World Sloth Day

World Sloth Day

October 20th

Sloth

Established to inform about sloth conservation activities. Ever wondered about the daily life of a sloth?

Reptile Awareness Day

Reptile Awareness Day

October 21st

Reptile

Established to inform about the current state and conservation of reptiles. Also a day to convey the charm of reptiles.

International Snow Leopard Day

International Snow Leopard Day

October 23rd

Snow Leopard

Established one year after the World Snow Leopard Conservation Forum was held.

International Gibbon Day

International Gibbon Day

October 24th

Gibbon

Established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature to make people aware of gibbons.

Java Sparrow Day

Java Sparrow Day

October 24th

Java Sparrow

Established due to the wordplay 'Te(10) Ni(2) Shi(4) Awase', and because Java Sparrow chicks are commonly available around this time.

Panda Day

Panda Day

October 28th

Panda

Established to commemorate the arrival of the first pandas at Ueno Zoo in Japan. The pandas were named 'Lan Lan' and 'Kan Kan'.

World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day

The second Saturday of October

Migratory Birds

Established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the situation and conservation of migratory birds. There's also a similar day in May.

World Lemur Day

World Lemur Day

The last Friday of October

Lemur

Established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature to make people aware of lemurs.

November Animal Memorial Days

Dog Day

Dog Day

November 1st

Dog

Established by the Pet Food Association, now known as the Companion Animal Food Association, inspired by the '111' resembling 'Woof Woof Woof'.

Garden Eel Day

Garden Eel Day

November 11th

Garden Eel

Sumida Aquarium established this day because the sequence '1111' resembles garden eels.

Parrot Day

Parrot Day

November 15th

Parrot

Sekisei Inc. established this day based on the wordplay 'Good (11) Parrot (15)'.

Iberico Pork Day

Iberico Pork Day

November 15th

Iberico Pig

TAISHI CO., Ltd. established this day based on the wordplay 'Good (11) I(1) Beri+Co(5)'.

Day of Thanks for Pets

Day of Thanks for Pets

November 22nd

Pets

Inspired by the onomatopoeia for dogs' bark 'Woof Woof (11)' and cats' meow 'Meow Meow (22)', symbolizing a day to give thanks to our pets.

Walrus Day

Walrus Day

November 24th

Walrus

Established by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Russia's Marine Mammal Council (MMC). Why not explore more about walruses together?

World Shark Day

World Shark Day

November 27th

Shark

A bit different from Shark Awareness Day, this day was established with the goal of spreading knowledge about sharks.

World Anteater Day

World Anteater Day

November 29th

Anteater

Anteaters have unique faces, don't they? Do they really only eat ants? Let's find out together!

World Leopard Day

World Leopard Day

November 29th

Leopard

Leopards are cool animals but were once used for their fur. Let's learn more about leopards together!

December Animal Memorial Days

National Mutt Day

National Mutt Day

December 2nd

Dog

Created by the founder of World Dog Day to celebrate the wonderfulness of mixed-breed dogs. There's also a similar day in July.

International Cheetah Day

International Cheetah Day

December 4th

Cheetah

Established to raise awareness about the conservation and current situation of cheetahs, which are at risk of extinction.

Let's Go To The Zoo Day

Let's Go To The Zoo Day

December 27th

Zoo

A day to visit zoos, which offer opportunities for conservation, education, research, and recreation. Why not take a trip to the zoo?

Let's all take the opportunity to learn about animal memorial days and get to know more about animals!