The Chattanooga Zoo is celebrating a variety of conservation awareness days in 2024 to inspire support for SAFE (saving animals from extinction) plans, SSPs (species survival plans) and other local and global initiatives.
“Conservation and preservation of wildlife, especially endangered and at-risk species, and their natural environments is a key aspect of our mission and a driving purpose for zoos across the world,” said Darde Long, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Zoo. “In celebrating SAFE days, which are created by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and other conservation initiatives, we hope to inspire a deeper connection between our community and a variety of amazing animals that need protection.”
The Zoo is kicking off this initiative on Saturday, January 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a celebration of Rattlesnake Appreciation Day which will include a craft table, special information, handouts and zookeeper chats with rattlesnakes at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. highlighting unique facts and their important role in our ecosystem.
In 2024, the Chattanooga Zoo will celebrate 19 SAFE and other conservation awareness days:
- Rattlesnake Appreciation Day - January 27
- I <3 Eastern Indigo Snake Day - February 10
- World Wildlife Day - March 2
- Earth Day - April 20
- Salamander Saturday - May 4
- World Migratory Bird Day - May 11
- World Turtle Day - May 25
- World Giraffe Day - June 22
- National Pollinator Week - June 29
- World Chimpanzee Day - July 13
- Reptile Awareness Day - August 10
- International Red Panda Day - September 21
- World Snow Leopard Day - October 26
- World Anteater Day - November 23
- International Jaguar Day - November 23
Each event will feature special demonstrations, animal enrichment activities and educational displays. These events are all free with regular Zoo admission.
Additional awareness days will be recognized by the Zoo on social media:
- Endangered Species Day - May 17
- World Porcupine Day - July 2
- World Snake Day - July 16
- Visit the Zoo Day - December 27
For more information, visit Chattzoo.org