May 18th, 2012
Celebrating America’s Wildlife Legacy

Celebrate Endangered Species Day on May 18, 2012!

Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for people young and old to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and everyday actions that people can take to help protect our nation’s disappearing wildlife and last remaining open space. Protecting America’s wildlife and plants today is a legacy we leave to our children and grandchildren, so that all Americans can experience the rich variety of native species that help to define our nation.

Started by the United States Senate, Endangered Species Day is the third Friday in May. Every year, thousands of people throughout the country celebrate Endangered Species Day at parks, wildlife refuges, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, libraries, schools and community centers. You can participate in festivals, field trips, park tours, community clean-ups, film showings, classroom presentations, and many other fun and educational activities.

Photos from Endangered Species Day events around the country

Plan your own Endangered Species Day event!

Find everything you need in our Endangered Species Day Toolkit, including a step-by-step guide to planning an Endangered Species Day event and materials to make your event fun and successful.  Then tell everyone about your event with our Endangered Species Day event registration form.

Learn about endangered species where you live

• Teachers and other educators find resources in Endangered Species Day Educational Materials. This guide includes lesson plans, handouts and factsheets.

Protect Endangered Species At Home

• Check out the Top 10 Things You Can Do at Home to Protect Endangered Species.  Pick one to do on Endangered Species Day and try the rest of the list throughout the year.

Show your support for endangered species on Facebook and Twitter

This Endangered Species Day, show your support for threatened and endangered species by replacing your profile picture or avatar on Facebook, Twitter or Google with a picture of your favorite species.

Send An Endangered Species Day E-card

See The Winning Entries in The 2011 Endangered Species Day Art Contest

Children in grades K-12 submitted artwork, posters and pictures to this years Endangered Species Day Artwork Contest. The winner's work will be exhibited at Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The winner of the Endangered Species Day Art Contest was chosen by an incredible panel of artists, photographers and wildlife experts. You  may view winning entires here.

Meet Our Endangered Species Day Ambassadors

• Our ESD Ambassadors include Wyland, Bindi Irwin, Jack Hanna and Joan Embrey. Find out more here.

Pass an Endangered Species Day Resolution

• The United States Senate has for several previous years passed a resolution creating Endangered Species Day.  Many states, counties and cities have also passed similar resolutions or proclamations supporting Endangered Species Day.  Ask your state or city pass an Endangered Species Day resolution.  For an example, see the recently passed United States Senate Endangered Species Day Resolution for 2010 (S.Res 503) .

Support Endangered Species Protections

• Sign the Endangered Species Act Legacy Pledge.

Contact Us

• For more information on Endangered Species Day, contact the Endangered Species Day Advisory Board.

Logo Credit Jeremy Collins