Category: Animals & Wild Things

  • NATIONAL FROSTED COOKIE DAY | June 10

    Today is June 10 on the National Day Calendar and we are throwing a sweet celebration for National Frosted Cookie Day. This nostalgic National Day celebrates the day by inspiring families everywhere to live life playfully, while enjoying the iconic frosted animal cookies by Mother’s® Cookies!

    #NATIONALFROSTEDCOOKIEDAY

    Each year on June 10 we celebrate National Frosted Cookie Day and encourage everyone to enjoy the frosted animal cookies that spark the joy and creativity for families. No other cookie in the world sparks imagination like the frosted animal cookie. Whether putting on a circus show for friends, or taking a safari with family, the frosted animal cookie sparks joy and creativity for all. In fact, this iconic frosted animal cookie is enjoyed by playful, imaginative families all over the country.

    The Origin of Mother’s® Cookies

    It all started in 1914 at a newspaper stand in Oakland, California. Newspaper vendor N.M. Wheatley purchased the rights to some unusually delicious home-baked cookies from a customer. Interestingly, N.M. named the cookies Mother’s in honor of the brand-new holiday, Mother’s Day! The cookies soon they became a hit. Within a year, he sold the newspaper stand and began baking two thousand cookies a day in a small bakeshop. Of course, these are the iconic Circus Animal Cookies we know and love!

    The iconic shapes inspire the imagination and creativity to help turn snack time into a three-ring circus.

    Frosted Animal Circus Cookies

    Animal Cookies

    Long ago in cookie-land, animals didn’t stray too far from the herd. Camels stuck with camels, lions with lions, and unicorns with unicorns. Day after day, they had the same routine. One morning a volcano erupted shooting sprinkles out into the sky and sending rivers of frosting flowing through the lands. By the next morning, every creature under the sun was full of polka-dots and bright. The animals thought, “well this is weird.” But, it was also pretty sweet and delicious. The frosted animals became instant friends. From that day on, cookie-land became infinitely more fun. Since then, kids have been delighting in Mother’s Cookies ever since.

    Today, there are two types of Mother’s Frosted Animal Cookies, each with unique shapes and
    personalities to create plenty of imagination in every bite.

    1. Original Circus Animal® Cookies are classic shortbread animal shaped cookies that are fully frosted in the iconic pink and white frosting, topped with rainbow sprinkles.
    2. Mythical Creature® Cookies are shortbread fairytale shaped cookies that are fully frosted in lavender and white frosting, topped with silver sprinkles.

    CELEBRATING NATIONAL FROSTED COOKIE DAY

    Finding ways to celebrate National Frosted Cookie Day is easy if you use a little imagination.

    1. Enjoy frosted animal cookies with milk or hot chocolate.
    2. Use your frosted animal cookies as additional decoration on cupcakes or cakes.
    3. Mix frosted animal cookies with ice cream.
    4. Share you frosted cookie memories and photos on social media and tag #NationalFrostedCookieDay.

    CELBRATION COLLABORATION

    In May 2023, National Day Calendar and Mother’s® Cookies formed a collaboration to create National Frosted Cookie Day. Each year on June 10, we are having a sweet celebration on National Frosted Cookie Day. This nostalgic National Day celebrates the day by inspiring families everywhere to live life playfully, while enjoying the iconic frosted animal cookies by Mother’s® Cookies!

    Mother’s Cookies is known for the pink and white frosted animal cookies. With origins beginning in 1914, Mother’s Cookies has been providing sweet and delicious fun to kids and families everywhere.

    Mother’s Original Circus Animal Cookies® and Mythical Creatures™ Cookies are available nationwide.

    For more information, please visit MothersCookies.com.

    Follow Mother’s Cookies on Instagram.

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  • NATIONAL DRAGONFLY DAY | Second Saturday in June

    NATIONAL DRAGONFLY DAY

    We are celebrating National Dragonfly Day on the second Saturday in June to bring awareness to one of nature’s most beautiful insects. Join us today as we buzz around learning facts about the big-eyed bug also known as the dragonfly.

    #NATIONALDRAGONFLYDAY

    Evidence shows dragonflies are nearly 300 million years old. Paleontologists have discovered dragonfly fossils with 3-foot wingspans. Interestingly, some scientists say dragonflies may have been just as large as the size of an eagle today. Let’s celebrate National Dragonfly Day together and learn why this beautiful insect is one of nature’s most wonderful bugs.

    Dragonflies are a common summertime insect living in areas of wetlands where you can see them sliding on the surface of the water and then lifting away. They vary in color, ranging from bright metallic to light pastel colors. Their wings are large making them the fastest of all insect species. However, dragonflies must warm up their muscles in order to fly properly.

    Dragonflies are expert fliers in comparison to any other insect. The average dragonfly has the ability to fly like a helicopter. In fact, they fly straight up or down, forward, and even hover keeping perfectly level. In addition, the dragonfly is extremely fast and agile. The fastest speed ever documented was 35 mph. Their flying skills and speed help them catch food for survival. If a dragonfly cannot fly, it does not survive.

    6 Unusual Facts About Dragonflies

    1. Most adult dragonflies live for only a few weeks, but some do live up to a year.
    2. The average dragonfly has nearly 30,000 eye facets. In fact, they have 360-degree vision, including the ability to see behind them.
    3. Dragonflies help control the mosquito population, eating up to 100 mosquitos per day.
    4. Dragonflies can live in the winter but are normally small and stumpy in size.
    5. Dragonflies use their feet to catch their food.
    6. Dragonflies can live for years underwater.

    The dragonfly has symbolic meaning in almost every part of the world. In fact, many cultures believe this insect symbolizes good luck. Because dragonflies have such short lifespans, they also represent new beginnings and change, especially for strength, growth, courage, and happiness. A few ancient cultures say dreaming about a dragonfly indicates you are in a powerful transition in your life.

    5 Symbolic Dragonfly Beliefs

    1. Asian culture believes the dragonfly represents good luck, prosperity, and new beginnings.
    2. Native Americans believe a dragonfly symbolizes life transformations.
    3. South American cultures believe the dragonfly symbolizes good luck and prosperity. In fact, artists include the dragonfly in their pieces
    4. Africans believe dragonflies are a sign of spirits and bring good luck. Africans also hold dragonflies in high regard because they are water gods who bring rain.
    5. European cultures see the dragonfly as a symbol of change and adaptability. Unsurprisingly, you can find dragonflies included in many European folklore stories and beliefs.

    There are around 5,000 species of dragonflies around the world. A dragonfly is classified as an Odonata, which is a family of flying insects that includes dragonflies and damselflies. Though insects are considered unpopular, dragonflies tend to be watched with fascination because of their beauty.

    What are the 3 classifications of dragonflies?

    1. Aeshnoidea Super Family is the first classification of dragonflies.
    2. Cordulegastridae Super Family are also known as the Flying Adders and have yellow, black, or brown bodies.
    3. Libelluilode Super Family is the most commonly seen dragonfly. This classification is the largest family of dragonflies and is often referred to as the skimmer dragonfly.

    5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL DRAGONFLY DAY

    If you are looking for ways to celebrate National Dragonfly Day, we have a few ideas for you. If you have more ideas, let us know on social media!

    1. Learn about the different species of dragonflies.
    2. Take a walk near a lake or pond to view dragonflies in their habitat.
    3. Learn about the symbolism of dragonflies in your own culture.
    4. Paint a dragonfly picture.
    5. Capture a dragonfly on camera and post it on social media using #NationalDragonflyDay.

    Check out this amazing video about dragonflies by National Geographic:

    Related National Days on the Calendar

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  • NATIONAL EASTERN BOX TURTLE WEEK | First Full Week in May

    NATIONAL EASTERN BOX TURTLE WEEK | First Full Week in May

    We celebrate National Eastern Box Turtle Week the first full week in May to praise the remarkable resilience of the Eastern Box Turtle.

    #NationalEasternBoxTurtleWeek

    The entire first full week of May celebrates a resilient and popular reptile, commonly known as the Eastern Box Turtle. A subspecies of the common box turtle, the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is native to eastern parts of the U.S. and radiates beautiful colors on its shell. Today, we want everyone to celebrate by learning about the Eastern Box Turtle.

    “Eastern Box Turtles are walking wildflowers of color who move forward with patient perseverance.”

    What is the Eastern Box Turtle? As a part of the hinge-shelled turtles, Eastern Box Turtles are not a tortoise and are mostly terrestrial. They are considered slow moving reptiles that live a long life and are fairly slow to reproduce. Their attractive appearance and gentle disposition are admired by children and adults alike. Sadly, Eastern Box Turtles are susceptible to high mortality due to the pace they move when crossing roads, or when trying to escape harm. Unfortunately, illegal poaching also contributes to declining numbers. In addition, habitat loss has also been an increasing problem for the Eastern Box Turtle and it’s survival.

    How can you identify an Eastern Box Turtle from other turtles? Eastern Box Turtles are beautiful turtles, especially the male species. Even though female Eastern Box Turtles mostly have brown shells, male turtles of this species have radiant lines of yellow, orange, red, or white on their shell. In addition, they also have very distinct spots. On occasion, the female species also has bright colors on their shells, making identification between male and female tough. Interestingly, the easiest way to tell the male species from the female is all male Eastern Box Turtles have red eyes.

    Interesting Facts

    There are interesting facts about the Eastern Box Turtle that are worth knowing. For example, Eastern Box Turtles:

    • Are the official reptile in North Carolina.
    • Can regenerate and reform their shell when injured or damaged.
    • Have fives toes on front legs and four toes on the hind legs.
    • Range in size from 4.5 to 8 inches long.
    • Feature sharp stout limbs with webbed feet at the base of the feet.
    • Tend to cool off in ponds, shallow streams, and mud.

    SUPPORTING EASTERN BOX TURTLES

    • Volunteer with a turtle Rescue team to treat sick and injured turtles.
    • Visit a turtle habitat.
    • Learn about Eastern Box Turtles.
    • Visit the TRT website to learn about Eastern Box Turtles.
    • Donate to a local vet clinic that treats injured and sick turtles.
    • Share your support on social media using #NationalEasternBoxTurtleWeek.

    FOUNDER

    National Day Calendar began working with Bruce Worf to form National Eastern Box Turtle Week in 2022. Each year during the first week in May, we will celebrate this reptile holiday. The week also honors the work of the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine Turtle Rescue Team. The Turtle Rescue Team (TRT) is a veterinary student-run organization that treats native, sick, and injured wild turtles. Eastern box turtles make up the majority of the patients treated.

    Turtle Rescue Team

    The TRT was founded in early 1996 by Dr. Gregory Lewbart and has been treating over 500 turtle patients in recent years. Dr. Lewbart, Professor of Aquatic, Wildlife, and Zoological Medicine is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in these fields of Veterinary Medicine. He provides expert advice and supervision to veterinary students rotating through the clinic with the help of Zoological Medicine Research Specialist, Kent Passingham.

    After a generous donation by wildlife rehabilitator, Linda Henis, TRT has expanded significantly. The clinic has consultations and diagnostic equipment provided by NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital to allow students the opportunity to work, diagnose, and treat turtles with state-of-the-art equipment.

    Dr. Bruce Worf, a physician and longtime sponsor of the TRT, with the help of Representative Rosa Gill, spearheaded the effort to get the North Carolina Legislature to designate the TRT as a Special License Plate, featuring the TRT logo, an Eastern Box Turtle with a Red Cross adorning it’s shell. In addition, Niki Theobald, Development Director, NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine also supported the creation of a NEBTW to honor the work of the TRT.

    Other Achievements

    Students at TRT:

    • Contribute to published research on their turtle patients.
    • Participate in various Outreach Programs with North Carolina museums, aquariums, and parks.
    • Established the Turtle Ally Certification Program to help veterinarians across North Carolina improve their skills in treating injured native wild turtles.
    • Volunteer in a very successful anti-poaching operation that results in a significant period of incarceration and legal sanctions for a poacher of wild turtles in North Carolina.

    Dr. Bruce Worf also contributed to founding National Megalodon Day, which is celebrated June 15 each year.

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  • INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY – February 27

    INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY

    Every year on February 27th, International Polar Bear Day raises awareness for the issues that polar bears face. It’s also a day to find ways to reduce our carbon footprint as a way to minimize the effects of global climate change.

    The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has deemed the polar bear a vulnerable species. Sea ice loss due to climate change is the biggest threat to this animal’s survival. Currently, there are an estimated 26,000 polar bears in the world. They live in 19 different populations across the Arctic. About 60 percent of these populations are within or shared by Canada. Polar bears are also found in Alaska, Norway, Greenland, and Russia.

    Due to living in such remote locations, polar bears are difficult to study. It is known that the number of polar bears throughout the world is not increasing. If sea ice continues to disappear, some believe polar bears could become extinct between 2050 and 2100. The disappearance of seals could also affect the polar bear population. This is due to the fact that seals, which also depend upon the ice, are the main food source for polar bears.

    • Here are some more facts about polar bears:
    • Hibernating polar bear moms go 8 months without a meal.
    • Female polar bears start a new family about every 3 years.
    • Polar bears can travel up to 19 miles a day for several days.
    • Underneath all that thick translucent fur, polar bears have jet black skin.

    One more fact about polar bears is that newborn polar bear cubs weigh just over 1 pound. By the time they are two years old, they weigh hundreds of pounds. An adult male polar bear weighs more than 1,700 pounds!

    HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalPolarBearDay

    • On this day, Polar Bear International (PBI) raises funds to develop a new tool that finds and maps polar bear den locations. This tool helps to ensure that polar bear moms and cubs aren’t disturbed during hibernation.
    • PBI also hosts live events, such as educational broadcasts and special film screenings.
    • Donate to an organization that helps to protect polar bears and their natural habitats.
    • Adopt a polar bear through the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
    • Check out the PBI Polar Bear Tracker.
    • Read a book about polar bears to your kids, such as Hush Little Polar Bear by Jeff Mack or Polar Bears by Mark Newman.
    • Watch the documentary, Face to Face with the Polar Bear.
    • Spread awareness for this day by posting a polar bear picture or video on social media with #InternationalPolarBearDay.

    INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY HISTORY

    PBI created International Polar Bear Day in 2011. Part of their goal was to protect denning polar bear families across the Arctic. For this reason, PBI chose February 27th as it coincides with the time period that polar bear moms and cubs are snug in their dens. PBI is a nonprofit polar bear conservation organization. They have headquarters in Bozeman, Montana, and Churchill, Manitoba.

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  • CLASSROOM – Birds

    CLASSROOM – Birds

    The classroom goes to the birds this week as we celebrate National Bird Day! The day involves a variety of activities that not only help us learn about birds, their habitat, and how they impact our environment, but also help us to attract them to our neighborhoods and how to protect their habitats. This week, the classroom offers a couple of activities to help students learn more about birds, too.

    HOW TO OBSERVE in the CLASSROOM – Birds

    Download and print this week’s projects to discover more about birds. You can also follow the suggestions below to help your students explore the days in their own way. It might surprise you what they discover! We’re often surprised by our own discoveries!

    Celebrate Every Day in the Classroom by:

    1. Asking a question about the day or observance and finding the answer.
    2. Exploring the subject further. Whether you read a book, interview an expert, watch a documentary, or run an experiment, there is always more to learn about the observance.
    3. Writing about the day or observance. You can write about what you learned or what the day means to you.
    4. Telling someone about the day. You might be sharing information that is helpful to someone. Or, you might brighten someone’s day.
    5. Solving a problem. Many observances discuss issues around the world that need fixing. How would you fix it?
    6. Being creative. Draw, paint, build, design, bake, create your idea of what the observance means.

    Of course, as always, sharing on social media isn’t required; learning is. But if you do, please use #NDCClassroom to share on social media.

    THIS WEEK’S PROJECTS

    Create ways to attract birds to your neighborhood and spend time observing them.

    There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

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  • INTERNATIONAL SNOW LEOPARD DAY – October 23

    INTERNATIONAL SNOW LEOPARD DAY

    On October 23rd, International Snow Leopard Day celebrates this endangered cat. It’s also a day to learn more about the snow leopard and how to protect this elusive animal.

    Although called snow leopards, these big cats are more closely related to a tiger than a leopard. Snow leopards live in alpine areas that are 18,000 feet in elevation, mostly in the Himalayas. China and Mongolia have the highest numbers of snow leopards. They also live in Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Russia.

    These cats earn the name snow leopard because they adapt well to the snow and cold. Their wide fur-covered feet act as natural snowshoes. Snow leopards are often called “ghosts of the mountains” because people rarely see them. One reason for this is they usually only come out at dusk and dawn while it’s still dark. Snow leopards are also well camouflaged, which makes them hard to spot.

    Snow Leopard Facts
    • Their thick fur is grey and yellow-tinged.
    • They have long, thick tails that they wrap around themselves to stay warm.
    • Instead of roaring, they meow, yowl, or blow through their nose with their mouth closed.
    • They can travel over 25 miles in one night.
    • They can jump nearly 30 feet, six times their body length.
    • These big cats have pale grey or greenish eyes.

    A snow leopard’s diet consists of wild sheep. However, wild sheep are also a food source for humans. With the reduced numbers of wild sheep, snow leopards resort to killing livestock. This causes farmers and herders to kill snow leopards. These retaliatory killings are one reason for the low numbers of snow leopards in the wild. Today, there could be as few as 4,000 snow leopards. Due to their low numbers, snow leopards are considered endangered.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #SnowLeopardDay

    Conservation groups and zoos worldwide hold activities on this day to educate the public about the snow leopard. To participate:

    • See if your local zoo has a snow leopard exhibit.
    • Watch videos online that feature snow leopards.
    • Donate to a conservation group that works to protect the endangered snow leopard.
    • Encourage your kids to find their own interesting facts about snow leopards.

    Finally, spread awareness for this day on social media with #SnowLeopardDay.

    INTERNATIONAL SNOW LEOPARD DAY HISTORY

    On October 23rd, 2013, the Bishkek Declaration was adopted during the first Global Forum on the Conservation of the Snow Leopard. The forum was held in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. In 2014, to make the one-year anniversary of the Bishkek Declaration, the twelve countries present at the forum declared October 23rd International Snow Leopard Day.

     

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  • 5 FACTS ABOUT DOGS

    5 FACTS ABOUT DOGS

    Those of us who have a lovable mutt know that they can be the most loyal companions. While loving on our canine pal, we occasionally ponder the breeds that combined to create our perfect sidekick. In most cases, we will never know. You do know their favorite treat, their love of car rides, and their ability to take up an entire king-sized bed. Whether you love a mutt or a purebred, did you know these 5 facts about dogs?

    Word Origins

    The word “mutt” is derived from the term muttonhead describing the mental slowness of sheep. In the 19th century, the term came to be applied to people. Eventually, the word was shortened to mutt. Today the word “mutt” also applies to dogs with mixed or uncertain pedigree. Their mixed-status doesn’t fit in any recognized pedigree and often was not the result of intentional breeding. Despite the negative use of the word, some dog owners use the term affectionately to describe their canine companion and often use it as a badge of honor since many mutts are adopted or rescued animals that are an integral part of their family.

    DNA Testing

    If you’re curious about your dog’s lineage, doggie DNA tests offer you an opportunity to find out. Perhaps you adopted a dog where only the mother’s breed was certain. A DNA test will help you determine the breed or breeds of the father. Does that curly tail on your mutt make you think he’s part Rhodesian Ridgeback? How about your pup’s ability to smell bacon smoking from miles away? Or does your little yapper herd your family through the house and yard? DNA testing might confirm your suspicions.

    You can also test for genetic disorders. Dog DNA tests run between $99-$200 with the least expensive ones only providing genetic breed information. How accurate are they? When it comes to identifying breeds, the more genetic markers the company searches the more accurate the test is. Another factor in accuracy is how large their reference database is for comparison. Identifying genetic markers for a disease is much more accurate than identifying lineage. Tests on the market advertise a range of 90-98 percent accurate. So if you’re super curious about why your pup has a thick fur coat and loves being outdoors in the winter, DNA testing might be an option for you.

    What Makes A Mutt?

    There is a difference between a mutt and a crossbred dog. The genetic makeup of a mutt includes 3 or more breeds. A crossbred animal is a cross between two purebred parents. Though one parent of a mutt may be purebred, the other parent was either a crossbreed or a mutt.

    Mutt vs. Purebred

    The reasons for their breeding range far and wide and fit into seven major dog groups: Working, Herding, Toy, Hound, Sporting, Non-sporting, and Terrier. Through breeding, the desirable characteristics are multiplied and enhanced. While a mutt might also feature certain characteristics such as strength, webbed feet, or herding instincts, these traits are less pronounced and appear unreliable in future generations.

    Mutts and purebreds face different types of illness, too. Purebred animals are more likely to carry genetic traits that make them susceptible to joint and stomach issues, cancers, and lung conditions. Mutts are more likely to face infections early in their life due to shelter conditions or being strays. On the balance, though, veterinarians tend to agree that mutts live longer and face fewer long-term health issues.

    Many purebreds have inherent traits that may cause issues if your lifestyle doesn’t fit the dog. Herding or protective instincts such as barking may not be suitable where you live. If you are away from your home a lot, breeds with high energy will not thrive in your home. These traits are multiplied in purebred animals. A mutt tends to have a more mild temperament and may fit more lifestyles and some purebred animals.

    If you have allergies, selecting a purebred dog that is bred to reduce shedding and dander is easier than choosing a mutt with unknown breeds. Certain hair types also shed less.

    Pooping Habits

    Admit it. You’ve discussed your dog’s pooping habits. But did you know that a study was published in 2013 in the journal Frontiers in Zoology that determined dogs prefer to poop in alignment with the Earth’s magnetic field? The more calm the Earth’s magnetic field, the more likely a dog is to align their body north to south during potty breaks.

    There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

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  • WOLFENOOT – November 23

    WOLFENOOT

    Every year on November 23rd, Wolfenoot celebrates both the spirit of the wolf and kindness. It’s also a day that encourages people to be kind to animals, especially dogs as they are descendants of the wolf.

    Many people in the United States are gearing up for Thanksgiving. There are also many other holidays around this time, which include Kwanza, Hanukkah, and of course Christmas. But one holiday you may not have heard of yet is called Wolfenoot (pronounced wolf-a-noot). This holiday revolves around a wolf-like Santa clause that brings presents to humans. This “spirit of the wolf” especially likes those who are kind to dogs.

    It’s hard to believe but the founder of this day was only 7 when he came up with the idea. His mom, Jax Goss, helped him develop the idea and turn it into an annual event. Her son is an animal lover who has been exposed at a young age to various conservation efforts. Within 24 hours of posting the new holiday on social media, people around the world were already jumping on board.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #Wolfenoot

    Every year, in the weeks leading up to Wolfenoot, the creator of the day posts a kindness challenge. Past kindness challenges have included:

    • Spend time hanging out with a kid
    • Make something for someone
    • Spend time with an animal
    • Plant something
    • Do something for yourself
    • Volunteer your time
    • Feed someone

    The day also focuses on being kind to animals. Each year, those who celebrate this day raise money for local animal shelters. It’s also a day when the “spirit of the wolf” hides small presents around the house for humans. The ones that are nice to dogs get the best presents. On this day, the family also gathers to a feast of roasted meat, which is something that wolves like to eat. Another way to observe the day is share a dog photo on social media with #Wolfenoot.

    WOLFENOOT HISTORY

    The first Wolfenoot was held in 2018. The day was created by a 7-year-old boy in New Zealand. The young and imaginative animal lover told his mom that the idea for the day, “came from my brain.” Wolfenoot is held on November 23rd as this is the anniversary of “The Great Wolf’s Death.” Those who celebrate this day are called Wolfenati.

     

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  • NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY – February 19

    NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY

    Arabian horses fill their owners with a passion equal to what they hold for loved family members. So, every day to them is National Arabian Horse Day. However, on February 19, the Arabian horse is recognized as one of the most popular breeds in the world.

    #NationalArabianHorseDay

    When asking the question, “What horse breed most exemplifies beauty, grace, stamina, athletic ability, adaptability, pride, refinement, versatility, and emotional connections with its human counterpart,” the Arabian horse tops the list. From the backyard family member to Champion show horse, the Arabian horse fits every capacity a person can imagine. Their unique history and distinctive head shape also make them one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds.

    Arabian Horse History

    The origins of the oldest purebred Arabian horse in the world date back thousands of years to the Arabian Peninsula. The Bedouins, tribesmen of Arabia, are believed to be the first to domesticate the Arabian horse, forming a harmonious relationship in times of both peace and war, a horse that is good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to please, while also exhibiting supreme endurance and speed. A symbol of military might, cavalry needs led to the spread of the breed around the world. Still, today, the Arabian horse retains all these desired qualities that made it so coveted. The Arabian is also the foundation for many other familiar breeds such as the Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Morgan, and American Saddlebred.

    Arabian Horse Facts
    • Beyond its unique beauty and athletic traits, the Arabian is also known for bonding with humans and its loyal disposition.
    • Noted for its distinctive features, enthusiasts immediately recognize the Arabian’s dished face and high tail. Other notable features include wide-set eyes, large nostrils, an arched neck, and an easy stride.
    • There are over one million Arabian horses in 62 countries, with the U.S. having more than half.
    • The average lifespan of Arabian horses is 25-30 years.
    • Notable Arabian horse owners include Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington, Wayne Newton, Patrick Swayze, and Shania Twain.

    The Arabian horse has endured for thousands of years. That’s just one reason why they are so loved and admired. They are also loyal companions to young and old. Arabian horses also offer endless opportunities to be active and meet new people. Anyone can have one in their life.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY

    Celebrate your love of the Arabian horse on National Arabian Horse Day.

    • Celebrate the day with The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, where the Arabian horse, breeders, competitors, and enthusiasts can appreciate all the breed’s magnificent qualities.
    • Attend a competition to experience the qualities of the Arabian horse in action.
    • Get involved! Join or attend your local affiliate club to learn more about Arabian horses. Visit arabianhorses.org for more information.
    • Visit a local Arabian horse farm near you. To learn more, visit the Arabian Horse Farm Finder.
    • Share your experience and knowledge of the Arabian horse with others.

    Experience the Arabian horse and use #NationalArabianHorseDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE DAY HISTORY

    Arabian Horse Day logoFounded in 2021 by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona (a non-profit organization), National Arabian Horse Day seeks to introduce and educate the world on the benefits of having an Arabian horse in your life, thus ensuring the breed’s longevity.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Arabian Horse Day in 2022.

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  • WORLD NUMBAT DAY – First Saturday in November

    WORLD NUMBAT DAY

    On the first Saturday in November, World Numbat Day shows appreciation for this amazing mammal. It’s also a day to encourage action to help conserve these endangered animals.

    In case you’re wondering, a numbat is a small termite-eating marsupial that lives in Australia. It has a black and white striped back along with a bushy tail. A few other names for the numbat include the banded anteater, noombat, and walpurti. Its long, sticky tongue helps it capture underground termites. While numbats are considered marsupials, they don’t really have a pouch to carry their young. Instead, they have skinfolds that cover their babies while they drink milk from their mother.

    More facts about numbats:

    • Numbats communicate with one another with soft clicking noises.
    • These small animals grow up to 12 inches long and weigh just over a pound.
    • Its bushy tail is similar to that of an Eastern gray squirrel.
    • Numbats have dull teeth as they don’t chew termites, only swallow them.
    • Their diet consists only of termites, of which they eat 20,000 a day.
    • They have been known to travel up to 20 miles per hour when threatened.
    • Adult numbats live all by themselves but when they do come together, they are called a colony.

    At one time, numbats could be seen across many parts of Australia. In the 1970s, however, the numbat population began a steady decline. Southwest Australia is the only place they survived. Today, numbats are endangered. Recent numbers suggest there are less than 1,000 numbats living in the wild. Their primary threats include fires, tree-clearing, and introduced predators.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldNumbatDay

    Conservation groups in Australia hold events on this day that spread awareness for the plight of the numbat. These groups also raise funds for the research and protection of these animals. Zoos in Australia hold special exhibits featuring the numbat. To participate:

    • Donate to an organization, such as Project Numbat, that helps to protect these endangered animals.
    • Find pictures and videos online to see what a numbat looks like.
    • Look up information on the only numbat breeding program in the world at the Perth Zoo.
    • Read “Let’s Count – Ten Naughty Numbats” or “Nelly the Numbat” to your children.

    Spread awareness for this day on social media with #WorldNumbatDay.

    WORLD NUMBAT DAY HISTORY

    Project Numbat held the first World Numbat Day on November 7th, 2015. It has been held on the first Saturday in November ever since.

    DATES:
    5 November 2022
    4 November 2023
    2 November 2024
    1 November 2025
    7 November 2026
    6 November 2027
    4 November 2028
    3 November 2029
    2 November 2030
    1 November 2031

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