What happens if there will be no longer life in the wild in our beloved earth? Of course, it is very difficult to imagine, at least if we don’t see it for ourselves. To give an idea of how quiet the world is without the wildlife in it, Greenpeace, the most popular NGO focusing environment conservation released a video a few days containing global biodiversity, with the help of the world’s cartoon film producers at Disney. In this one and a half minute video, they try to describe the emptiness of the Earth if this world does not have any wild animals that adorn the habitat in it. Even though it seems that in reality, the animals in Africa are still exist until now, this video gives a very clear picture of what African savannahs and jungles would look like if they do not have inhabitants.
A study in 2010 found that the population of large mammals in Africa had shrunk by 59% over the past 40 years. Last year around 22,000 to 35,000 African elephants were killed by poachers, while the African rhino hunting rate reached its highest point. How about Simba the Lion King? Africa’s own lion population has fallen by around 70% since 1960. But that does not mean that hopes have been closed to wildlife in Africa, there are still a number of areas and national parks where a number of major species remain safe. But much needs to be done to reduce the loss of biodiversity, stabilize populations, and relive this region. Not only Africa, but also every continent, if we still want to see wild life on this Earth.
Regarding this issue, many environment and animal’s enthusiasts are there to be conservative about the wildlife. There are a number of things related to this problem, such as direct observation of wildlife, or supportive actions like socialization to sensitize and educate the public about the importance of advocating the integrity of wildlife. For them, the wildlife with its inhabitants is a counterweight to the cycle of life. That is what Mufasa said J
Since wildlife relies on stable habitat, understanding conservation and preservation is important. Developing strategies helps to maintain existing habitats and repair or replace those that have been destroyed. These strategies are especially important when a decline in a species is detected. Around the world, facilities and organizations will present seminars and educational programs. Additionally, podcasts and documentaries alert us to the changing conditions for various species around the world. Some may be as close as your own back yard. From the sky to the depths of the ocean, wildlife is surrounds us.
Anyway, if you are concern about this topic or consider yourself as animal lover or environment conservative, you need to make a move by participating and supporting all the efforts that has been done until now about the conservation of wildlife. At least, mark this date on your calendar, every 4th September, the National Wildlife Day. Founded in 2006 by animal behaviourist Colleen Paige, National Wildlife Day aims to raise awareness for endangered species around the world. Paige was the brains behind several other animal-themed holidays, including National Dog Day and National Cat Day, as well.
You probably wondering why there is this event? There is one heart-warming reason behind it. Celebrating National Wildlife Day is actually twice a year, it is February 22nd and September 4th. It might sound a bit strange, but this biannual holiday is no accident. Not only does it double the nationwide effort to protect endangered animals, but the dates themselves also have an incredibly touching story. Back in the early 2000s, Australian conservationist Steve Irwin was a household name thanks to his TV show The Crocodile Hunter, a documentary series hosted by the fearless wildlife expert and his wife, Terri. Irwin was filming a new episode near Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on September 4, 2006, when a startled stingray stung him in the heart and killed him.
Paige then founded National Wildlife Day shortly after Irwin passed, choosing to mark the occasion on September 4th in his honour. Yet one day was simply not enough to celebrate the life’s work of the beloved Crocodile Hunter. February 22nd, Steve Irwin’s birthday, was recently added as the second National Wildlife Day of the year. In Irwin’s memory, spend the next National Wildlife Day learning more about endangered species and conservation efforts, donating to your favourite wildlife organization, or visiting a local zoo.
And if you happened to be in Bali, today is the perfect day to go to the zoo! Bali Zoo Park is one of the best local zoo in Bali. Located on Jalan Singapadu, Gianyar makes Bali Zoo very easy to reach from famous spots in Bali. If you are from Kuta area, it is about an hour normally with a car. From Ubud, it only takes about 15 minutes. Bali zoo is the first and only zoological park is a wondrous place where you can learn the behaviour of over 500 rare and exotic animals in a lush, tropical environment. A park where you can participate in fascinating animal adventure activities, some of which are unique experiences of their kind in Indonesia. One of the unique activities that you can do is you having a breakfast with the orang utan or the elephants.
Since the opening in 2002, Bali Zoo has extended its range of features in addition to its existing daily programs. One of the unique offerings is a regular night attraction package that lets you observe the hundreds of animals after dusk. ‘Night at The Zoo’ introduces you to Bali Zoo’s nocturnal animals, and is usually held twice a week from 6pm onwards, usually concluded by an exciting fire dance performance. Even so, by day, the zoo is a place where families and children can meet the various animals in their secure enclosures. These include Sumatran tigers, white tigers, lions, babirusa, deer, orangutans, Komodo dragons, crocodiles, iguanas, turtles, snakes, Bali starlings, cassowaries, peacocks and many other exotic creatures.
Besides feeding the animals, the zoo staff will also help to take a photo for you or assist in taking one with your own camera. All of the inhabitants are fully cared for by the resident veterinarian.
When you’re feeling peckish, there are dining facilities at the zoo that include the Elephant View Restaurant. It serves Asian and is in the middle of the zoo with an open-air view of the elephant trail and gardens. The Okavango Restaurant, near the entrance, is where you can enjoy western selections with African lions in view through a glass enclosure.
There are also activities outside the zoo grounds; an interesting village trek, which takes you on a trek through forests, lush rice paddies, rushing rivers, and see rural Balinese village life at large. The 2-hour trek also includes a visit to the temple’s area as well as stopovers to the local communities of gold, silversmiths and stone carvers.
Bali Zoo is wheelchair-friendly, and the staff members are ready to assist visitors with disabilities. You can take home some good memories of Bali Zoo with special merchandise such as photo frames, T-shirts, mugs, egg paintings and many other interesting handicrafts are available at the souvenir shop inside the zoo and at the restaurants.
Finally, National Wildlife Day reminds us that the animals of the world are a precious resource, and of the many zoos, sanctuaries, conservatories, and organizations that work together every year to help preserve them for future generations. If we don’t start taking care of them now, we’re going to lose them. Once an animal has gone extinct, they’re lost forever to future generations, it’s our responsibility not to let that happen.
It is important for humans to maintain the balance of the nature. By maintaining the balance of the nature around the earth, it will return to its health. Earth has the power to heal itself but however, if it is continuously damaged, then there is no time for the earth to heal itself. Some large countries have made efforts to reduce damage to the earth. one of them is by agreeing to the carbon tax. A carbon tax is money a country must spend based on how much carbon it spends every year. The tax money will be used to improve damaged natural conditions.
The need to maintain balance, social, natural and surrounding life arrangements, such as animals or wild animals. Not only humans need to be considered, but nature, forests, and life are unity that is adrift to be maintained, and balanced. So, we must remember to be always maintain the balance of the nature, by paying attention, maintaining, preserving it actively, as an effort to participate in loving the nature.
So, mark your calendars, animal lovers and environment enthusiasts across the country to celebrate National Wildlife Day, every September and February, with a wide range of earth-friendly activities, from visiting the local zoos to reading up on the wild animal species you didn’t know were endangered. Because It is the time to care about our mother earth!
