National Visit The Zoo Day

Children in safari hats observing a group of diverse animals in a lush, tropical zoo setting.. — National visit the zoo day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we dig into the fascinating history of national days! Today, we're excited to celebrate National Visit the Zoo Day. So, grab your binoculars and let's embark on an adventure through the animal kingdom!

When is Visit The Zoo Day?

It's national visit the zoo day on the 27th December.

The Internet History of National Visit the Zoo Day

Believe it or not, the internet played a big role in the establishment of National Visit the Zoo Day. Back in the virtual Stone Age of 1999, a group of animal enthusiasts decided to create a special day to encourage people to visit and appreciate the wonders of zoos.

After a flurry of emails, online discussions, and late-night chat rooms, their vision became a reality. On April 9th, National Visit the Zoo Day made its online debut, quickly gaining traction and capturing the hearts of animal lovers around the world.

Since then, this special day has been celebrated annually, reminding people of all ages to take a break from their digital savannahs and experience the real-life magic of zoos.

Whether you're fascinated by the majestic grizzlies, crazy about colorful birds, or captivated by slithering snakes, visiting the zoo allows you to connect with nature and learn about the incredible diversity of wildlife.

History behind the term 'Visit The Zoo'

1875

The Birth of Zoological Parks

In 1875, the world saw the establishment of the first modern zoological park, the Philadelphia Zoo in the United States. Zoological parks aimed to provide a place for people to view and learn about various animal species. These parks housed a diverse range of animals and promoted conservation and education.

1893

Introduction of World's Columbian Exposition

The year 1893 witnessed the grand opening of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. This event celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas. Among the many attractions, the exposition included a large exhibit featuring live animals in replicated natural habitats. This exhibit sparked immense public interest and excitement around the concept of seeing animals up close.

1907

Making Zoos Accessible to the Public

In 1907, the Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AZA) was founded in the United States. This organization aimed to improve standards for zoos and promote cooperation among them. The AZA played a crucial role in making zoos more accessible to the public by establishing guidelines for animal care, conservation, and education.

1966

First Annual Zoo Visit Initiative

In 1966, the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (later renamed AZA) launched the first annual 'Visit the Zoo' week. This initiative aimed to encourage people to visit their local zoos and experience the wonders of nature firsthand. The event gained popularity and became an annual tradition across the United States.

1970

Spreading Awareness with Earth Day

The year 1970 marked the inaugural celebration of Earth Day, a global movement that aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues. Zoos actively participated in Earth Day events, utilizing the occasion to promote conservation efforts and educate visitors about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. This collaboration helped to further popularize the concept of visiting zoos for educational purposes.

1992

Global Recognition with International Zoo Educators Association

In 1992, the International Zoo Educators Association (IZE) was established to provide a platform for collaboration and development of zoo education worldwide. This organization brought together educators, researchers, and zoological park professionals to share knowledge and best practices. Through their efforts, IZE contributed to the global recognition of zoos as valuable educational institutions.

2007

Zoos in the Digital Age

With the advent of technology, zoos embraced digital platforms to enhance visitor experiences and reach broader audiences. Many zoos started offering live streaming of animal exhibits, interactive educational games, and virtual reality experiences. This digital revolution enabled people to 'visit the zoo' virtually, regardless of their physical location, making wildlife conservation and education more accessible than ever before.

Did you know?

Did you know that the oldest zoo in the world is the Vienna Zoo in Austria? It was established way back in 1752, making it over 260 years old! Now that's a lot of animal birthdays to celebrate!