Every year, on the 4th of October, the world unites to celebrate World Animal Day. This year’s theme, “Great or Small, Love Them All,” urges humans to become champions for those who cannot speak our language.
These creatures are truly inspiring and serve as remarkable examples of resilience and perseverance, especially in a world where the average wildlife population has dwindled by 69% since 1970.
On World Animal Day 2023, we look at ten species that resist despite being on the brink of extinction. These creatures remind us of the immense value of protecting our wildlife, biodiversity, and of preserving the beauty of nature.
Javan Rhinos
The last 75 Javan rhinos live in The Ujung Kulon National Park, a World Heritage Site.
Tapanuli Orangutan
The last 800 live in the forest near Sumatra.
Sunda Island Tiger
600 tigers live in Sumatra’s emerald forest.
Amur Leopard
Only 100 roam through Siberia’s wilderness, protecting the long-forgotten forests.
(In the cover picture of this article)
Black Rhinos
The strength and courage of 5,630 survivors still resonate across the plains of Africa.
African Forest Elephant
Over three decades, the heart of Africa’s forests has experienced an 86% loss of one of its most famous inhabitants.
Hawksbill Turtles
Conservation efforts are urgently needed to secure the future of our oceans’ 20,000-23,000 nesting turtles.
Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas, with just over 1,000 individuals in the wild, live in high-altitude forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Saola
IUCN estimates that there are likely fewer than 750 saolas remaining. The saola, one of the rarest mammals globally, was discovered in 1992 in the Annamite Range of Vietnam and is often called the “Asian unicorn.”
The world's loneliest animal? 😢 The Saola, the most endangered animal on Earth. Only 250 left. On #WorldAnimalDay2023 , we're working to create a better future for animals, people, and the environment. Learn more about our efforts: https://t.co/nYLxxh489A pic.twitter.com/U12m807MdA
— ACTAsia (@Tweet_ACTAsia) October 4, 2023
Vaquita
The vaquita has been critically endangered since 1996. Only 10 individuals remain, making it the smallest and most endangered marine mammal globally.
Hey there, humans!
I'm the world's smallest cetacean, a critically endangered vaquita. Sadly, only 10 of us remain.
Illegal fishing and gillnets have pushed us to the edge. Help us and turn the tide and secure a future for our species! Signed, 🐬https://t.co/UtiEXm3OzW pic.twitter.com/xUCISRCV3u
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) October 3, 2023
On this World Animal Day, let’s keep sharing stories of endangered animals. Their survival is linked to ours, and it’s our collective duty to preserve their legacy.
Through their resilience, we can be optimistic about a world where every breath and every whisper is a tribute to life. Always remember, “Love them all, big or small.”
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the Featured Photo: Amur Leopard. Featured Photo Credit: Unsplash.
