Two Species to Love for Valentine's Weekend Ahead

Yes, Valentine's Day is around the corner... and there is certainly a lot to love about that! Hope you celebrate all weekend long!

But also this week ahead--both on February15th this year--we have two eco holidays celebrating some sizable species that need our love too. Celebrate these conservation commemoration days.

World Hippo Day is annually February 15th. Hippos are at a high level of vulnerability on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of endangered species. As the 3rd largest land animal (after elephants and rhinos), they weigh in at over 7,000 pounds. Found mainly in Africa, these huge land mammals have had dwindling numbers because of habitat loss to urbanization and farming (as well as loss of access to the fresh water they need). Likewise, poaching puts hippos at great danger.

World Whale Day, held the 3rd Saturday of February (which this year is February 15th). Since 1980, the Pacific Wildlife Foundation & Greg Kauffman have led the way in honoring and protecting these marine giants. Not only important to ocean ecosystems, whales hold an important place in many cultures as revered creatures and symbols. Their threats come from getting trapped in fishing gear, being illegally hunted, and warming ocean waters from climate change. 

To honor both of these animals and share love with them along with your loved ones this weekend, you can ...

• Learn more about both of these creatures.
• Take time to find a documentary.
• Make a donation to World Wildlife Foundation.
• Raise awareness on your social media about these two creatures.
• Find a way to see them in their natural habitat.
• Support policies that promote their protection and biodiversity.

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