On our planet, some animals are incredibly rare and precious. You might have only seen them in documentaries. These could include majestic tigers or snow leopards, the endearing giant pandas, the unique pangolins, or dolphins found only in certain remote seas… We refer to these creatures as “rare animals”. They are miracles of billions of years of evolution and invaluable treasures of nature!

However, it’s quite heartbreaking because due to various reasons, many countries around the world are witnessing a continuous decline in the numbers of these rare animals—some even face imminent extinction. This issue isn’t confined to any single country; it’s a global challenge. Imagine if our children could only see pictures of certain animals in books and hear us say “this animal once existed but is now extinct”—how tragic would that be?

To raise awareness about these “endangered friends,” advocates have taken action by designating April 8th each year as International Rare Animal Protection Day! Although it may not be as well-known as other international days established by the United Nations, its message is incredibly important and filled with humanity.

Why have these animals become so scarce? A significant part of the reason lies in human activities—both unintentional and intentional. For instance, our need for development leads us to cut down forests, fill wetlands, turn grasslands into farms or cities; thereby destroying their homes (habitats) and reducing their food sources. Additionally, some animals are hunted illegally because their fur, bones, meat or specific body parts are deemed valuable. Such criminal activities pose a severe threat to their survival. Global climate change, environmental pollution, and invasive species further exacerbate their struggles… Essentially they often become “victims” of human actions.

So why should we go through great lengths to protect these rare animals? There are numerous reasons beyond just for their own sake:

For Earth’s health: Every animal plays a role in Earth’s ecosystem like pieces of a complex puzzle. Losing one piece can destabilize the entire system making it less healthy. Sometimes they even act as “indicators” for environmental quality!
For nature’s wonder: Rare animals are invaluable heritage bestowed upon us by Earth—they’re nature’s masterpieces! Protecting them means preserving this unique beauty safeguarding nature’s miracles ensuring our world remains vibrant.
For ourselves: While it might seem distant from us ecosystem health directly impacts our survival too! Who knows what future benefits certain rare species might bring in medicine/technology? Plus many cultures attribute symbolic meanings/spiritual values to animals.
A sense of responsibility & conscience: Often protecting rare animals also constitutes moral duty since human actions endanger them we owe it making amends ensuring survival remembering extinctions irreversible permanent losses.
Thus every April 8th (proposed ‘Rare Animal Protection Day’) aims at raising awareness regarding plight faced by endangered friends while inspiring action! It isn’t mere rhetoric but encourages each one:

Learn more about stories behind rare creatures understanding where/how endangered.
Support conservation efforts even small donations/following relevant groups help.
Act responsibly avoiding illegal wildlife products consumption/use.
Reduce personal environmental footprint conserving resources/recycling/sustainable choices indirectly aiding habitat protection.
Share knowledge spreading word about endangered species/conservation among peers/family members.
Globally on this day though grand unified ceremonies may lack local initiatives abound with environmental groups/zoos/schools hosting events sharing images/stories discussing significance/challenges/successes (some species indeed saved from brink!). Grassroots movement driven by those caring deeply about nature aiming preserve biodiversity!

So mark every April 8th reflecting affectionately upon those ‘extraordinary’ lives reminding wild beauty gifts needing collective guardianship learning loving supporting through actions ensuring future generations don’t merely read about magical beings keeping Earth teeming wonders/colors vibrant! Summarizing International Rare Animal Protection Day April 8th remember endangered friends learn protect securing futures theirs ours shared planet every life worth safeguarding!