Every year on February 27, an international commemorative day is observed to promote the protection of polar bears—an animal facing the risk of extinction due to the impacts of global warming—and to raise awareness of the environmental issues they confront. The day was proposed by the U.S.-based nonprofit organization Polar Bears International. Late February is a particularly critical period, as mother bears and their cubs spend this time inside their dens.

What kind of animal is it?
Polar bears are among the largest carnivorous mammals in the world, inhabiting the Arctic’s icy plains and surrounding seas. They are also known as white bears because they appear white, but their fur is actually transparent and hollow, allowing sunlight to efficiently reach their skin. Their skin itself is black, which helps absorb heat. Their primary prey is seals, which they hunt from sea ice platforms. Polar bears are excellent swimmers and can travel dozens of kilometers in a single swim. They are well adapted to cold environments, with a thick layer of body fat and a physical structure that enables them to survive harsh winters.

Pitten ZOO: Watch a polar bear (white bear) video

World Hippo Day is celebrated annually on February 15th, with the aim of raising awareness of the hippopotamus' plight and encouraging conservation efforts for this endangered species. The exact origins of the day are not clearly recorded, but it is believed to have been established to coincide with the anniversary of the opening of the Turgwe Hippo Trust in Zimbabwe, a pioneering conservation project dedicated to protecting and studying hippos in their natural habitat.

What kind of animal is it?
Modern hippos evolved in Africa around 8 million years ago. Hippos are semi-aquatic mammals found in sub-Saharan Africa. They can weigh up to 2,000 kg, making them the third largest land mammal.

Pitten ZOO: Watch a video of hippos

Current situation of hippos
The hippopotamus population is estimated at 115,000 to 130,000 and is declining due to poaching, loss of access to freshwater, mechanized agriculture, urbanization, and other factors. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed hippos as endangered (vulnerable) in 2006 after hippopotamus populations declined by up to 20% over the past 20 years.

December 4th is International Cheetah Day every year. This day is the birthday of Khayam, a cheetah raised by Dr. Laurie Marker. Khayam was taken to Africa as part of a research project to reintroduce cheetahs into the wild, and through the efforts of the doctor, he learned how to hunt. Through this research, the doctor learned that farmers in Namibia were exterminating cheetahs as pests, and began conservation efforts. In honor of Khayam, this day is considered a symbol of conservation efforts.

What kind of animal is it?
It is the speed record holder in the animal kingdom. Its maximum speed is about 110 kilometers per hour, but it can only run about 500 meters at most. It has a small head and a slim body that is well suited to running. Its claws do not retract like other cats, and it is not very good at climbing trees. Its cubs are black-gray in color and have a mane similar to that of a hyena.

Pitten ZOO: Watch cheetah videos

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Cheetah Conservation Fund
The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is an internationally recognized organization dedicated to cheetah conservation and research. Founded in 1990 by conservation biologist Dr. Laurie Marker, it is headquartered in Namibia.

CCF's activities are based on three pillars: research, education, and conservation.

1. Research: We conduct comprehensive research into cheetah health, breeding, genetics, behavior, and ecology.

2. Education: We raise awareness among the public, students, and farmers about the importance of cheetahs and how to coexist with them.

3. Conservation: We work to reduce conflict between humans and cheetahs. For example, our breeding program of Anatolian shepherds to protect livestock has reduced predation by more than 80%.

CCF's efforts range from protecting cheetah habitat, maintaining genetic diversity, and promoting coexistence with humans, making it a model for cheetah conservation efforts around the world.


Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF): https://cheetah.org/

The harbor seal, known in Japanese as the Zenigata Azarashi, gets its name from the coin-like patterns on its body that resemble old Japanese coins. These seals inhabit coastal areas around Japan, especially along the shores of Hokkaido. With their round bodies and charming black spots, they’re easily recognizable. Their endearing expressions and the relaxed way they lounge on land never fail to bring a smile to those who see them.

Pitten ZOO：Watch a video of harbor seals

The last Friday in September is Save the Koara day, a day set aside to raise awareness of the challenges facing Australia's native koala species. The day was created to raise awareness of the challenges facing the koala, an endemic species of Australia.

What kind of animal is it?
Koalas live mostly in trees and are primarily nocturnal. They are gentle creatures, walking slowly on land from tree to tree. Their main diet is eucalyptus leaves.

Pitten ZOO: Watch a video of a koala

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History
In 1986, the Australian Koala Foundation (originally the Association) was founded by veterinary scientists. The first Save the Koala day was celebrated on September 26th 2008 at Dreamworld in Queensland. Since then it has grown into an important event highlighting the plight of koalas and the importance of protecting their natural habitat.

AKF : https://www.savethekoala.com/

Oryx (Gemsbok) has joined your team. We also added a video of a koala.

Oryx: https://pitten.jp/zoo/oryx/
Koala: https://pitten.jp/zoo/koala/

Oryx are large antelopes that go to Africa, and both males and females have long straight horns and large markings on their white faces.

The koala is a pouched herbivore that lives in Austria and feeds primarily on leaves such as eucalyptus and acacia. In Japanese, other names include Komoriguma (nanny bear) and Fukuroguma (marsupuku bear).