Lions and Tigers and Bears OH MY! On September 4, 2018, we are celebrating National Wildlife Day (NWD) on the Eastern Shore! How did National Wildlife Day get started exactly? Colleen Paige, author and the Pet Lifestyle Expert, founded this national holiday in 2005 in memory of Steve Irwin a widely known Australian zookeeper and conservationist and best known as “The Crocodile Hunter.”
National Wildlife Day is a time to recognize and learn more about endangered species around the world. Lucky for us, the Eastern Shore has a handful of zoos and discovery centers so you can visit these majestic animals that we don’t get to see on a daily basis!
The Salisbury Zoo in Salisbury, MD is a perfect place to celebrate NWD. This zoo was founded in 1954 when some animals were placed on exhibition in the park. This zoo is devoted to enhancing their quality of life by providing the community with a fun and relaxing environment where educational and recreational opportunities are offered. Be sure to visit the Salisbury Zoo on National Wildlife Day and be sure to check out their website for more information!
The Delmarva Discovery Center is another great Wildlife destination where the family, kids, and even your friends can spend the day learning more about endangered species on the Eastern Shore. The Delmarva Discovery Center offers various exhibits that are fun for everyone including their Beaver Lodge, Cypress Swamp, and Birds Exhibit. They even have The Hazel Family Foundation Touch Pool, an interactive exhibit where you can dip your hands and discover sea creatures that are prone to living in our Eastern Shore bays. These include animals such as horseshoe crabs, whelks and so much more! Be sure to check out Mac & Tuck, Delmarva’s favorite otters who enjoy a 6,000-gallon aquarium. They are certainly the cutest!
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 and is home to many wildlife habitats on the Eastern Shore. This refuge is 10,144 acres and is located on the west shore of the Delaware Bay. This refuge is known for their migratory birds as they travel up and down the Atlantic Flyway and provides habitats for 308 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles and amphibians as well as 37 species of mammals. The refuge may be visited 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset seven days a week. Be sure to click here for more information!
Be sure to celebrate our wildlife around the globe by visiting one of these homes to many wildlife on the eastern shore! Be sure to take plenty of pictures and post to social media using the hashtag #NationalWildLife Day!