Sometimes it seems to us that issues related to sustainability and environmental protection are only a matter of recent years, but this is not the case. Already in 1931, World Animal Day was established at the European Ecology Conference in Florence, Italy. The intention was to draw attention to the critical situation of endangered animal species. Today it is widely spread all over the world.
A surprising date
The date of the World Animal Day was set at the said conference on October 4, and it has a clear, although quite surprising reason for someone. The fourth of October is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. What does this popular medieval saint have to do with World Animal Day? He was born at the end of the 12th century in the Italian city of Assisi. He was the son of a rich merchant and in his youth, in his youth he lived a little wildly, but he suddenly left wealth and comfort behind and decided to live in complete poverty and in harmony with nature. The example of his way of life was so inspiring that many decided to follow him. So, St. Francis became the founder of the Franciscan religious order. Because of his friendly behaviour towards animals (called them brothers and sisters) and the whole nature, he became the patron saint of nature and environmental defenders.
The highest priority
Why is the animal protection so important? Just to illustrate, for example, in 2015, 36 species of animals became extinct only in Europe. The most endangered mammals in Europe include, for example, Arctic fox, European mink, Monk seal Polar bear. The number of pollinators is also significantly decreasing. One out of ten species of European bees and butterflies is threatened with extinction.
The reasons for the threat of individual species are different. Sometimes it is about human greed and callousness – for example, the killing of animals for valuable artifacts. Sometimes the cause is a change in the environment - for example due to global warming.
Cute animal heroes
Have you seen the movie Hachi: A Dog's Tale)? A touching story with the fantastic Richard Gere, based on a true story about how a dog accompanied his master, a university professor, to the train station every morning and returned there in the afternoon to greet him. But one day the professor died. Nevertheless, Hachi went to the station every day for nine years. Who could hold back the tears while watching this story? Or who hasn't seen the movie Free Willy?
Animal heroes appeared, of course, much earlier. Let's mention, for example, the White Fang - the immortal story from the pen of Jack London! Or Edgar Rice Burroughs' book story about Tarzan. Did you know that Burroughs wrote a total of 26 books about Tarzan?
Today, no one will be surprised that animals are more than just pets for many, they have even become full members of families. For many, they have become essential companions and helpers, living creatures that incredibly enrich our lives.
We at Choralis Wood Art understand passion and love for a living being. We are aware of the seriousness of the current situation and the need to protect the environment. And we also understand art, emotions and beauty well. That's why you will find with us beautiful pieces that will enchant you. In addition to your pets, you can also commemorate World Animal Day with lovely products from the Choralis Wood Art workshop.
We even offer the possibility to immortalize your pet. Send us his photo and we will prepare its image for you.
