Today marks the 18th anniversary of the Endangered Species Day, with thousands of Americans expected to mark the occasion with activities to protect and restore disappearing wildlife.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) itself became law 50 years ago, in 1973, with the goal of protecting wildlife and the natural world from extinction.
The ESA is currently helping protect over 2,000 species of plants and animals that are threatened or endangered.
“Endangered Species Day and 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act both celebrate our national responsibility to future generations to be good stewards of nature,” said Leda Huta, executive director of the Endangered Species Coalition, the primary sponsor of Endangered Species Day. “The Endangered Species Act is a declaration to the world that we will not rob our children of the opportunity to hear the cry of the bald eagle or enjoy the clean air and water upon which people and wildlife depend.”
