Endangered Animals - EYFS/Early Years activities, Displays and ideas
Many of the world’s animals are in sharp decline or even on the brink of extinction. On this page we aim to present a catalogue of resources for as many of these animals as possible. We hope that the resources will help young children to learn about each animal and foster a love for protecting the natural world. This page includes resources primarily surrounding those animals classified as endangered or critically endangered, but also those which are protected.
Endangered Species Day: 16th May 2025
(Third Friday in May)
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‘Endangered Animal’ RESOURCES…
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Free Sample Resources
Core ‘Endangered Animal’ Resources
Related pages/topics/themes (scroll down to browse)
Related special dates - Endangered Species Day, World Turtle Day, World Giraffe Day, Don’t Step on a Bee Day (Scroll down to find out more)
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FREE SAMPLE RESOURCEs!
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Once you have downloaded some of our free resources and are hungry for more, you can upgrade your membership within ‘Your Account’ or sign up here to access our entire catalogue of printable early years activities, posters, displays, prompts, certificates, role-play packs and much more! ’High quality printables at a low price!’ Find out more about all of our membership options here. If you are already a member… Thank-you! x
Please note that both Editable (docx file) and non-editable (pdf file) versions are available for our ‘Endangered Animal’ resources. (Editable files require Microsoft Word to work at optimum level and Non-Editable files require a pdf viewer.)
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‘Endangered Animal’ Packs - More coming Soon!
Additional ‘Endangered Animal’ resources…
Related Topics/Themes
Related Special Dates
Endangered Species Day
Endangered Species Day is an annual global event observed on the third Friday of May. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about endangered and threatened species, promoting conservation efforts, and celebrating biodiversity.
Purpose and Origins
Established in 2006 by the Endangered Species Coalition and conservationist David Robinson, Endangered Species Day aims to:
Educate the public about the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats.
Encourage actions that contribute to the conservation of wildlife.
Highlight the progress made in preserving various species.
The day serves as a reminder of the fragility of ecosystems and the role humans play in both the endangerment and protection of species.
Observance in the UK
In the United Kingdom, Endangered Species Day is marked by various activities organised by schools, conservation groups, zoos, and community organisations. These activities may include:
Educational Programs: Schools often incorporate lessons and projects focused on endangered species, fostering awareness among students.
Community Events: Local organisations may host events such as wildlife talks, exhibitions, and conservation workshops.
Online Campaigns: Social media platforms are used to spread awareness, share information about endangered species, and promote conservation initiatives.
These efforts aim to engage the public in meaningful discussions and actions to protect endangered species.
How to Participate
Individuals can get involved in Endangered Species Day by:
Learning: Educate yourself about endangered species and the threats they face.
Advocating: Use social media to raise awareness and support conservation campaigns.
Supporting: Donate to or volunteer with organisations dedicated to wildlife conservation.
Educating: Share knowledge with others, especially children, to foster a culture of conservation.
By participating in these activities, individuals contribute to the global effort to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity.
World Turtle Day
World Turtle Day is observed annually on 23rd May in the UK and globally. Established in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue, this day aims to raise awareness about turtles and tortoises, highlighting the threats they face and promoting conservation efforts.
Purpose and Significance
World Turtle Day serves to:
Raise Awareness: Inform the public about the challenges turtles and tortoises encounter, such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and illegal trade.
Promote Conservation: Encourage actions to protect these reptiles and their habitats, ensuring their survival for future generations.
Celebrate Biodiversity: Recognise the ecological importance of turtles and tortoises, which have existed for over 200 million years.
Observance in the UK
In the United Kingdom, various organisations and institutions participate in World Turtle Day by:
Educational Programs: Schools and educational platforms offer resources, including lesson plans and activities, to teach students about turtles and tortoises.
Public Events: Aquariums such as SEA LIFE London Aquarium host events and exhibitions to engage visitors in turtle conservation.
Community Initiatives: Local groups organise beach clean-ups and conservation projects to protect turtle habitats.
How to Participate
Individuals can get involved in World Turtle Day by:
Educating Themselves and Others: Learn about the different species of turtles and tortoises, their roles in ecosystems, and the threats they face.
Supporting Conservation Efforts: Donate to or volunteer with organisations dedicated to turtle and tortoise conservation.
Reducing Environmental Impact: Minimise the use of single-use plastics and participate in local clean-up events to protect natural habitats.
Advocating for Wildlife Protection: Support policies and initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species.
For more information and resources, you can visit the official World Turtle Day website.
World Giraffe Day
World Giraffe Day is celebrated annually on 21st June to honour the world's tallest land animal and raise awareness about the challenges giraffes face in the wild. Initiated by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) in 2014, the date coincides with the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere—the longest day of the year—symbolising the giraffe's towering stature.
Why It Matters
Giraffe populations have experienced a significant decline, with numbers decreasing by nearly 30% over the past 35 years. Currently, approximately 117,000 giraffes remain in the wild, and some subspecies are classified as endangered. The GCF uses World Giraffe Day to highlight this "silent extinction" and to support conservation efforts across Africa.
Global and UK Celebrations
World Giraffe Day is marked by various events worldwide, including educational programs, fundraising activities, and community engagement initiatives. In the UK, several organisations participate:
Edinburgh Zoo: Hosts a Summer Solstice Soirée, featuring guided tours and talks at the giraffe house, in partnership with Glenmorangie and the GCF to support giraffe conservation efforts.
Whipsnade Zoo: Organises a weekend of giraffe-themed activities, including educational talks and interactive experiences for visitors .
Hainault and Fullwell Cross Libraries: Offer giraffe craft sessions for children, encouraging creativity while educating about giraffe conservation.
How You Can Get Involved
Visit a local zoo or wildlife park: Participate in World Giraffe Day events and learn more about giraffes and conservation efforts.
Support conservation organisations: Consider donating to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation or adopting a giraffe to contribute to ongoing conservation projects.
Raise awareness: Use social media platforms to share information about giraffes and the importance of their conservation.
Educational activities: Engage children with giraffe-themed crafts, stories, and educational materials to foster early interest in wildlife conservation.
By participating in World Giraffe Day, you contribute to the global effort to ensure that these majestic creatures continue to thrive in their natural habitats.
Don't Step on a Bee Day
Don't Step on a Bee Day is observed annually on July 10th to raise awareness about the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem and the threats they face. While the name humorously suggests caution to avoid stepping on bees, the day serves as a broader call to action for bee conservation.
🐝 Why Bees Matter
Bees are vital pollinators, responsible for the reproduction of many plants, including those that produce fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Approximately 35% of the world's food crops depend on pollinators like bees. Beyond pollination, bees contribute to biodiversity and the health of ecosystems.
⚠️ Threats to Bee Populations
Bee populations have been declining due to several factors:
Habitat Loss: Urbanisation and agricultural expansion reduce the availability of wildflowers and nesting sites.
Pesticides: Chemicals, especially neonicotinoids, are harmful to bees' health and navigation abilities.
Parasites and Diseases: Varroa mites and viruses like the deformed wing virus can devastate colonies.
Climate Change: Alters flowering times and habitats, disrupting bees' food sources.
🌼 How to Support Bees
You can contribute to bee conservation in several ways:
Plant Bee-Friendly Gardens: Grow a variety of native flowers to provide nectar and pollen.
Avoid Pesticides: Use natural alternatives to protect bees from harmful chemicals.
Provide Water Sources: Place shallow dishes of water with pebbles for bees to land on and drink.
Support Local Beekeepers: Purchase honey and beeswax products from sustainable sources.
Educate Others: Share information about the importance of bees and how to protect them.
By participating in "Don't Step on a Bee Day," you help raise awareness and take action to ensure the survival of these essential pollinators.
