World Animal Day: From a Berlin Celebration to a Call to Protect Threatened Species

World Animal Day traces its origins to Berlin in 1925, when Heinrich Zimmermann organised the first celebration of an occasion now associated with animal welfare and support for threatened species.

Zimmermann was the publisher of a German magazine for animal lovers. His work placed him close to an audience interested in animals and their care, providing the backdrop to the early celebration.

The occasion’s history connects that gathering in Berlin with a broader concern for how people treat animals, from those living alongside humans to species facing threats in the wild.

Remembering its beginnings also highlights the message behind the observance: concern for animals extends beyond appreciation to their welfare and protection.