World Animal Day 2026: theme ‘See the World Through Their Eyes’
Why in the news
World Animal Day is observed on 4 October 2026 with the theme ‘See the World Through Their Eyes’.
Key facts
- Date: 4 October every year.
- 2026 theme: ‘See the World Through Their Eyes’, proposed by Zoe from the UK.
- Stamp design: by illustrator Emma Jayne; a fish-shaped lens holds dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, clownfish and a sperm whale from the Coral Triangle, highlighting coral bleaching.
- Coordinator: Naturewatch Foundation (UK), since 2003.
Coral Triangle at a glance
| Group | Approximate count |
|---|---|
| Fish species | about 3,000 |
| Coral types | about 600 |
| Shark and ray species | 131 |
| Sea turtle species | 6 of the world’s 7 |
About World Animal Day
Cynologist Heinrich Zimmermann organised the first World Animal Day on 24 March 1925 at the Sport Palace in Berlin, attended by more than 5,000 people. The observance shifted to 4 October in 1929 to match the feast of Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. In May 1931, an international animal protection congress in Florence accepted 4 October as the worldwide date. The year 2025 marked its centenary.
Exam angle
- Date: 4 October; linked to St Francis of Assisi.
- Founder: Heinrich Zimmermann; first event in Berlin, 1925.
- 2026 theme: ‘See the World Through Their Eyes’.