People and animals: Sharing one environment

In today’s rapidly changing world, animals face countless threats – most of them caused by humans. Forests are disappearing, wetlands are drying up, cities keep expanding, pushing wildlife out of its natural habitat. Add to this poaching, illegal wildlife trade, pollution, and climate change – and the picture becomes deeply alarming.

According to international environmental organizations:

  • 3 animal species go extinct every hour;
  • over 70 species of flora and fauna disappear every single day;
  • in just 25 years, the planet’s biodiversity has declined by more than one-third.

These figures aren’t just statistics – they are a warning. That’s why, every year on October 4, the world marks World Animal Day, drawing attention to the importance of protecting wildlife.

World Animal Day – A global reminder

The first World Animal Day took place in Berlin in 1925, thanks to German author and animal rights advocate Heinrich Zimmermann. A few years later, in 1931, the International Animal Protection Congress in Florence officially declared October 4 the annual World Animal Day.

The date honors Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, who taught compassion and respect for all living beings.

Today, World Animal Day aims to:

  • raise awareness about the threats facing wildlife;
  • promote humane and ethical treatment of animals;
  • unite individuals, organizations, and governments in protecting animal rights;
  • support stronger legal protection for all species.

It’s a reminder that every creature deserves life, freedom, and dignity.

In Ukraine, the Day for Animal Protection has been officially recognized since 2000. Animal welfare is supported by key laws such as:

  • On the Protection of Animals from Cruelty;
  • On the Red Book of Ukraine;
  • On the Animal World;
  • On Environmental Protection.

What each of us can Do

Meaningful change begins with small, everyday actions:

  • avoid supporting businesses that harm nature;
  • donate to or volunteer at animal shelters;
  • choose adoption instead of buying pets;
  • incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet;
  • report animal cruelty;
  • promote empathy and humane values.

World Animal Day is a call for compassion – a reminder that we share this planet with millions of other lives that depend on our choices.

The 21st century highlights, more than ever, Nature’s power to heal and restore. Each of us plays a part in preserving that harmony.

Let’s never forget: animals are not a resource – they are our neighbors on Earth.

Earlier, we explored this theme in our story about the roe deer of Bukovel, part of our ongoing series on the resort’s flora and fauna.