These massive creatures are native to North America and come from Canada, the United States, and Mexico! There are even some Bison that come from Europe. These animals are very special because play a critical role in shaping grassland ecosystems. Learn about bison right here on Base Camp with the Leaf Explorers!

World Animal Day is an international day of action to raise the status of animals and improve their welfare. World Animal Day unites the animal welfare movement, mobilizing it into a global force to make the world a better place for all animals.

Before you collect seashells from the beach, think about how important they are to the planet. Seashells may not be home to mollusks anymore, but they can still be used as homes by hermit crabs or young fish. Birds also use shells to build their nests. So you can see, some animals need the shells more than we do. A good choice is to take pictures of them instead of taking them home!⁠

Save the Koala Day. In April 2012, the Australian Government declared the Koala as ‘vulnerable’ under the Federal EPBC Act in New South Wales, the Act and Queensland. The Australian Koala Foundation estimates that there are less than 100,000 Koalas left in the wild, possibly as few as 43,000. There are four Australian states where Koalas occur in the wild—Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

National Elephant Appreciation Day is a great time to give these majestic and beautiful creatures the respect they deserve. Elephants are the largest land mammals on Earth, so it’s only right that they have a day completely dedicated to them. Sadly, humans are increasingly placing the elephant’s future at risk. So, whether you’re a lifelong elephant lover or not, take time on September 22 to learn about these amazing pachyderms.

International Red Panda Day. With the decline of available opportunities to live and thrive in their natural habitat, Red Pandas are struggling. International Red Panda Day hopes to encourage people to learn about these adorable creatures and help save the biome in which they live.