FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Senators Introduce Bipartisan "Endangered Species Day" Resolution

Thirteen bipartisan U.S. Senators introduced a resolution declaring May 18th as "Endangered Species Day." This year's event would build on the success of the last year's first-ever Endangered Species Day, which was designated unanimously by the U.S. Senate and involved thousands of people across the country.

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) was joined by a dozen other U.S. Senators on Friday in introducing a resolution to declare May 18 as "Endangered Species Day."  The resolution encourages students to learn about America's endangered plants and wildlife and efforts to recover these species across the country.

“Endangered Species Day will provide opportunities for young people, students, and the general public to learn about the more than 1,800 species in the U.S. and abroad, which are designated as ‘at risk’ for extinction,” Senator Feinstein said.
 
In 2006, the U.S. Senate unanimously designated May 11 as the first annual Endangered Species Day.  The purpose of the nationwide observance is to educate the public about the importance of protecting threatened and endangered species, success stories in conserving them and to highlight everyday actions that individuals and groups can take. Last year, thousands of people throughout the country participated in various activities, including a birds of prey demonstration in Montana and a visit by black-footed ferrets to classrooms in Denver and Boulder.  In addition, the Governor of Maine, the Rhode Island state legislature, and the cities and counties of Santa Barbara, San Diego, and San Francisco also declared state and local Endangered Species Days. Educational events were held at zoos and aquariums across the country, such as the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI and the San Diego Zoo in California.
 
“Seventy organizations nationwide representing millions of Americans have also endorsed Endangered Species Day,” said Jacob Smith, Executive Director of Center for Native Ecosystems.  “They all believe we owe it to our children and grandchildren to be good stewards of the environment and leave behind a legacy of protecting endangered species and the special places they call home.”

In Denver, events focusing on endangered species are presently planned at the Denver Botanic Gardens.  Zoos, parks, schools, conservation organizations, and community groups across the country are scheduling events to recognize the day.

Senator Feinstein was joined by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME,) Russ Feingold (D-WI,) Carl Levin (D-MI,) Olympia Snowe (R-ME,) John Kerry (D-MA,) Joseph Biden (D-DE,) Maria Cantwell (D-WA,) Joseph Lieberman (I-CT,) Ron Wyden (D-OR,) Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY,) Bernard Sanders (I-VT), and Mike Crapo (R-ID).

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