World Animal Day began in 1931 as a way to highlight the plight of endangered species. This day has since evolved into a day to honor all the animals of the world, regardless of the celebrator’s nationality, religion, faith, or political beliefs
The mission of World Animal Day is to:
- Celebrate animal life in all its forms
- Celebrate humankind’s relationship with the animal kingdom
- Acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives – from being our companions supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives
- Acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives.
This day is not linked to any person, organization, or campaign! It belongs to all of the citizens of the world and all of their animal neighbors! It’s a day for advocacy, education, unity, involvement, and the raising of awareness for all of the animal issues that exist throughout the world.
World Animal day is celebrated on 4th October every year.
How was it celebrated in Fethiye?
Raising awareness of animal issues is a vitally important part of World Animal Day and McIntosh Sam (Sam Tucker) of One Man Many Paths, decided to promote animal welfare by climbing Akdağ in Muğla. Akdağ, at 3020 meters, is the highest mountain in the Muğla province.
The climb took three days and on reaching the summit at Uyluk Tepe, Sam placed the FETAV Fethiye Hayvan Dostları flag as a reminder to all.
Whilst Sam was doing his bit to raise awareness, FETAV Fethiye Hayvan Dostları were carrying out their own activities in Fethiye
Fethiye Hayvan Dostları (Fethiye Animal Friends – FHD)
FETAV Fethiye Animal Friends (FHD) held an event at Fethiye Culture Centre to celebrate World Animal Day. There were stalls with information about the work they do, along with craft and food items for sale to raise money to support their projects.
Private Fethiye Elementary /Secondary School students participated in the day and performed Bremen Mızıkacıları (The “Town Musicians of Bremen”), a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.
In the exhibition, students emphasised the importance of loving and protecting animals. At the end of the program, the students collected the donations they received and the money collected with the help of the piggy-bank made in the school and presented it to FETAV Fethiye Animal Friends Association.
More about Fethiye Animal Friends
Fethiye Animal Friends carries out activities to protect the life, rights and habitats of all species of animals in and around Fethiye.
Their short-term aim is to protect the street animals and they have a longer-term goal to develop a community where members of all professions such as employers, teachers and veterinarians, are members of a totally voluntary group dedicated to the welfare of animals.
‘The School which Teaches People to Love the Animals”
Fethiye Municipality has allocated a 1400 m2 piece of green land to FETAV Fethiye Hayvan Dostları (FHD) at street no 968 in Çalış area to be used as an ”Education Park” and an “Information Center About Animals in Fethiye” will be built on this land.
Its aim is to become the “go to” place for information on or with any problems or questions about animals.
All the information will be available both in Turkish and in English.
The Education Park of Wild Life and Nature Protection will be known as ”The School which Teaches People to Love the Animals”
Animal Information Centre
The Information Center will provide verbal and written information about stray animals, wildlife and extinct (or under the threat of becoming extinct) species in the area.
It will be the Central Management Office for the YHKG (Local Animal Protection Volunteer) program.
Education facilities for children and pet owners
FHD will use games and events to teach children about animal care and welfare, animal rights and animal love.
The centre will provide animal care training programs given by veterinarians to pet owners. The programs will also cover the responsibilities of being a pet owner. (i.e. poop scooping, dealing with unnecessary barking, animal health and safety).
There will be public awareness and information projects regarding the neutering, vaccinating and adoption in coordination with the animal shelter.
FHD will be supporting the Municipality by dealing with animal-related phone calls. They will try to find solutions to complaints and feedback about stray animals and wildlife.
FHD will carry out feeding and protection projects to protect wildlife.
There will be a billboard for lost/found animals and adoptions
Workshops will take place (i.e. making cat boxes/ houses)
Regular events will take place to raise funds to support the centre
If you would like to know more about FETAV Fethiye Animal Friends (FHD) please visit:
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