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FriMar 22

International Seal Day – March 22, 2024

International Seal Day takes place on March 22. It is a day set aside to raise awareness about seal conservation around the world. It’s also a day for us seal lovers to honor this amazing sea mammal. Seals are not only adorable and attractive, but their presence in the world today has a significant impact. They are also the most targeted marine mammal on the planet. These creatures are in danger of soon becoming extinct. Humans have always posed a significant threat to them, as people capture them for feed, blubber, or pelts. As a result, this day is observed to emphasize the importance of preserving their population.

 

History of International Seal Day

This international holiday was established in 1982. Since then, the holiday has been observed yearly on March 22. The total number of seal species was already declining at the time. Seals were increasingly becoming victims of humans. This is because humans hunted seals for their pelts, blubber, and meat. To put an end to this brutality, the day was proclaimed the “Day of the Seal.” The United States Congress established the worldwide holiday to raise awareness among Americans about the plight of seals. They developed several projects to raise awareness about the importance of protecting seals.

A seal is classified as a pinniped, which means “fin-footed” in Latin. The walrus and sea lion are two other pinnipeds. Seals are distinct from other pinnipeds in that they do not walk with their flippers. They frequently move about on their bellies when on land. Their flippers assist them to move quickly in the water. Seals are also calmer and smaller than sea lions and walruses.

Seals are located around the north and south poles. They are preyed upon by predators and hunters. This has put their population at risk. This day was established to raise awareness about how they might be saved.

This day is observed all over the world. Although seals dwell in the Arctic Circle and Antarctica, millions of people around the world adore them, and so this holiday is observed globally.

International Seal Day timeline

1811
Pinnipedia

Johann Karl Wilhelm Illiger names both a clan and an order Pinnipedia.

1886
The Extinction of the Seal

The animal is considered extinct until a little group is discovered near the Yucatán Peninsula.

2001
The Link Between Sea Lions and Seals

Genetic analysis reveals that the north fur seal is more closely linked to many sea lion species.

2021
Recognition By the I.U.C.N.

Thirty-six pinniped species are recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.).

International Seal Day FAQs

Seals descended from what animal?

The earliest progenitors of seals and sea lions were mammals that evolved from land to sea. The ocean began to cool around 36 million years ago, near the end of the Oligocene, causing major changes in ocean circulation.

Is the seal a friendly creature?

Seals look attractive and sociable, which they are. Most zoos and marine attractions portray seals as trainable, clever, and human-friendly.

Do seals have fur?

Northern fur seals have the second thickest fur on the planet, with 300,000 hairs per square inch.

How to Observe International Seal Day

  1. Attend a public awareness event

    During International Day of the Seal, many naturalist organizations and zoos host awareness events. Attend a presentation to learn more about these wonderful creatures.

  2. Watch a documentary about seals

    There are numerous videos and reading resources available about seals and their habitat. Spend the day learning about how climate change affects these seals.

  3. Visit a seal exhibit zoo

    Seals are related to sea lions and walruses, which live in the Arctic Circle and Antarctica. However, you don't have to travel to the poles to meet these magnificent creatures. To celebrate the festival, you can visit a zoo and learn about them.

5 Interesting Facts About Seals

  1. There are various species

    There are 33 kinds of seals.

  2. Their skin helps with temperature

    Blubber is the layer of fat beneath the skin of seals that keeps them warm in frigid water.

  3. They can detect prey

    A seal’s whiskers aid in the detection of prey in murky water.

  4. They live up to 30 years

    Their life expectancy is 25 to 30 years.

  5. They are heavier than us

    Smaller seals weigh 100 pounds, while the largest weigh more than 7,000 pounds.

Why International Seal Day is Important

  1. It’s a week to achieve something worthwhile

    All animals are important. International Day of the Seal allows us to perform important conservation work and identify solutions to help the planet.

  2. It encourages study

    International Day of the Seal encourages people to learn more about seals. It is a means of making people more aware of their place in the larger scheme of things.

  3. It encourages conservation

    The importance of conservation of vulnerable animals is emphasized on this day. Contributions to this cause are encouraged.

International Seal Day dates

YearDateDay
2024March 22Friday
2025March 22Saturday
2026March 22Sunday
2027March 22Monday
2028March 22Wednesday

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