National Aardvark Week champions the fascinating aardvark every second week of March. This year, the observance runs from Monday, March 9, through Sunday, March 15. Learn about this shy, nocturnal mammal and discover ways to support conservation efforts for these incredible animals. Get involved by sharing facts, donating to wildlife foundations, and raising awareness!
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Expected National Aardvark Week Deals
As National Aardvark Week focuses on awareness and conservation, expect to see fundraising drives and educational initiatives rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the African Wildlife Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) often highlight species-specific campaigns, encouraging donations for habitat protection and research. Zoos such as San Diego Zoo Global and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) may offer special educational programs or virtual tours featuring aardvarks, sometimes with opportunities to ‘adopt’ an animal. Retailers like Patagonia, known for their environmental commitment, might run promotions where a portion of sales supports wildlife conservation. Look for themed merchandise from online stores that benefit animal charities. We will update this page with confirmed live events and campaigns as March approaches.
Platform Guide for National Aardvark Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalAardvarkWeek. Share captivating photos or short videos of aardvarks, highlighting their unique features and importance in their ecosystem.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalAardvarkWeek. Tweet interesting facts, conservation news, or participate in discussions about aardvark protection and awareness.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalAardvarkWeek. Post educational content, share links to conservation efforts, or organize a community discussion about African wildlife.
National Aardvark Week Hero
Georges Cuvier
History of National Aardvark Week
Aardvarks eat termites and ants, which is why they are commonly mistaken as anteaters. But there is no connection between the two animals. Interestingly, aardvarks are considered special and ‘living fossils’ because theirs is the only surviving species in the ‘orycteropodidae’ family. Anteaters, on the other hand, are more closely related to sloths.
Aardvarks are mostly native to Africa — with a broad range across the continent, except the Sahara Desert in the north. In comparison, anteaters are found in Central or South America. It is also significant that the aardvark population is directly linked to the termite population, with the former taking a hit if the latter decreases. Aardvarks are not endangered, though it is unlikely that you will ever see one. This is because they are nocturnal, coming out at night, and staying inside their cool burrows during the day. This may also be why aardvarks are such shy animals. In the animal kingdom, the aardvark — which can live up to 23 years in captivity — is categorized as a keystone species because it is an ‘ecosystem engineer.’
Many species and organisms are dependent on the burrows dug by aardvarks, and they keep the termite and ant populations under control. In the foreseeable future, the only factor affecting aardvarks is the intense drought which could be widespread owing to the drastically changing climate. We hope more studies will be conducted to learn about how the aardvark will cope with the changing weather patterns.
National Aardvark Week timeline
Aardvark fossils date back about five million years.
The puppet Otis, an aardvark, is featured on BBC’s children's shows.
The children's cartoon series “Arthur” features a family of aardvarks.
A 30-meter-long sculpture of an aardvark named ‘Feestaardvarken’ is created in Arnhem, Holland.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Aardvark Week
Local businesses can participate in National Aardvark Week by raising awareness and supporting conservation. Pet stores could highlight responsible exotic pet ownership (or lack thereof for aardvarks) and donate a portion of sales to wildlife rescues. Educational institutions and libraries can host special readings or exhibits about African wildlife. Restaurants might feature ‘African-inspired’ dishes and donate a percentage to conservation funds. Any business can share facts about aardvarks on their social media, encouraging customers to learn more and engage with the cause.
National Aardvark Week FAQs
When is National Aardvark Week?
In 2027, National Aardvark Week is observed from Monday, March 8, through Sunday, March 14. This annual event highlights the importance of aardvarks in their ecosystems.
What do aardvarks eat?
The diet of an aardvark consists almost exclusively of ants and termites, earning them the nickname ‘earth pig’ in Afrikaans. They are highly adapted for this diet, with strong senses of smell and hearing to locate their prey.
Where do aardvarks live?
These unique mammals inhabit much of sub-Saharan Africa, from the southern tip to the northern reaches of the continent. Their distribution is primarily limited by the availability of ants and termites, their main food source.
Are aardvarks related to anteaters?
No, aardvarks belong to a unique mammalian order, making them distinct from anteaters, which are xenarthrans. Their similarities are a result of convergent evolution, adapting to the same ecological niche independently.
National Aardvark Week Activities
Visit the zoo
Aardvarks can be viewed in 30 zoos across the U.S. If you happen to pass by a zoo or you live near one, go visit and see an aardvark!
Throw an aardvark-themed watch party
Watch your favorite cartoons and entertainment shows featuring aardvarks. This is especially fun if you have children in the house.
Donate for a cause
Donate to an organization doing research studies on aardvarks. It makes all the difference.
5 Interesting Facts About The Aardvark
It has quite an appetite
Every individual aardvark eats an estimated 30,000 ants in a single night.
Its gender is difficult to determine
An aardvark’s gender is very difficult to identify at birth.
It’s the first word in the dictionary
Aardvark is the first word in the English dictionary.
It has night vision
An aardvark can see at night, though it is color-blind.
It has a very long tongue
An aardvark’s tongue measures 30 cm long.
Why We Love National Aardvark Week
Aardvarks are ‘ecosystem engineers’
Aardvarks play an important role in sustaining our ecosystem. Besides, who else would be eating most of the ants and termites?
Research is important
Aardvarks aren’t endangered, but it is important to learn more about them and ensure that they remain this way. Besides, research on every topic is beneficial, so why not include aardvarks?
We love animal holidays
Any reason to celebrate animals is enough for us to love the holiday. And a week-long celebration is even better! Animals are sentient creatures. We may not like them for their appearance, but we should know that they have a role and purpose, and so they should be appreciated if not loved.
National Aardvark Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 9–15 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2027 | March 8–14 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2028 | March 6–12 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2029 | March 5–11 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2030 | March 4–10 | Monday–Sunday |
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