World Lewis Day – Nov. 26, 2026

World Lewis Day
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World Lewis Day, observed every November 26, serves as a poignant reminder of the koalas affected by the devastating Australian bushfires. This day encourages global action to support their rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term conservation. Join the movement to protect these iconic marsupials and their fragile habitats.

Want to sponsor World Lewis Day? Learn how

Expected World Lewis Day Deals

On World Lewis Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial fundraising and awareness campaigns. Organizations like the Australian Koala Foundation, WWF-Australia, and WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service) often run donation drives to support koala rehabilitation and habitat restoration. Many individuals and businesses may host small fundraisers or encourage direct donations to the Koala Hospital Port Macquarie, where Lewis received care. Look for opportunities to purchase merchandise from conservation groups, where proceeds directly benefit koalas. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns as November 26 approaches.

Platform Guide for World Lewis Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WorldLewisDay. Share impactful photos or videos of koalas, highlighting their plight and the work of rescue organizations.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #WorldLewisDay. Share news articles, statistics, and calls to action regarding koala conservation and bushfire recovery efforts.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WorldLewisDay. Create a community fundraiser or share educational content about koalas and their habitat challenges.

Social Media Tips for World Lewis Day

Individuals

Educate yourself and your network about the threats facing koalas. Share information about reputable conservation organizations and consider making a small donation to support their vital work.

Creators

Produce compelling content that tells the story of Lewis and other affected koalas. Use your platform to advocate for habitat protection, climate action, and support for wildlife rescue services.

Brands

Partner with a koala conservation charity for a donation-matching campaign or create a limited-edition product with a portion of sales benefiting koala recovery. Raise awareness through your social channels.

Organizations & Brands for World Lewis Day

  1. Australian Koala Foundation

    Established in 1986, the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is the principal non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and effective management of the wild koala and its habitat. They are known for their Koala Map and Koala Habitat Atlas.

  2. WWF-Australia

    The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has a significant presence in Australia, working on various conservation projects, including those focused on protecting koalas and restoring their habitats after natural disasters like bushfires.

  3. WIRES

    The NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) is Australia's largest wildlife rescue organization. They played a critical role in rescuing and rehabilitating countless animals, including koalas, during and after the 2019-2020 bushfires.

  4. Koala Hospital Port Macquarie

    Founded in 1973, the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, is a world-renowned facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of koalas. It gained international attention for treating Lewis the Koala.

  5. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

    A global conservation organization, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is actively involved in koala conservation efforts, including breeding programs and research to understand and protect koala populations worldwide.

  6. Taronga Conservation Society Australia

    Operating two major zoos in Sydney and Dubbo, Taronga is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation. They are involved in koala breeding programs, research, and public education.

  7. RSPCA Australia

    The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Australia is a leading animal welfare organization that provides care for sick, injured, and orphaned animals, including koalas affected by bushfires and other threats.

World Lewis Day Hero

Lewis the Koala

Lewis, also known as Ellenborough Lewis, was a koala rescued during the devastating 2019-2020 Australian bushfires. His viral video rescue by Toni Doherty brought global attention to the plight of wildlife. Despite extensive care at the Koala Hospital Port Macquarie, Lewis succumbed to his injuries, becoming a symbol of the immense loss and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

World Lewis Day timeline

January 17, 1986
Australian Koala Foundation is founded

The Australian Koala Foundation is founded to diminish the dangers to the survival of koalas and raise awareness to protect endangered fauna and flora.

September 2019
Black Summer begins.

Following a prolonged drought, deadly bushfires spark in Australia.

November 20, 2020
Lewis the Koala's sad end.

Lewis the koala dies one week after getting rescued due to severe burns.

March 31, 2020
Black Summer ends.

The country's most devastating bushfire season on record gradually comes to an end.

How Businesses Can Celebrate World Lewis Day

Local businesses can honor World Lewis Day by organizing fundraisers for koala conservation charities, such as a ‘Koala Care’ donation box at checkout or a percentage of sales dedicated to the cause. Restaurants could feature a special ‘Eucalyptus Dish’ with a portion of proceeds going to wildlife rescue. Retailers might highlight eco-friendly products or partner with an organization to raise awareness about habitat protection. The key is authentic engagement that educates customers and encourages support for koala welfare.

World Lewis Day FAQs

When is World Lewis Day?

World Lewis Day 2026 falls on Thursday, November 26, a day dedicated to remembering Lewis the Koala and advocating for wildlife conservation.

How many koalas were affected by the Australian bushfires?

The 2019-2020 Australian bushfires had a catastrophic impact on koalas, with estimates suggesting that nearly 3 billion animals were affected, including over 60,000 koalas killed, injured, or displaced.

Why is Lewis the Koala so important?

Lewis the Koala became a global symbol of the suffering caused by the Australian bushfires after a video of his dramatic rescue went viral. His story highlighted the urgent need for wildlife protection and drew international attention to the crisis.

What are the main threats to koalas?

Koalas face numerous threats, including habitat loss due to land clearing, climate change leading to more frequent and intense bushfires, disease (like chlamydia), and vehicle collisions. These factors significantly impact their survival.

How to Observe World Lewis Day

  1. Donate to the Australian Koala Foundation

    The AKF is a non-profit and non-government organization dedicated to the conservation and effective management of the koala and its habitat. Visit their site to figure out how you can help make a difference. 

  2. Plant eucalyptus

    If you live in a koala inhabited area, plant eucalyptus in your yard to add another source of food. The recent Australian fires not only burned down the homes of hundreds of koalas, but also the leaves they need to survive. Planting gum trees gives your local koalas a fighting chance.

  3. Volunteer

    Hundreds of koalas are still displaced due to the recent Australian bushfire. If you live in Australia, volunteer to help locate the furry marsupials and bring them to the nearest koala hospital. 

Why World Lewis Day is Important

  1. It raises awareness

    Prior to the viral video, very few people outside of Australia were aware of the roaring bushfires harming not only koalas, but also other wildlife and people. Because of Lewis, thousands are rushing to donate to the families and koalas who have lost their homes due to the devastating occurrence. 

  2. It encourages people to volunteer

    People living near Australia's recent fire zone are rushing to volunteer. Lewis' rescue, and his fight in the hospital, brought to light just how dangerous the conditions are for the hundreds of other koalas in need of help. 

  3. It acknowledges a beautiful act of courage 

    Toni Doherty, the Australian grandmother seen in the viral video, used the shirt off her back in order to rescue Lewis, who had climbed up a tree to escape the flames. Toni put herself in danger and risked her own life in order to save the life of a small creature. She has inspired countless people to keep an eye out for local wildlife who may be in need of a rescue of their own. 

World Lewis Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 November 26 Thursday
2027 November 26 Friday
2028 November 26 Sunday
2029 November 26 Monday
2030 November 26 Tuesday