May in the Nature Classroom

Save the Rhino Day – May 1st

Save the Rhino Day, celebrated globally on May 1, highlights ways to help this fantastic ecosystem engineer. There has been a sharp increase in poaching activity and illegal trade of rhino horns. Today many subspecies of rhinos have been declared extinct and the entire rhino population is listed as “endangered”. Students could explore this incredible creature by making a project that ties in with National Endangered Species Day – May 17th 2024 (3rd Friday in May). Rhinos feature in many African and Asian legends where rhinos would appear every time a fire was lit in the forest and they would stamp out the flames. Our story The Rhino in Me: A Story of Friendship, Protection and Milk Lollies may spark questions about important topics like rhino conservation.

National Jumping Frog Day – May 13th

Did you know the South African sharp-nosed frog can leap over 95 times its body length? That’s a feat that deserves celebration!

Celebrate frogs with a day filled with fun and jumps. This day originates from Mark Twain’s first published story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. This story captured the imagination of many people with its frog-jumping contest!

Frogs are amazing jumpers and they play an important role in our ecosystems. Frog species are disappearing worldwide, so they are also perfect for an endangered animal project.

World Bee Day – May 20th

World Bee Day is celebrated to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators. Bees and other pollinators such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds are vital for pollination of the world’s wild flowering plant species and the world’s food crops. Bees also contribute to conserving biodiversity. They are also fascinating social animals.

National Endangered Species Day – May 17th 2024 (3rd Friday)

Raise awareness of the struggles of endangered species around the world. Also, celebrate conservation efforts and animals that have recovered like the giant panda, American alligators and the famous and stunning bird – the bald eagle.

World Otter Day* (last Wednesday) May 26th

The day helps raise awareness of the dangers faced by these wonderful creatures and to educate people on how to help protect their natural environments.