Born on October 4
World Animal Day
Thank the animals in your life.
Next: October 4, 2027
Where it comes from
World Animal Day was the idea of Heinrich Zimmermann, a Warsaw-born writer who published the magazine Mensch und Hund ('Man and Dog') in Berlin. He held the first celebration on 24 March 1925 at the Berlin Sport Palace, with more than 5,000 people, because the hall was not free on the date he wanted.
How it's celebrated
Animal charities, schools, children's groups, clubs and companies hold events large and small to raise awareness of how animals are treated. Since 2003 the UK charity Naturewatch Foundation has coordinated the day online, and more than 90 volunteer ambassadors promote it in over 70 countries.
Did you know
St Francis died on the eve of 4 October 1226, so the day went worldwide 705 years after his death.
Read the full story of World Animal Day
Star sign
Libra · September 23 – October 22 · Air sign
Fair-minded and charming, forever weighing both sides.