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Every year on October 4th, people across the globe come together to celebrate World Animal Day, a day dedicated to improving the welfare of animals everywhere. This special day was chosen because it aligns with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology. Legend tells us that Saint Francis had a deep bond with animals; he could talk to them, preached kindness to them, and even tamed a wolf. This spirit of compassion towards animals lives on today through World Animal Day, which has been officially celebrated since 1929 and adopted globally since 1931.
The Story of Mannie the African Lion
Among the many animals highlighted by World Animal Protection is Mannie, an African lion who endured years confined in a small, noisy enclosure at a Dutch amusement park. The constant noise of rollercoaster rides and isolation from other lions made his life miserable. Thanks to advocacy by World Animal Protection and other groups, Mannie was relocated to a sanctuary in South Africa where he now roams freely and enjoys a life surrounded by nature’s sounds instead of machines. His story is a powerful example of what World Animal Day stands for — the freedom and well-being of all animals.
You can find more stories like this on the official website – World Animal Protection
Join the Global Movement: Events Around the World
World Animal Day is truly a global celebration. The World Animal Day website features an interactive world map that shows events taking place locally and internationally — from educational workshops and animal shelter open days to fundraising concerts and nature walks. We encourage colleagues at Zeus Packaging to explore this map and consider participating in a nearby event. Joining these events lets us connect with the wider community and shows our commitment to the cause beyond our daily work.
Why It Matters to Us at Zeus Packaging
While working on sustainability and compliance can sometimes feel like just another task—one that is challenging or frustrating—we must remember the bigger picture. All of our efforts here at Zeus Packaging are ultimately about protecting the wider world outside our doors—its ecosystems, its wildlife, and the future we want to leave behind. World Animal Day is a reminder of what we are striving to protect: life in all its forms.
Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on our shared responsibility and renew our commitment to creating a positive impact for animals and the environment. Together, our actions have the power to move the world for animals.
