Senate Unanimously Supports Endangered Species Day
“Endangered Species Day” on May 11th will educate the American public about the importance of protecting endangered species

April 6, 2006

Contact: Sarah Matsumoto: 505-486-0567 David Robinson: 619-321-8003

Washington , DC– The Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating May 11 as “Endangered Species Day” to raise awareness about the threats to endangered species and the success stories in species recovery.

“We applaud the Senate for recognizing the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitat,” said Sarah Matsumoto, Field Director of the Endangered Species Coalition.   “It is a victory for all Americans who care about our nation's wildlife, such as the bald eagle, gray wolf and Pacific salmon.”

San Diego resident David Robinson started the idea to create a day dedicated to endangered species protection and approached his senator, Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), about the idea several months ago.  “It is a great opportunity for young and old alike to learn about our nation's wildlife and get involved in protecting endangered species and their habitat,” says Robinson.

“Endangered Species Day” will provide an opportunity for schools, libraries, museums, zoos, botanical gardens, agencies, businesses, community groups and conservation organizations to educate the public about the importance of protecting endangered species and highlight the everyday actions that individuals and groups can take to help protect our nation's wildlife, fish and plants.   With over 1,800 species worldwide now listed as threatened and endangered, and thousands more threatened with extinction unless they are protected, every such public education effort is greatly needed. 

“We believe that we have a responsibility to protect wildlife, plants and fish that are on the brink of extinction,” said Liz Godfrey, Program Director of the Endangered Species Coalition.    “We owe it to our children and grandchildren to be good stewards of the environment and leave behind a legacy of protecting endangered species and the special places they call home.”

The resolution passed the Senate Wednesday night with unanimous consent. It was introduced by Sen. Feinstein (D-CA) and was co-sponsored by Senators Biden (D-DE), Byrd (D-WV) Cantwell (D-WA), Chafee (R-RI), Clinton (D-NY), Crapo (R-ID), Dodd (D-CT), Feingold (D-WI), Levin (D-MI), Lieberman (D-CT), Reed (D-RI), and Snowe (R-ME).

The Endangered Species Coalition is a national network of hundreds of conservation, scientific, religious, sporting, business and community organizations across the country working to protect endangered species and habitat.  For more information, visit www.stopextinction.org and   www.stopextinction.org/endangeredspeciesday