Hi everyone! Today, we at Animals Asia Foundation would like to delve into a topic that profoundly influences our lives and the health of our planet: wildlife, or our global flora (flowers and plants) and fauna (animals).

The theme for wildlife day 2026 is medicinal and aromatic plants, which are also considered ‘wildlife’. Wildlife refers to undomesticated animals and uncultivated plant species which can exist in their natural habitats, but has come to include all organisms that grow or live wild in an area without being introduced by humans.

Wildlife contributes immensely to biodiversity, which is an integral part of a thriving planet. Each species, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. From pollination to predation, their interactions help maintain the delicate balance of nature.

On World Wildlife Day 2026, I invite you to take a moment to consider your impact on the world around you and the species that call our shared spaces 'home'.

It is no secret that wildlife urgently needs our help, protection and conservation globally. Numerous species are at risk of being lost forever, and we must change our human behaviours towards wildlife for the long-term benefit of the planet and ultimately our own survival.

With Animals Asia’s focus on Asian animal welfare, here in Hong Kong, we are blessed with quite significant biodiversity! That means, we share space with many non-human species, both flora and fauna! However, even here in Hong Kong, many of our species face various threats to their existence and their homes.

Wild boar, barking deer, over 550 species of bird life, newts, reptiles, turtles, marine life and many others, all call Hong Kong, home. Yet, many of these native inhabitants are being pushed to the brink, mainly due to our human behaviours and choices.

Some of the main issues facing our wild animal populations are habitat destruction, poor conservation of vital habitats and spaces for certain animals, poor rubbish management, littering, poaching, smuggling, trapping, overharvesting, abuse and illegal capture of species for the wildlife trade, the illegal pet trade, other industries and sadly, consumption.

Whether you like or dislike animals – their existence is essential to our collective wellbeing and survival on this shared planet. On top of this – the notion that fauna possesses feelings and emotions, just like we do – is something often overlooked, yet there is ample science stating this fact in various species.

Here in Hong Kong, some of the easiest ways to live harmoniously with nature are:

To live with tolerance – Hong Kong is a small place – we must adapt and adjust to allow for sharing of this space with native species. Our shared spaces not only support us – but our fauna too and we need to be tolerant and sensible when living in close proximity with wildlife.

Rubbish management – It’s no secret Hong Kong, like many place around the world, has a waste problem. We create too much and we don’t reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle enough. Teaching sustainable habits in daily life that support wildlife and environmental protection, is vital. Such actions contribute significantly to the safeguarding of wildlife habitats as well as wildlife itself.

Behave responsibly – Due to our small shared living spaces – we no doubt will come into contact with wildlife from time to time. We need to be respectful, calm, quiet and give space to species we encounter, do no harm to them and understand their innate drive to survive and thrive, just like us. Feeding of wild species does not help them – it in fact increases the likelihood of conflict and can often leave wild animals sick and unable to forage for themselves.

Leave no trace – it is not someone else’s job to clean up your mess. If you bring something into a shared communal space or habitat – please, bring it back out! You’re waste – you must be responsible and dispose of it appropriately.

Make ethical choices – be it the products you buy, the holiday you book, the places you visit – think about your impact upon the animals you may encounter or see. The choices we make in our daily lives can have a direct impact on the wildlife around us – poaching of wildlife due to demand, continues to pose a formidable threat to wildlife, driven by the illicit trade in animal parts for various purposes, including entertainment, consumption, and commercial products. Many iconic species face imminent extinction due to the demand for their body parts as well as decimation of their habitats. Sea horses, species of fish, sharks, bears and others, continue to be targeted for their parts for various trades, all driven by human demand.

Don’t drive the demand for the illegal wildlife trade or tourism activities that harm wild or captive species. Say no to wildlife being used for human entertainment, selfies or unnatural activities for that animal. Support initiatives that emphasize conservation instead of those that exploit animals for profit. We must continue to educate travellers about how to respect and protect wildlife in their natural habitats, rather than gawping at captive animals in facilities that often have substandard welfare provisions.

Keep Informing yourself – know what the issues are for our different local and global species, pay attention to development in your area, get to know your accredited and reputable local wildlife rescue organisations, know where to look for resources and information, attend meetings, voice your opinions and advocate for wildlife friendly initiatives and practices.

Globally, protecting wildlife inherently involves safeguarding their habitats. This includes vital ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and oceans, all of which we have here in Hong Kong. We encourage you, our local community, to take part in local conservation efforts aimed at restoring and protecting these essential spaces, instilling a sense of pride and vital responsibility that we all have a role to play.

The importance of wildlife for global survival, is undeniable. Take a moment to imagine life without wildlife and I hope you feel a lump in your throat and a sense of loss in the pit of your stomach – for that is not a world any of us I believe would like our younger generations to grow up in.

It is our collective responsibility to protect and conserve wildlife, combat the threats impacting wildlife, and advocate for ethical practices that respect our natural world. Together, we can truly make a positive difference. Leading with courage, kindness, respect and empathy, we don’t need to dominate nature. We can live gently within it. And when we support the natural world, it supports us in return.