All across America the third weekend of May 2008 will be a weekend of celebration for the animals whose survival is owed to the Endangered Species Act and a day of reflection for those whose names remain on the rolls as threatened, endangered or extinct. This year will mark the 3rd annual celebration of Endangered Species Day, the purpose of which is to encourage “The people of the United States to become more educated about, and aware of, the threats to species, success stories in species recovery, and the opportunity to promote species conservation worldwide.”

The star of this event will be one of the Wildlife In Need Center’s educational ambassador animals, Jewel, the ornate box turtle. Her 5 inch long dark blue shell is ornamented with yellow lines and dots which makes her particularly appealing to those who have never had the opportunity to see one of these creatures in the wild. The ornate box turtle has been listed as endangered in the state of Wisconsin since 1972, primarily due to loss of habitat. Educational activities and information will help to inform all of those who stop by how to protect, promote, and preserve endangered species.

Please visit our website through the link above for more information.