World Lion Day: Help Save Big Cats #5forBigCats
More than ever the plight of lions has been in the news with the horrific killing of Cecil in Zimbabwe. Countless individuals have spoken out against the killing of this beautiful animal via Facebook, but now it’s time to go further. Words create a movement, but action fosters change.
In support of World Lion Day (August 10), National Geographic Big Cats Initiative has created, “High-Five. Give $5. Save Big Cats,” a worldwide virtual high-five chain in support of big cats. Big cats, like lions are disappearing at an alarming rate in the wild and to raise awareness National Geographic is urging individuals to share high Fives on social media.
Participants can also donate $5 or more as part of the campaign to help preserve big cats and their habitats. The funds will go to National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative, which provides on-the-ground conservation and education support to projects that preserve big cat populations worldwide. Examples include building livestock enclosures to save snow leopards in Nepal and combating lion snaring and poaching in Zambia. To donate visit donate.ngs.org/5forbigcats or text FIVE to 50555 to donate $5.
It’s easy to participate. Share National Geographic‘s suggested Facebook and Twitter posts with your social networks. Tag five friends to send them a virtual high five. Then watch the chain grow across Facebook, Twitter, and other social sites!
Suggested Facebook Post:
I’m giving five to save big cats in the wild—and you should too! Share your high-five photos with #5forBigCats and visit donate.ngs.org/5forbigcats to donate $5 to big cat conservation.
Suggested Twitter Post:
I’m giving 5 to save big cats in the wild. Now it’s your turn. Tag your photos with #5forBigCats @NatGeo http://bit.ly/1SnmMua
Check out these recent tweets of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Leonardo DiCaprio in support of #5forBigCats.
Want to get creative? Instead of using one of the provided #5forBigCats photos when you share on social media, create your own high-five photo or video masterpiece. I encourage you to think outside the box! Make sure you use #5forBigCats, and then visit causeanuproar.org/5forbigcats to see your creation in our gallery.
To get your kids involved with World Lion Day pick up National Geographic Kids Mission: Lion Rescue book. With fun and amazing adventure stories, gorgeous photography, hands-on activities, fascinating information, and more, this book taps into kids’ interest in animals and their passion for saving them. Meet real-life lions and learn about their habitats, challenges, and successes, plus learn how you can take action and save these amazing endangered creatures.
Disclosure: I am part of the National Geographic Kids Insider program. I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Big cats amaze me. I had no idea there was such a thing as world lion day!
What a fantastic campaign and such easy ways to support it as well 🙂 thank you so much for sharing. x
What a great campaign. I’ll definitely be tweeting about it.
Lions are such beautiful creatures. They are one of my favorite animals.
I love National Choreographic, it is so educational and informative. This sounds like a great cause.
They deserve a special day. They are such beautiful animals.
I didn’t know about world lion day. I have always loved the big cats.
Lions have really been making the news lately good for them for having a world lion day.
I didn’t know there was a world Lion Day. But I guess these days, there are days for everything 🙂
This sounds like such a good cause. I love those big cats!
This is a great initiative. These cats definitely need our help! Hopefully I’ll see more virtual high fives.
It’s so sad what happened to that lion at the hands of that dentist. We need to protect wild animals like him.
Wow now this is a campaign for me. This is wonderful. Huge big cat lover and advocate here!
I didn’t know that there was a Lion Day. Thank you for sharing this campaign. I would love to join.
This sounds like a fantastic campaign. I will have to share this and text my donation now.
My friend went on safari and was able to pet a big cat. She said she was scared to death but it was the most incredible experience.
Love that they make this so easy for you to share and support! Let’s not see lions disappear in our lifetime!
I had no idea there was a day like this for the cats! How awesome! We will definitely think about helping out
I also didn’t know there is a world lion day. Very interesting!