Today is World Wildlife Day. Since its inception as discussed here, each year has its own theme. This year’s theme focuses on the youth with the message being, ‘Listen to the Young Voices’. Isn’t this awesome!

Almost one quarter of the world’s population comprises of children between the ages of 10-24. This is a whole lot of people who definitely have a say for the natural resources that we have. They are obliged to still find and enjoy the wildlife and most likely share this natural resources with their own children.

I have a collection of statements from a diverse range of Youthful Voices stating why we should listen to the young voices, why they love wildlife and why wildlife should be protected as we commemorate World Wildlife Day.

I am Waceke Kamau ,a travel blogger and I love our wildlife . The wildlife in Kenya is very important to us and to the future generations so we should teach our kids of the importance of wildlife and why its important to take care of it from a young age. Our wildlife gives more life and beauty to our country. We should create time to discover KWS (Kenya wildlife services) parks near us together with our kids so they can feel connected with the Wildlife . In my blog ,I feature my 3 year old daughter who I have taught so much about wildlife and am glad that at such a young age, she at least has a clue how important it is for our wildlife to be well taken care of in the parks . Happy Wildlife Day !

When I’m taking that long bus trip headed to the western part of Kenya, what excites me the most is the site of giraffes, zebras, monkeys and other wild animals on the side of the road as you approach Nakuru. The site of monkeys jumping on the road with no shame doing what they know best. I am scared that future generations might not get to experience this and that’s very sad. – Annette Achieng

It’s World Wildlife Day. Let’s celebrate wildlife biodiversity and richness. Let’s send a message that wildlife is as important as oxygen because what would we do without trees. Many have been extinct let’s save the remaining. Man is the biggest threat and enemy to wildlife… But man also can save these organisms…. The bio….. Tusherehekee… A toast to the African paradise flycatcher. My favorite bird so far. – Musa Ismael

Young voices are the future leader. There voices need to be safeguarded by listening to what they have to say in order to make their future brighter and better for their generation and future generations. – Cathy Mutheu

Youths are the future. Just because they have not lived for many years, doesn’t mean that what they say is senseless. Young people have so much energy which when used positively, brings great impact that amazes all people. Youths who have vowed to protect their wildlife because it is their heritage and they can’t stand the thought of wildlife species becoming extinct, should be supported by each individual. To all the youths, we should raise our voices for what is right. To all the rest of us we should listen to the voices of the youth. – Francisca Kasuku

Young voices are filled with pure, uncut enthusiasm. They are filled with hope! If channeled wisely, these voices can be a tool to conserve and save our endangered wildlife species. – Waithira Kageche

The fate of the World’s wildlife  be soon at the hands of the next generation therefore the survival of wildlife MUST be imparted from the current generation for the better of the next generation. Youth for the plight of our wildlife species. Listen to the young voices. It’s important for the next generations to see the wonderful things we are seeing today. From a youth wild for wildlife. – Risper Asembo

When God created us, He made us custodians of this earth. As young people, we should take up the mantle that was given to us to take care of our biodiversity and our environment. – Carol Mwikali

Young people are the energy of the society and their impact now will be more heavily felt in like 50 years to come than aged people. Conservation is more on balancing the needs of humans and wildlife now for the effort to also benefit posterity (future generations). – Daniel Malonza

The reason why young voices should be given an ear is because these are the people are more concerned about the future. Environmental degradation and climate change plus their effects on humans and wildlife worries them a lot, keeping in mind that they are the stewards of this generation. Besides, young people have more contemporary ideas and solutions to environmental problems and if given a chance to speak up, they’d sure bring about significant transformation in matters conserving and protecting wildlife and the ecosystems that support them – Miheso Israel

A big Thank You to the youthful voices who shared their amazing sentiments on why the world should Listen to Young Voices. We all have a responsibility to care for our planet, to protect all biodiversity and ensure we live sustainable lives and always remember we are borrowing this earth from the next generation, the future. Wild life cannot speak, but we can. Raise your voice for Wild life. The future of wildlife is in our hands.

For more information on how you can get involved to help in wildlife conservation in your area and make a difference go to wildlifeday.org  Happy World Wildlife Day!

In a small way we can shake the world.