July 29 — International Tiger Day: history and traditions of the Striped Holiday

Every year, on July 29, many countries celebrate International Tiger Day, a holiday designed to draw public attention to the problem of the disappearance of these predators and ways to protect them. In 2025, it falls on a Tuesday. Read about how this celebration appeared and how it is celebrated in Russia and other countries in the Izvestia article.

International Tiger Day – 2025: the history of the holiday

This holiday was established in 2010 at the first Tiger Summit, which was held in St. Petersburg and was dedicated to the conservation of tigers. At that time, their numbers in the wild reached a historic low of about 3.2 thousand individuals. This has prompted the global community to take active measures to protect and increase the population of striped predators.

Three years later, on July 29, 2013, as part of the fulfillment of the commitments made by Russia following this summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the creation of the Amur Tiger Center, an organization for the study, conservation and restoration of the Amur tiger population.

The significance of International Tiger Day

International Tiger Day is not just an occasion for celebration, but also a powerful factor in educating the population about the need to preserve unique biodiversity. The ideas and initiatives launched on this day are important for increasing the sustainability of tiger populations, as well as for preserving their natural habitat.

During the existence of this holiday, there has been a positive trend in the world — the number of tigers has increased by about 40%. According to recent estimates, there are now between 3.7 and 5.5 thousand tigers in the wild, and the average population is about 4.5 thousand individuals.

In Russia, thanks to the well-coordinated work of specialists, the population of the rare striped predator has increased by a third since 2013 and now stands at about 750 individuals, including tiger cubs.

Traditions of celebrating International Tiger Day in Russia

In Russia, home to one of the largest populations of the Amur tiger, International Tiger Day is celebrated throughout the country, with various events aimed at drawing attention to the conservation of these animals. The "striped day" of the calendar is celebrated by nature reserves and national parks in the tiger's range, zoos and safari parks throughout the country, where big cats are kept.

Thematic educational programs are organized in schools and universities: lectures and seminars are held on the ecology and biology of tigers, as well as methods of their conservation.

Regional authorities, together with environmental organizations, are carrying out mass tree planting and cleaning of territories adjacent to tiger habitats.

Museums and cultural centers are preparing thematic exhibitions and documentary film screenings for the International Tiger Day. Drawing contests, theatrical performances and workshops aimed at raising awareness of the importance of tiger conservation are organized for children.

International Tiger Day - 2025: how it is celebrated in different countries

India, home to more than 70% of the world's tiger population, is actively involved in celebrating the international day of this striped predator. Government and public organizations of the country organize mass actions and events, tours and seminars are held in national parks and reserves aimed at raising awareness of tiger conservation issues.

Carnivals and sports competitions, exhibitions and auctions of works of art, as well as charity concerts aimed at raising funds to protect this rare predator are organized in Malaysia in honor of the tiger.

In Indonesia, charity races and environmental events are held on this day. Residents sign petitions and participate in campaigns to reduce the use of paper products to preserve forests inhabited by tigers.

In Cambodia, concerts by famous performers and interactive exhibitions are held in major shopping malls, thus drawing attention to the problem of poaching.

Earlier, Izvestia told how World Whale and Dolphin Day is celebrated in Russia and the world.