National Velociraptor Awareness Day (April 18)
National Velociraptor Awareness Day, celebrated every year on April 18th, shines a spotlight on one of the most fascinating predators of the prehistoric era.
Velociraptors—the name alone sparks images of speed, intelligence, and prehistoric dominance.
These small but formidable dinosaurs have captivated the world, thanks in part to their portrayal in pop culture, especially in the Jurassic Park franchise.
This day is a chance to explore the real history of these creatures, their scientific significance, and their ongoing legacy in paleontology.
Whether you’re a dinosaur enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to celebrate, this weird April holiday offers plenty of opportunities to learn and engage.
When is the Holiday?
National Velociraptor Awareness Day is observed every year on April 18th.
Who Invented It?
While the origins of this holiday remain uncertain, it has gained traction through dinosaur enthusiasts and groups like the American Society for Velociraptor Attack Prevention.
The History of the Holiday
The roots of the holiday are somewhat mysterious, but it likely started as an informal way for dinosaur enthusiasts and paleontologists to celebrate one of the most famous prehistoric predators.
Over time, educational institutions, museums, and even pop culture communities have embraced the day as an opportunity to promote learning about velociraptors and their role in Earth’s history.
Velociraptors were first discovered in the 1920s by paleontologists exploring the fossil-rich regions of Mongolia.
The first fossils were unearthed by a team led by Roy Chapman Andrews of the American Museum of Natural History, and in 1924, Henry Fairfield Osborn officially named the species Velociraptor mongoliensis.
The name, meaning “swift thief,” accurately describes their lightweight build and hunting prowess.
Over the years, additional discoveries have deepened our understanding of these creatures, including their feathered bodies and bird-like characteristics.
The popularity of velociraptors surged with their cinematic depiction in Jurassic Park, further cementing their place in public fascination.
Top 5 Facts About Velociraptors
- Velociraptors were feathered: Unlike their scaly depiction in movies, real velociraptors had feathers, making them more bird-like than reptilian.
- They were small but fierce: Standing about 1.6 feet tall at the hip and measuring 6.8 feet long, they were much smaller than their Hollywood counterparts.
- They had a deadly sickle claw: A large, retractable claw on each foot helped them hunt and fight.
- They were fast and agile: Their lightweight build and long legs made them quick predators.
- They lived in Mongolia: Fossil evidence places them in what is now the Gobi Desert around 75 million years ago.
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Activities to Celebrate
- Visit a Natural History Museum to see dinosaur fossils up close and learn about the real velociraptor.
- Watch dinosaur documentaries like Walking with Dinosaurs or Prehistoric Planet for a more scientifically accurate look at these creatures.
- Read books about dinosaurs, from educational nonfiction like The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs to fun fiction like How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?.
- Create dinosaur-themed crafts, such as DIY fossil digs, velociraptor masks, or clay dinosaur models.
- Host a dinosaur movie marathon, featuring Jurassic Park, The Land Before Time, and other dino-themed films.
- Organize a fossil hunt at a dig site, a sandbox with hidden “fossils,” or with homemade coffee ground “fossils.”
- Play dinosaur-themed board games, like Dinosaur Island, Dinosaur Escape, or Fossil Canyon.
Links to Resources
- Free Printable Dinosaur Bingo – A fun way to celebrate with kids or classrooms.
- Dinosaur Word Search for Kids – Challenge young learners with a dino-themed puzzle.
- DIY Dinosaur Nightlight – A creative way to incorporate dinosaurs into home decor.
- Toilet Paper Roll Dinosaur Craft – A simple and fun activity for young children.
- Dinosaur Coloring Pages – Print and color your favorite prehistoric creatures.
Related Holidays
Fascination with prehistoric creatures and animals extends beyond dinosaurs, with many unique holidays celebrating different aspects of nature.
- Early in the year, Old Rock Day on January 7th encourages people to learn about fossils, minerals, and geology.
- Later in the month, Squirrel Appreciation Day on January 21st is a lighthearted way to acknowledge these agile and intelligent rodents.
- February 2nd marks National Hedgehog Day, a fun way to celebrate one of nature’s most adorable spiky mammals.
- For those who love pets, National Dog Day provides an opportunity to recognize the loyalty and companionship of man’s best friend.
- International Cat Day highlights the grace and charm of felines around the world.
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