October 12 marks International African Penguin Day, World Economist Day, and Columbus Day. What other events can we celebrate on this date?

Today, on the second Saturday of October, animal rights advocates and wildlife enthusiasts around the globe can participate in events marking International African Penguin Day, reports UNN.

The habitat of these birds is located along the southern sandy coast of Africa, where they thrive. They enjoy nesting on various small islands near the mainland.

Scientists estimate that at the beginning of the 20th century, the population of African penguins exceeded two million individuals, but it has since started to decline significantly. This reduction is attributed to uncontrolled hunting, competition for living space with seals, predation of African penguin eggs by other birds, and predation by land animals.

Currently, the population of African penguins fluctuates around 200,000. This species is still on the brink of extinction.

Another ornithological celebration today is World Migratory Bird Day.

It was only in 1822 that scientists conclusively determined that there are bird species that change their habitats at certain times of the year.

The longest migration among animals is observed in the grey petrel, with the entire journey lasting over six months and covering an average of 64,000 kilometers. The buller's albatross continuously flies for 35 hours from Alaska to Hawaii, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h to complete this incredible journey.

Many birds migrate at high altitudes. Mountain geese fly over the Himalayas at heights of around 9,000 meters! Pilots have reported seeing whooper swans at an altitude of 8,230 meters, and even common species like mallards have been spotted above 6,400 meters.

On October 12, many countries, including Ukraine, celebrate the professional, albeit unofficial, holiday of economists.

The term "economy" first appeared in the 4th century BC in ancient Greece, where it referred to the art of household management.

Gradually, the concept of economics took on a broader meaning for both individuals and nations. In the 16th century, the first economic schools began to emerge in Europe.

The Scottish scholar Adam Smith is considered the founder of modern economic theory.

In some countries in North and South America, today is observed as Columbus Day.

It was on October 12, 1492, according to the Gregorian calendar, that the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus arrived at San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, although he believed he had landed in India at the time.

Since 1996, October 12 has also been dedicated to World Arthritis Day, which focuses on joint diseases of an inflammatory nature.

Statistics show that about one in every 100 people on the planet suffers from arthritis. Approximately six years after the disease is diagnosed, 50% of patients become unable to work.

Arthritis is most commonly diagnosed in working-age women and men between the ages of 30 and 50.

Additionally, on the second Saturday of October, people can participate in World Hospice and Palliative Care Day.

The field of palliative care encompasses a wide range of services for patients with terminal illnesses, often in the final stages. Its principles are based on pain relief, improving quality of life, and providing psychological and social support. Specialists aim to help patients maintain as full a life as possible during their last weeks or days. However, hospices do not engage in treating the illness itself.

Palliative care as a medical specialty was established in the 1980s. In Ukraine, the first hospices were opened only in 1996.

According to the church calendar, today is the Day of Remembrance for Martyrs Probus, Tarach, and Andronicus.

The three men preached the Lord's teachings in the Roman Empire. During a time of intensified persecution against Christians, all three were captured by pagans.

Probus was tied to a pole by the banks of the Tiber River and was eaten by wild beasts. Tarach and Andronicus were also executed after enduring severe torture.

Name days on October 12 are celebrated by Taras, Bohdan, Alexander, Ivan, Denis, and Nikolai.