Celebrate Squirrels with The Nut Job
Learn about these clever backyard thieves for Squirrel Appreciation Day
- NWF Staff
- Animals
- Jan 15, 2014
THE FEDERATION IS TEAMING UP with Open Road Films and ToonBox Entertainment for the release of The Nut Job in theaters nationwide January 17. As the education partner for the new animated film, NWF is providing resources to help kids, parents and teachers celebrate some of our most clever, acrobatic backyard inhabitants on January 21, National Squirrel Appreciation Day.In animated 3D, The Nut Job is an action-packed comedy that follows Surly (left, voiced by Will Arnett), a mischievous squirrel, who must plan a heist to get into his town’s biggest nut shop so that his park pals can gather enough food to survive winter. With his sidekick, Buddy, he assembles a ragtag crew to help him get inside and takes them on a fun-filled adventure.
“National Wildlife Federation is the perfect education partner for this film,” says Arnett. “I am glad to be part of a project that shows how wonderful these sometimes-unappreciated animals can be.”
Katherine Heigl, who voices Andie in the film, says: “Having just made a film in which I play a squirrel, I’m very partial to them, and am delighted to hear that the National Wildlife Federation is celebrating National Squirrel Appreciation Day, encouraging us to celebrate backyard wildlife every day.”
“We hope the lesson of working together that Surly learns in the story will encourage students, teachers and adults to take action in their own community and help us plant trees to provide homes and food for squirrels and other wildlife through NWF’s Trees for Wildlife program.” says Carey Stanton, NWF senior director for education.
Go to www.nwf.org/thenutjob to download family fun activities about squirrels and the trees in which they live.
Tell us how you are celebrating Squirrel Appreciation Day to win a free screening of The Nut Job for you and your friends. Enter our Go Nuts Sweepstakes now!
Related Resources
Thwarting Backyard Squirrels
Five Ways to Go Nuts and Celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day
Try Our Squirrel Versus Bird Feeder App
Find More Activities to Get Kids Outside
