April 18 Animal Crackers Day

Animal Crackers Day is observed on April 18. Animal Crackers refer to a type of small cookie baked in the shape of circus or zoo animals, such as a lion, tiger, bear or elephant. The most common variety are light-colored and slightly sweet. However, chocolate and frosted varieties are also available. Even though animal crackers are made with layered dough much like crackers, they are sweet like cookies.

Animal-shaped crackers were first brought to the United States during the late 1800’s. In 1902 animal crackers officially became known as “Barnum’s Animals” and evoked the familiar circus theme of the Barnum and Bailey Circus. in 1903, there have been 37 different animals included in Barnum's Animal Crackers.