Who doesn't love the crunch and sweetness of an animal cracker? These fun little crackers are usually in the shape circus or zoo animals such as elephants, lions, tigers, bears, and monkeys.

Animal-shaped crackers were first brought to the United States during the late 1800’s. The demand for these treats skyrocketed so bakers began to produce them domestically.

Stauffer's Biscuit Company was the first company to produce animal crackers in 1871 in York, Pennsylvania. Other local bakeries soon came together under the National Biscuit Company, or "Nabisco Brands." It was not until 1902 though that the animal cracker's box débuted its "Barnum's Animals" circus theme.

Did you know that since their start in 1903, there have been 37 different animals included in Barnum's Animal Crackers? Today more than 40 million packages of animal crackers are sold each year around the world. To celebrate National Animal Crackers Day, enjoy a box (or two) of some delicious Barnum's Animal Crackers!