Wildlife Organizations
I support any organization that supports the natural world. But I have some favorites. Below, I’ll tell you who they are, why I like them and give you lynx... er, links to their websites so you can visit them. All these not-for-profits present insightful information about animals and offer keen ways YOU can make a difference.
NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) www.nrdc.org
I truly believe changes in how we care for the earth will come through policy... voting for laws that support and protect wildlife and habitats. This organization is perhaps the most powerful for conservation policy worldwide. They provide a clear look at environmental issues so you can really understand what’s happening. And then they fight for your right to influence the outcome. All you have to do is go to their website and click “Take Action” to support both land and marine species.
Defenders of Wildlife www.defenders.org
This group consistently rates as a top charity because they carry the voices of you and me—the people—to American law-makers and are extremely influential in affecting our legislation. Just go on their website and click “Take Action”. They also offer adoptions with plush animals (I love giving these as gifts), plus they have another cool site that will morph a photo of your face into an animal face. (www.youwild.org).
Jane Goodall Institute www.janegoodall.org
Of course, Jane Goodall is best known for her groundbreaking discoveries about chimps, but her global organization (nearly 40 offices worldwide) is really... well, global! Their focus is three-fold: animals, environment and people—none can thrive if the others suffer. And I think Roots & Shoots, her youth-driven service learning program with 8000 groups in almost 100 countries is awesome for kids who care (www.rootsandshoots.org).
Blue Ocean Institute www.blueocean.org
Using science, art and literature, this organization (founded by famed ecologist and author Carl Safina) translates “scientific information into language people can understand and use to make better choices on behalf of the ocean”.
Liberty Wildlife www.libertywildlife.org Hotline: 480-998-5550
This is one of the busiest rescue, rehabilitation and education groups in the Southwest. I have volunteered with them for many years and their work is outstanding! They respond to wildlife issues across Arizona, and offer a variety of outreach and volunteer opportunities. Their expertise is birds, including majestic eagles, owls and hawks.
Southwest Wildlife www.southwestwildlife.org
This is a very important rescue and rehabilitation organization in Arizona! I volunteered for them for several years and they are extremely dedicated. They specialize in native mammals—mountain lions, bears, coyotes, fox, javelina, etc—so they have big mouths to feed and your support goes directly to the animals’ care. They also have events and programs at their nature center.
Humane Society of the United States www.hsus.org
Let’s face it, animals in need are not always wild. In fact, some of the most desperate ones, those facing negligence and cruelty are often right in someone’s backyard. This prominent group fights for animal rights nationwide and steps in when animals are in distress. And their NDART team (National Disaster Animal Response Team) is there in a crisis.
The Nature Conservancy www.nature.org
By purchasing property and/or working with community partners (government, businesses, and individuals) this organization protects large chunks of land and water needed to preserve critical habitats. Their work safe-guards a wide variety of plants and animals.
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee www.elephants.com
Elephants in captivity often develop foot abscesses and dangerous behavioral problems, yet many of these wonderfully intelligent giants continue to work as beasts of burden or live on display in under-sized exhibits in our country. This fast-growing sanctuary takes in needy elephants and offers them land to roam, relieving both physical and mental stress.
CRES (Conservation and Research for Endangered Species) http://cres.sandiegozoo.org
This division of the Zoological Society of San Diego is involved in field research and/or reintroduction of endangered species in many countries, including the California condors I worked with in Baja. Their findings are important to our understanding of the world and their data supports the efforts of other environmental organizations like NRDC and Defenders of Wildlife.
World Wildlife Fund www.wwf.org
With their iconic panda logo, this organization has been working for wildlife for many years. They are broad-reaching and active in nearly every aspect of conservation from science to economic support. And they continue to bring tremendous awareness to the plight of wildlife in essential habitats, including rainforests, grasslands, rivers, deserts and sea.
The Audubon Society www.audubon.org
The National Audubon Society oversees a network of local chapters and nature centers along with scientific and educational programs that promote and restore natural ecosystems. Their main focus is birds but lots of animals benefit. Saving habitats saves biodiversity!