Protecting the environment should be our first priority. Not only does the well being of the planet and its animals rely on it, we do to. Whether people realize it or not, everything is connected, and if species and natural habitats die out, are poached, or cut down, everyone and everything suffers. Hundreds of species of animals are now endangered and some are even extinct. Extinct! Can you believe it? Mankind has managed to wipe out several species of animals. It is sad to think of our irresponsibility and continued irresponsibility toward wildlife and our planet. It’s time for us to take responsibility in helping those creatures that cannot help themselves, and in saving the plant life that so desperately needs saving.
While many people are aware of the need for wildlife conservation, and many have the desire to help, few actually know what they can do beyond setting out the recycling and buying organic products. These are excellent starts, but a little more is needed to turn the tides on the severity of the problem at hand, and there are a number of ways you can help to do this.
There are organizations all over the world that specialize in wildlife conservation and make it their goal to promote awareness and education on the issues, as well as step in and help where help is needed. You can do these things too, even if you have little time to spare.
1. Adopt a wild animal via a wildlife preservation organization. Organizations like WWF or zoos give you the opportunity to “adopt” wild animals and help in their preservation. For $25 you can adopt an animal from WWF. You’ll receive an adoption certification and information on the animal. This is really a symbolic adoption, but it is fun and cute and the proceeds go to help in the conservation of that species. There are a great number of species on the adoption list, so this is a good way to help if you can. It’s also a fun way to introduce the importance of wildlife conservation to your kids and raise awareness in them of the need for help by animals around the world.
2. Donate to wildlife conservation organizations. Even if its one dollar it helps. Donate to organizations on the state, national, or international level. Even some zoos collect donations for wildlife conservation programs and saving local wildlife programs.
3. Become a member of a wildlife organization. This allows you to actively sponsor animals and provide help to the organization of your choice. You’ll receive newsletters and information on animals and events around the world. Membership fees go to support the organization and its cause.
4. Volunteer. Many different organizations and zoos have volunteer programs available. These programs range from cleaning beaches, forests, and deserts, to working with animals, rescuing animals in need, and helping in events and educational programs. Volunteering is a good way to become active in wildlife conservation and gives you a chance to see what wildlife organizations and zoos do to help. Join in events as well. There are a number of events listed on various wildlife conservation websites (see site list for some options). In attending you are supporting the organization, the cause, awareness of the cause, and probably gaining some education as well.
5. Similar to volunteering, you can organize your own events or drives to raise awareness and support for wildlife conservation. These sorts of things can be organized on Earth day, or at local schools, parks, or recreational centers.
6. Encourage business to recycle and use recyclable products. Don’t do business with, or support, companies that aren’t supporting the environment. There are companies out there that actively destroy habitats by pollution, logging, and the like. Don’t support these companies. Only support those that are environmentally conscious.
7. Take part in local and national campaigns. Organizations often have campaigns running to promote and solve issues dealing with wildlife. This generally means just signing petitions or sending e-mails and letter to your congressmen, governor, or president. It isn’t hard, and organizations provide you with all the information you need, as well as a form letter to sign. It takes only a minute and is a good way to be heard.
8. Take part in habitat restoration projects. Take the time to plant a tree or five or six. Clean up polluted habitats and help to keep them clean.
9. Be a conscious consumer. Don’t buy products that are made of or contain parts of endangered animals. Be aware that many traditional Asian medicines contain tiger parts and other endangered animals, so don’t buy them. Don’t buy other souvenirs made from animals parts either, that includes pelts. Also, don’t buy furniture made from illegally logged sources like teak and mahogany. (Wildlife Warriors Worldwide).
10. Stay informed! This is so important. Stay informed about what is going on, what animals are in need of help, which companies are helping and which ones aren’t. What can you do to help? Be aware of global warming, its effects, and what you can do. Be aware of what your local government is doing to promote awareness of wildlife conservation needs and what they can do. Staying informed will help you better promote and assist your cause.
Wildlife conservation isn’t hard. There are a number of ways to help from getting out there and getting hands on to simply donating money in support of an organization’s work. Both are equally as noble and equally as necessary in the effort to save our planet and its wildlife. Don’t just sit there and watch anymore, do something to change the world. Even the smallest step helps more than nothing at all.
Wildlife Conservation Organizations:
These organizations contain a lot of information on the animals and areas in need, as well as ways you can help, how to donate money, how to get involved, and much more.
WWF: http://www.worldwildlife.org/action/
Wildlife Conservation Network: http://www.wildnet.org/
Wildlife Conservation Society Magazine: http://www.wildlifeconservation.org/
Wildlife Conservation Society: http://wcs.org/
National Wildlife Federation: http://www.nwf.org/wildlife/
Wildlife Warriors Worldwide: http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au/
