“We cannot protect something we do not love, we cannot love what we do not know, and we cannot know what we do not see. Or hear. Or sense.”
— Richard Louv
Non-profit organizations dedicated to conservation and animal welfare play a critical role in safeguarding our planet's biodiversity. From protecting endangered species and their habitats to advocating for better animal welfare practices, these groups work tirelessly to ensure a healthier future for all living things. Here's a closer look at some of the most respected organizations making a difference around the world.
Conservation International (CI):
Founded in 1987, Conservation International focuses on the intersection of human well-being and environmental health. They work to address climate change, protect biodiversity hotspots, and empower local communities. CI operates globally and consistently receives high ratings from Charity Navigator presently at 97%.
"The food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe — it all comes from nature"
Mission Statement: Building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, Conservation International empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, for the well-being of humanity.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF):
A conservation powerhouse founded in 1961, World Wildlife Fund works in over 100 countries. Their mission is to stop the degradation of the environment and build a future where humans and nature thrive. They are well-respected and typically receives high ratings from Charity Navigator, currently at 97%
"We collaborate with local communities to conserve the natural resources we all depend on and build a future in which people and nature thrive."
Mission Statement: Our mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.
National Wildlife Federation:
The oldest and largest conservation organization in the US (founded in 1936), National Wildlife Federation focuses on uniting Americans around the cause of wildlife conservation through education, advocacy, and community science programs. Charity Navigator gives them a very high rating of 98%
"More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive."
Mission Statement: The mission of the National Wildlife Federation® is to educate, inspire, and assist individuals and organizations of diverse cultures to conserve wildlife and other natural resources and to protect the Earth's environment in order to achieve a peaceful, equitable, and sustainable future.
Orangutans are found only in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra
Indian Pangolin or Anteater in the plains and hills of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka
Eurasian hoopoe breeding in nest inside tree and feeding young chick. Widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
Three rams in the Utah winter.
The Nature Conservancy:
Established in 1951, The Nature Conservancy prioritizes protecting lands and waters worldwide. They employ a collaborative approach for lasting conservation victories. Active in over 70 countries, they consistently have high ratings from Charity Navigator currently at 96%
"To make the highest possible impact on the climate and biodiversity crises between now and 2030, we’re developing breakthrough ideas, amplifying local leaders, and influencing policy"
Mission Statement: The mission of the National Wildlife Federation® is to educate, inspire, and assist individuals and organizations of diverse cultures to conserve wildlife and other natural resources and to protect the Earth's environment in order to achieve a peaceful, equitable, and sustainable future
Wildlife Conservation Society:
Founded in 1895, the Wildlife Conservation Society runs world-renowned zoos and focuses on saving species and wild places. They carry out conservation projects and manage protected areas internationally. Charity Navigator gives WCS it highest rating of 100%
"WCS's staff of field and zoo experts work together in the service of a single mission: to save wildlife and wild places. As our vets, curators, and keepers care for the animals in our four zoos and aquarium in New York, they share their insights with scientists working in the field to save wildlife."
Mission Statement: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature.
World Animal Protection:
Established in 1950, the World Animal Protection is an international organization advocating for animal welfare. They tackle factory farming, wildlife exploitation for entertainment, and animal suffering in disasters. Charity Navigator rates them highly at 95%.
"We know change is possible. We are working to transform the systems that exploit, harm, and commercialize wild animals and fight to keep them in the wild where they belong."
Mission Statement: We're working to change the way the world works, to end animal cruelty and suffering. Forever. Our work is focused on two primary goals, transforming the global food system and stopping the exploitation of wild animals.
Jane Goodall Institute:
Founded in 1977 by Dr. Jane Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute focuses on chimpanzee protection, research, community-centered conservation, and education. The Jane Goodall Institute operates primarily in Africa, with global educational programs. Charity Navigator gives them the highest rating of 100%.
"By protecting chimpanzees and inspiring people to conserve the natural world we all share, we improve the lives of people, animals, and the environment. Everything is connected—everyone can make a difference."
Mission Statement: Our mission is to support wildlife research, education and conservation. We promote informed and compassionate action to improve the environment shared by all Earth's living creatures.
Defenders of Wildlife:
Defenders of Wildlife (founded in 1947) is dedicated to the protection of native North American animals and plants. They work on biodiversity preservation, endangered species protection, and habitat restoration. Charity Navigator gives Defenders of Wildlife a high rating of 99%.
"Defenders of Wildlife works on the ground, in the courts, and on Capitol Hill to protect and restore imperiled wildlife and habitats across North America. Together, we can ensure a future for the wildlife and wild places we all love."
Mission Statement: Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.
Animal Welfare Institute:
Founded in 1951, AWI advocates for better animal welfare standards in research, agriculture, and the pet trade. They aim to reduce animal suffering through legislation, education, and public awareness. Charity Navigator places them at 100%
Mission Statement: Through engagement with policymakers, scientists, industry, and the public, AWI seeks to:
• Improve the housing and handling of animals in research, and encouraging the development and implementation of alternatives to experimentation on live animals
• Abolish factory farms, supporting high-welfare family farms, and eliminating inhumane methods used to slaughter animals raised for food
• Prevent injury and death of animals caused by harsh transport conditions
• End the use of steel-jaw leghold traps and reforming other brutal methods of capturing and killing wildlife
• Preserve species threatened with extinction, and protecting wildlife from harmful exploitation and destruction of critical habitat
• Protect companion animals from cruelty and violence, including suffering associated with inhumane conditions in the pet industry
Give some consideration to donating time and energy, perhaps a bit of money to one or more of these organizations. We are all in this together.