Note: This post was originally published on gviusa.com
Throughout my school years, I remember being taught about endangered animals and the organizations that help protect these species. Sadly, the rate at which animals are becoming endangered is increasing at an alarming rate. In celebration of Endangered Species Day 2016, we have researched and listed 10 Of The Best Organizations you can follow that help endangered animals.
1. The International Rhino Fund (IRF)
Who are they:
The International Rhino Fund have been funding and operating rhino conservation programs for the last 25 years to ensure the survival of rhinos. Their major operations are in Africa and Asia, where most of the rhino species live. They have their horns in to stop poachers!
Which endangered animals do they protect:
They protect all five rhino species that fall victim to poaching:
? Sumatran rhinos? Javan rhinos? Greater One-Horned rhino? Black rhino? White Rhino
How can I support this organization:
The ISF has an online shop where you can buy anything from jewelry, to funky rhino printed hoodies, and cute rhino printed baby onesies. All the money raised goes towards rhino conservation, for additional support join their social media#TeamRhino Campaign.
Follow on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
2. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Who are they:
The WWF is probably the most well-known conservation organization and doesn?t need much of an introduction. They have been fighting for wildlife conservation for various decades and their efforts have not been in vain ? they have made a huge difference to our natural world both on land and in the ocean.
Which endangered animals do they protect:
The WWF supports any animals that need protecting and their efforts stretch wide and far ? from the freezing Antarctic to the sunny skies of Mexico or the vast bush lands of Africa. Some of the animals they help protect are:
? Tigers? Orangutans? Marine Turtles? Rhinos? Chimpanzees? Elephants? Leopards? Dolphins? Gorillas? Whales
What is their vision:
?WWF fights to secure a future for animals on the planet we all share. We envision, create, test and deliver solutions for a crowded planet.?
Follow on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
3. Project AWARE Foundation
Who are they:
The Project AWARE Foundation is focused on scuba dive-based marine conservation in our world?s oceans. They have been supporting and operating ocean conservation projects for over two decades.
Which endangered animals do they protect:
Their two major projects are focused on:
? Sharks in Peril: providing support to sharks who are in serious danger.
? Diving against Debris: although this project is not directly focused on a specific animal, its results benefit all marine animals ? who doesn?t want a pollution-free ocean?!
How can I join the movement:
Whether you?re a diver already, or just passionate about marine conservation, you can join the Project AWARE movement. They have an online environmental community working together for ocean protection.
Follow on: Facebook | Twitter
4. The Jane Goodall Institute
Photo: Will Keightley/Flickr
Who are they:
The Jane Goodall Institute is a global, non-profit organization focused around community-centered conservation efforts. The organization was founded by Dr Jane Goodall, a primatologist, ethologist and anthropologist, who was passionate about people, animals and our natural world.
Which endangered animals do they protect:
To date, The Jane Goodall Institute has supported:
? Over 1490k acres of habitat.? Over 5000 chimpanzees and gorillas.? About 130 communities.
What is their mission:
?The Jane Goodall Institute promotes understanding and protection of great apes and their habitat and builds on the legacy of Dr Jane Goodall, our founder, to inspire individual action by young people of all ages to help animals, other people and to protect the world we all share.?
Follow on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
5. Panthera
Who are they:
Panthera is a wildlife conservation organization exclusively devoted to protecting our world?s 38 wildcat species. By protecting these big guys, we support the health and survival of plants, other animals, and even humans.
Which endangered animals do they protect:
Their main projects help to protect the most endangered wild cat species:
? Tigers? Lions? Jaguars? Snow Leopards? Pumas? Cheetahs
How can I make a difference to this organization:
By donating to Panthera and supporting conservation projects you help them decrease the killing of wild cats around the world. Give to today, to ensure the wildcats? tomorrow!
Follow on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
6. The International Crane Foundation (ICF)
Photo: Michael Whyte/Flickr
Who are they:
This organization is built around supporting endangered cranes around the world. Their headquarters are based in Baraboo, Wisconsin, in the USA, but their efforts extend across the globe. They have a regional base in China and partnerships in Cambodia, India, South Africa, Texas, Vietnam, and Zambia.
Which endangered animals do they protect:
As the organization?s name states, their projects help to protect and restore wild crane populations.
What is their mission:
?The International Crane Foundation works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend.?
Follow on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
7. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Who are they:
WCS was founded in 1895 and is committed to protecting the world?s wildlife, focusing on 15 priority regions. Their activities are aimed at combining science, conservation and education.
Which endangered animals do they protect:
They protect animals threatened by issues like climate change and misuse of resources. These species include:
? Big cats? Elephants? Apes? Bears? Carnivores
How can I support this organization:
As WCS states, wildlife is worth fighting for and there are a range of ways in which you can get involved to help them serve their cause.
Follow on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
8. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Who are they:
The IUCN was the world?s first global environmental organization and work towards finding solutions to pressing environmental challenges. Over 185 countries form part of the union and they have thousands of field projects around the globe.
Which endangered animals do they protect:
Apart from programs based on Business, Economics, Gender, Global policy, Social policies, Water and World Heritage, the IUCN also supports various environment focused initiatives and run the Save Our Species project. This project aims to protect and support threatened species and their habitats. The following are only some of the animals that have benefited from these conservation efforts:
? African elephants? African lions? Manatees? Crocodiles? Penguins? Atlantic Humpback dolphins? Bengal tigers? Green Sea turtle? Leopards? Scalloped Hammerhead sharks
How can I learn more about the IUCN?
Have a look at this insightful and inspiring IUCN video to give you a better idea of how you can make a difference!
Follow on: Facebook | Twitter
9. Gorilla Doctors
Photo: Angela n/Flickr
Who are they:
The Gorilla Doctors are an organization based on mountain gorilla veterinary projects. The organization is dedicated to protecting and saving wild mountain gorillas through proper veterinary care.
Which endangered animals do they protect:
The international team of veterinarians provide critically endangered gorillas with much needed medical care.
How can I support this organisation:
The eco-tour operator, Terra Incognita Ecotours, is a proud sponsor of Gorilla Doctors. By booking onto one of their eco-tours you will help to save the gorillas.
Follow on: Facebook | Twitter
10. Defenders of Wildlife
Photo: Flickrfavorites/Flickr
Who are they:
Defenders of Wildlife work to protect and restore endangered species in North America and around the world.
Which endangered animals do they protect:
Defenders plan their support efforts according to The Endangered Species Act (ESA) and support any imperiled wildlife and plants through conservation projects. They have successfully helped to protect:
? Polar Bears in the Arctic? Fishers in Washington? Bison in the Colorado Prairie
What is their vision:
?Diverse wildlife populations in North America are secure and thriving, sustained by a network of healthy lands and waters.?
Follow on: Facebook | Twitter
These organizations are doing a great job in protecting, conserving and restoring our planet. In celebration of Endangered Species Day 2016, help us contribute to these organizations to give them the support they deserve.
GVI is an international award-winning volunteer organisation. Learn about our wildlife and marine conservation projects and internships in 11 countries around the world.
Written by: Marike Lauwrens
