Save endangered animals from extinction with gifts from WWF

Launched back in 1961, the World Wildlife Fund is now the world's leading independent environmental organisation. Back in the 1960's, no-one really talked about climate change except scientists and it was not recognized as being crucial to maintaining biodiversity and habitats.

Working in more than 90 countries, WWF describes itself as:

'a challenging and constructive science-based organisation that addresses issues from the survival of species and habitats to climate change, sustainable business and environmental education'

They describe their mission this way:

'As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world's natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.

WWF uses its practical experience, knowledge and credibility to create long-term solutions for the planet's environment.'

The WWF was less than happy with the outcome of the 2009 Copenhagen talks, describing them as 'half-baked and unclear' which in my opinion is a reasonable summation. The Copenhagen summit could have been so effective, but in reality was a venue where the world's leading polluters stalled progress and real achievement by arguing about procedures rather than issues.

Just before the Copenhagen talks began, on December 5th there was a massive demo in London called 'The Wave' . To demonstrate how important climate change is to animal survival, WWF sponsored a life size polar bear ice sculpture, which melted away to leave just a bronze skeleton. see it here

The WWF panda logo is instantly recognizable as a symbol for all animal species threatened by climate change, habitat destruction and illegal hunting. The adoption program concentrates on a number of key species that are threatened by one or more of these dangers.

If you are trying to think of an unusual gift for an animal lover- please consider adopting via WWF or visit the other location websites below, some of whom offer ways to adopt their animals. Don't risk losing these beautiful creatures or their habitats.

Visit the WWF home page

I have received all these goodies for my tiger adoption:

• A cuddly tiger toy
  
• A certificate naming my specific tiger - Malu Pothi - and info about where she lives - Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve in south-west Nepal
  
• Regular updates about Malu Pothi and news about WWF's work to save tigers from extinction and the threats they face
  
• An adoption leaflet pack containing info about WWF's other work including a sustainable living handbook
  

You can subscribe to donate at different levels for each animal and your money will be used in a variety of ways appropriate for your particular animal and its habitat and level of risk.

In the case of the tiger, the donation will contribute to the following:

- Restoring fragmented areas of habitat so tigers can move between them
- Strengthening anti-poaching patrols around nature reserves
- Establishing programmes to increase prey numbers
- Reducing poaching and illegal trade of live tigers and tiger parts
- Ensuring conservation laws are enforced

In the past 100 years, an incredible 95% of wild tigers have been wiped out, and the worldwide population, covering several sub-species is now less than 4000. While I do understand that some people rely for their living on selling exotic animal parts, they must be re-educated to realise that if they continue, their livelihood will simply disappear in a very few years. I am sure they can be helped to find other work where they will not be putting this magnificent animal at risk of only existing in captivity.

The tiger cub in the picture was born at at Howletts Animal Park in Kent, UK where the animals are in open enclosures rather than cages.

Besides animal adoptions the WWF site has a shop with lots of great gifts which help its fund raising activity.

The current WWF list includes the following animals:

- Bengal Tiger
- Giant Panda
- Black Rhino
- Asian Elephant
- Bottlenose Dolphin
- Amur Leopard
- Polar Bear
- Hawksbill Turtle
- Orang Utan
- Adelie Penguin

The links on each animal name go back to the WWF site, and explain why this particular creature needs your support

I have visited all but one of these wildlife parks and conservation organisations and can recommend them all for a great family day out. Whichever one you choose you will come away with knowledge and enthusiasm to help prevent the loss of animal species to extinction - mostly due to the influence and destruction caused by human beings. Please join me in helping to understand the problems and be a part of the solution.

1. Whipsnade Zoo and Wildlife Park - Near Dunstable, Bedfordshire UK, you can drive and walk and get up close and personal with the animals.

2. Jersey Zoo -Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust - This is Gerald Durrell's greatest legacy - the zoo he started to help breed endangered animals and return them to their natural environment

3. Marwell Wildlife - Just a few miles away from where I live in Havant, Marwell is near Winchester in Hampshire and is a great place to see many endangered species in an open air environment wherever possible. You can adopt an animal here too

4. The Isle of Wight Zoo - has been recognized as a leader in breeding exotic and endangered big cats in captivity - this is just a short day trip for me, but the only one so far of this selection that I haven't visited - hoping to remedy in 2011.

3. The Cat House - Feline Conservation Centre - Rosamond, California - I visited this feline conservation centre when I was on holiday in the USA in 2005 and was able to see many endangered felines including a bobcat that has become tame enough to meet the public!