Wildlife protection

Wildlife conservation—the protection, preservation and management of wildlife and biodiversity—faces numerous complex challenges which all stem from the dominance of systems that prioritize human benefits over wild animals and ecosystem health. Insufficient funding, local community opposition, economic drivers, development pressure and corruption can all act as significant barriers to the successful implementation of conservation efforts. Even our traditional conservation systems, many of which prioritize the preservation of wildlife for consumptive uses, like recreational hunting and trapping, may undermine the long-term survival of species rather than ensure a thriving global ecosystem. Wildlife conservation efforts are increasingly undermined by the commodification of wild animals, from keeping wild animals as pets, trafficking them, keeping and killing them on fur factory farms, and using them in captive entertainment settings such as roadside zoo and circuses. We’re dedicated to addressing these challenges by pushing for stronger protections, holding exploitative industries accountable and driving systemic change.

If you suspect animal cruelty, don’t wait—learn the signs and how to report abuse to protect animals from harm. In the U.S., you can also contact our Wildlife Protection department with questions about federal and state poaching laws, as well as federal and state animal cruelty laws that cover wildlife.

Wildlife faces many connected threats that make survival harder: The destruction of natural habitats through deforestation and development is a major cause of decline. Poaching and the wildlife trade also harm animal populations, though their full impact is hard to measure. Climate change disrupts ecosystems, impacting species survival, while pollution, from pesticides to plastics, contaminates habitats and harms animals. Human-wildlife conflict increases as human populations expand and compete with wildlife for resources. Top carnivores like wolves, bears and big cats who are critical to thriving ecosystems are decimated by trophy hunting, wildlife killing contests, bounties and predator control. Human activities can threaten the ability of wild animals to live naturally in their own habitats and express their natural behaviors. Alongside these pressures in the wild, wild animals in captivity face serious threats. Many are treated as commodities, used for entertainment acts including animal encounters, kept and traded as pets, farmed for the fur trade or illegally trafficked. All these threats are linked and require urgent action including comprehensive conservation and advocacy efforts.

We protect wildlife through various impactful initiatives. We advocate for policies that protect wildlife from cruel practices like trophy hunting, wildlife killing contests and trapping for the fur trade, and that protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats. We also work to reduce threats from human activities so wild animals are free to express their natural behaviors in their native habitats. Additionally, we work to mitigate human-wildlife conflict by promoting coexistence strategies and supporting community education programs. We actively combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade through partnerships with law enforcement and community-based anti-poaching programs. We support the recovery of wild animals from human-caused harms through working in trusted partnerships with sanctuaries (which do not breed or promote interaction with wild animals) and rescue and rehabilitation centers, always aiming to return wild animals to their natural habitats whenever possible. We also work to end the abuse and suffering of captive wildlife by exposing cruelty in animal acts and exhibitions, supporting policies that restrict retail fur sales, the private ownership of dangerous and vulnerable species and advocating for legislation. We engage in international meetings where we push for the inclusion of wild animal welfare and wellbeing in global conservation efforts. We support habitat preservation efforts, working to conserve critical ecosystems and prevent habitat loss, ensuring a safe and thriving future for wildlife. 

We work to protect wildlife globally, focusing on strategies that prevent suffering and create lasting change. Our work spans continents and approaches—from strengthening wildlife laws and ending cruel practices, to advancing humane coexistence between people and wildlife. We protect animals impacted by trophy hunting, the wildlife trade and captivity, and work to keep wild animals wild through policy reform, law enforcement training and public engagement. Around the world, we collaborate with governments, communities and partners to address threats wherever they arise, whether through international agreements, national legislation or on-the-ground solutions that save animals’ lives. While individual projects may be highlighted at different times, our commitment is global, sustained and focused on systemic protections for wildlife everywhere.

Donating to support our wildlife protection efforts is easy and greatly appreciated! You can choose to make a one-time donation or set up a recurring monthly gift. Your contribution will directly support our programs fighting for laws that protect wildlife, rescuing animals from cruelty and exploitation and helping people and wildlife safely coexist. Thank you for helping to create a safer world for wildlife!