In case you missed it, World Elephant Day was August 12! Elephants play a vital role in maintaining the biodiversity of savannas and forests; they are essential ecosystem engineers! As they search for food, elephants clear vegetation, allowing sunlight to reach shorter plants and creating space for smaller animals to disperse nuts and seeds. Even their footprints can create micro-ecosystems that fill with water and provide a home for tadpoles and other smaller organisms. 

Here are three ways you can do your part to protect these majestic animals year-round:  

1. Before visiting an elephant sanctuary, do your research. Ethical elephant experiences never involve rides or performances. Look for organizations that prioritize elephant well-being and promote their natural behaviors. 

2. From shrinking water sources to extreme heat, climate change is becoming one of the biggest threats to elephants. Lower your carbon footprint by taking simple climate actions like washing your clothes in cold water, shopping secondhand, and conserving water. As we like to say, the biggest opportunity for change on Earth is us. 

3. Support WildAid. We work in key regions around the world to reduce the demand for ivory products and strengthen policies preventing the illegal wildlife trade, allowing elephant populations to recover and thrive. 

You’re invited! Join us Thursday, September 18th, 11am PST / 2pm EST for a 35-minute livestream and deep dive into 20 years of WildAid’s work to protect sharks worldwide. From reducing demand for shark fin to protecting vulnerable shark habitats like coral reefs, we’ll explore how WildAid’s team safeguards these majestic apex predators. Register here. 

Cameroon passed a new forestry and wildlife law in 2024, significantly strengthening protections for Class A species, including gorillas, elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, all three pangolin species found in the country, and dozens of bird species. 
 
Under this law, the slaughter, capture, possession, or sale of these species carries penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to 50 million francs (approx. $89,000). However, the success of this legislation depends on both enforcement and also on how well the law is known and understood by the Cameroonian public. 
 
That’s why WildAid has collaborated with Cameroon’s Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife and Camrail - a passenger and freight transportation company. Together we launched a new public service announcement to strengthen awareness of this law and what it means for everyday Cameroonians. It’s airing now nationwide on TV, social media, and Camrail’s passenger trains, reaching thousands of commuters daily.

Greetings from Kenya! Our Senior Marine Program Director, Chris Wilcox — pictured on the left with Samuel, a ranger from our local partner Bahari Hai — recently returned from the field, where they’ve been tackling a hidden but deadly threat to marine life. 

In Kenya’s mangrove reserves, our team and partners are investigating the use of illegal gill nets in the surrounding estuary. Gill nets, which work by entangling fish, are especially destructive when abandoned or lost, continuing to “ghost fish” for months or even years — ensnaring fish, birds, turtles, and other vulnerable marine life. 

This is a significant problem globally, and one of the most damaging consequences of marine plastic pollution. Nets made from monofilament, the same material as fishing line, are particularly deadly as they're difficult for animals like turtles to see and avoid. 

That’s why monofilament gill nets are banned in Kenya, and why WildAid and local partner Bahari Hai are working together to: 

• Support patrols to reduce the use of illegal nets 
• Involve fishing communities in shifting to less damaging gear
• Protect the incredible biodiversity that depends on these waters

Every gill net removed is a step toward healthier oceans!

Take a deeper dive into our marine work here.

Personal stories hold the power to move people where facts alone cannot. Research consistently shows that stories rooted in individual experiences can inspire deep emotional reactions and move people to act.

In recent years, this approach has inspired empathy and action for endangered species through the stories of Tilikum the orca, Cecil the lion, and most recently Kulu the pangolin. The same phenomenon is possible for addressing climate change by sharing how one’s local fishing or hiking spots have changed due to shifting weather patterns, how community members have been impacted by exacerbated disaster events like floods and fires, and even how friends and family have benefited from new jobs in emerging renewable energy.

Half of Americans now say they have been personally impacted by climate change; it's time for us to share our stories.

This month’s starter question: How have you or your family been personally impacted by climate change? 

Consider also asking about the benefits of climate action: Have you or anyone you know benefited from personal climate action like installing solar panels/heat pumps, or driving an EV? 

This piece is part of our new Climate Conversations series. Learn more here. 

WildAid has expanded our wildlife protection efforts from Panama to the Philippines and beyond thanks to the generosity of committed conservationists like you. 

Many of our supporters choose to make gifts to WildAid from their assets, gifting stock or a grant from a Donor-advised Fund. These types of gifts offer a dual advantage. They allow you to make an even greater impact on WildAid’s conservation efforts and at the same time, offer you and your family the best possible tax benefits.

Have questions or need information about donating assets to WildAid? Reach out to us at [email protected], and we can help!