IFAW

Across the globe, in-shore waters are facing serious pressures from human activity, namely, pollution, overfishing, vessel traffic, oil extraction, and coastal development. IFAW’s Executive Vice President of Strategy, Programmes & Field Operations, Jason Bell, shares how highlighting iconic marine species, is a critical part of our efforts to bring international attention to the threats harming all ocean life. Dolphins, whale sharks, and turtles aren’t just mesmerizing wonders to witness, they also play a vital role in combatting climate change—from capturing atmospheric carbon to maintaining ecosystems that provide food security for coastal communities and act as natural buffers against storms and floods. If we don’t start prioritizing these environments, we risk losing one of our greatest climate allies. By protecting the animals that populate Kenya’s coast we are not only conserving essential biodiversity hotspots, but we are contributing to a cleaner more resilient planet. Learn more ?? https://g.ifaw.org/3R8ASHf

Today we hosted the University of Pretoria, Conservation Ecology Research Unit and conservation partners for an interactive session to discuss elephant populations in Eastern and Southern Africa. For over two decades, IFAW has collaborated with the University of Pretoria to better understand elephant behavior, and demographics in Africa. This cooperation has formed the foundational bedrock of the Room to Roam initiative, ensuring our approach to elephant conservation is based on science-informed principles that guide strategies and deliver results for wildlife and communities in a changing climate. Conversations centered on ideas, lessons and strategies to secure wildlife corridors to give elephants ample #RoomToRoam in Africa. Led by Dr Robert Guldemond, Prof. Stuart Pimm and Dr Ryan Huang, the team of scientists shared insightful data and tactics from different elephant landscapes across the continent.

?? Earlier today, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar with tremors shaking parts of Thailand, killing more than 150 people and burying dozens under the rubble. Our thoughts are with the people of Myanmar and surrounding areas. In times of crisis like these, both wildlife and domestic animals are also victims, injured or abandoned and in desperate need of help. IFAW is on high alert, reaching out to local contacts and partners in the region, and gathering information as field assessments become possible. Click the link below to stay up to date and learn how you can support: https://g.ifaw.org/445R6sr Photo from a recent Myanmar vaccination clinic ? Let’s Save the Strays International

WE MADE IT!! ?? 5 lions. 4 organisations. 3 moves. Yuna made headlines across the globe when we shared CCTV footage of her in January 2024, suffering from shell-shock and acoustic trauma caused by debris that fell close to her enclosure at Wild Animal Rescue in Kyiv, #Ukraine. She had been rescued and cared for by WAR's team since early 2023, with IFAW providing support for food, veterinary care and the CITES permits process. Similar stories for Rori, Vanda, Amani & Lira - all rescued from private ownership where they were not receiving the specialist care that big cats need. Enter Cam Whitnall, who contacted us and had the grand idea of building an entire new rescue centre with enclosures at @thebigcatsanctuaryuk in Kent. What followed was about a year of meetings, paperwork, text messages and several evacuations - from Ukraine via Belgium to the UK. Today, I met those 5 lions. After having spent countless hours caring about these magnificent big cats from a distance, I was finally able to meet them. They could care less about my presence of course and were mostly interested in any possible chicken munchies I might have on me, but I for one desperately needed windshieldwipers for my eyes... They are home. They are safe. There is hope. With great gratitude for the TONS of people involved ???? Photo: Vanda, by Grace Wilson #war #invasion #ukraine #captivewildlife #notexoticpets

Woof! Do you know a hero dog in the UK who is making a difference for animals, people, and the planet? Nominations are open for IFAW Animal Action Awards - 8 categories in all:?g.ifaw.org/aaa25 #conservationdogs #rescuedogs #herodogs

Interested in a career in marine conservation, but not sure where to start? “There are niches for numerous diverse backgrounds across marine conservation” says IFAW’s Right Whale Campaign Officer Katie Seaberg. At IFAW we have specialist on the ground rescuing aquatic animals, scientists researching North Atlantic right whale conservation practices, activists advocating for safer marine policy, communicators inspiring new generations of environmentalists and still so many more roles in between—all working in tandem to protect our ocean ecosystems. The opportunities to put your unique set of skills to use are endless and passion for the planet is a great place to start according to Marine Conservation Programme Officer Lillian Mulupi, who’s career in marine conservation “was born out of curiosity and a love for natural places.” So put your passion into action and find the career path that suits you with some firsthand advice from our impressive experts ?? https://g.ifaw.org/41zkMwn

?? Time is running out for whales ?? Whalers of Iceland will soon be sharpening their blades and preparing their boats for a season of slaughter, with a license to kill up to 2,130 whales from now until 2030.? Whaling is not an ancient Icelandic cultural tradition and whale meat is not a popular delicacy.?New polling results show more Icelanders are against whaling, than those that are for. So, if Icelanders do not support whaling – neither should their government. Whaling is cruel, outdated and has no place in modern society. We must urgently send a clear message before the harpoons strike again in June.? Show your support - please add your name to our global petition?by April 13. ?? https://g.ifaw.org/3E2s3fb

Momentum is building for the High Seas Treaty! ?? In recent weeks, more countries have stepped up to protect our ocean. We now have 21 ratifications and 112 signatures—but we need 60 ratifications before the UN Ocean Conference on June 3rd for the treaty to take effect. Congratulations to Malawi, France, Spain, The Republic of Korea, Antigua and Barbuda, and The Marshall Islands for recently ratifying the treaty! And welcome to Kiribati, Zimbabwe, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Albania, and Angola, who have signed and signaled their commitment. Why does this matter? The High Seas Treaty will create a framework to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, ensuring that ocean ecosystems—and the wildlife that depend on them—can thrive for generations to come. Let’s keep the momentum going! We urge all nations to join the #RaceForRatification and help us reach 60 ratifications before June 3rd. Our ocean can’t wait. ?? Learn more and take action: https://g.ifaw.org/4iBvdWB

Do you know a worthy contender making a difference for animals, people, and the planet? Would you like to help IFAW find the next winners of the Animal Action Awards? To nominate an amazing candidate in any of the 8 categories, please visit:?g.ifaw.org/aaa25

Did you know forests are a form of natural capital? Natural capital are the goods and services offered to society by the natural world, and while it may feel disheartening to view beautiful forest ecosystems through an economic lens, quantifying the qualitative properties that make trees and forested habitats so special is essential for their protection. We not only rely on the shelter, clean air, food security and flood protection trees provide but also the animals that facilitate healthy forest ecosystems like elephants, bears, and birds to name a few. In order for forest ecosystems to flourish, we must nurture and protect the parts that make it whole, that is why IFAW is dedicated to protecting Earth’s natural capital by advocating for environmental policies, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and safeguarding vulnerable species. This #InternationalForestDay see how you can support our work restoring forests and learn more about the importance of natural capital ?? https://g.ifaw.org/3EWT7wG