How to Help Endangered Penguins
Of the 19 penguin species on Earth, more than half of them are endangered. Although many threats exist, the biggest danger penguins face is depletion of their food supply. The food chain in the penguins' environment depends on a tiny creature known as krill. Scientists estimate that the krill population has been reduced by 80 percent, mainly because of global warming. Without krill to eat, many species cannot survive, which affects other creatures further up the food chain, including penguins. There are steps you can take to help endangered penguins.
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Instructions
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Volunteer with an organization that is working to assist endangered penguins. This could include doing administrative tasks or helping with group fundraisers. For more adventurous types, there are opportunities for volunteers to directly assist injured penguins. One group even offers vacations where people travel to places where penguins need assistance and help with rescue efforts. Past volunteers have helped feed sick penguins and nursed them back to health before they were released back into the wild.
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Adopt a penguin. The money spent to adopt the penguin will be used to help lobby for legislation that protects penguins, and to assist groups in their efforts to save endangered penguins around the world. When you adopt a penguin, you receive a stuffed animal penguin, photographs, an adoption certificate and other penguin memorabilia.
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Donate to organizations working to save penguins. There are many conservation groups that rely on donations to survive. Your donation can keep these groups running, provide funds for research and lobbying, and pay for hands-on penguin rescue efforts among other things. Before making a donation, research the group receiving the money to verify that it is a reputable organization and that your money will go toward the cause. Donations to legitimate charities are also tax deductible.
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Study to become an environmental scientist. Scientific studies performed by environmental scientists and biologists were instrumental in passing legislation to include penguins on the endangered species list. Although not a quick way to help penguins, a degree in environmental science or a related field will allow you to put your passion to work every day. Plus, environmental scientists have great employment prospects, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that environmental science will become one of the most rapidly growing career fields in the next several years.
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Spread the word. Let people know that penguins are in peril and there are things they can do to help. Suggest that they adopt a penguin or volunteer in rescue efforts. Additionally, you can sign and distribute petitions that call for aid for penguin rescue efforts. Petitions show that citizens are aware of and concerned about a particular issue such as the threat to penguins. Sometimes sheer numbers will convince those seeking re-election to take action regarding a certain issue.
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References
- Center for Biological Diversity: Saving Penguins
- Today Show; Help save a penguin on your next vacation; Peter Greenberg; Jan. 2004
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Environmental Scientists and Specialists
- Center for Biological Diversity: ...Petition to List 12 Penguin Species...
- "National Geographic": Krill
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
