Adoption of Endangered Animals
Adopting an endangered animal means that someone symbolically adopts a member of the species by contributing funds to support groups that work to protect animals and their natural habitats. Donation proceeds might also go to prevent poaching of the animals and habitat destruction or reduce the effects of climate change and toxic pollution on the habitat. Some groups remove the animals from their environment temporarily to protect them, then return them to their homes. Many adoption charities combine conservation work with involvement in policy and private sector work, keeping in mind the culture of people indigenous to the region where they are working.
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How it Works
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Adopting an animal works differently based on the organization you go through, but wanting to encourage adopted parents, they will have clear instructions on their websites. Most include selecting a species from a gallery that includes facts on the animals and why they are endangered, filling out a form with payment options and information and then receiving a complimentary care package. Complimentary adoption kits can include an adoption certificate, photograph of the adopted species, plush toy of the adopted animal and a species spotlight card with information about the animal.
Adopted Animals
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The most frequently adopted animals are the tiger, polar bear, panda, emperor penguin and a trio of cubs. Other animals adopted include the pygmy elephant, sea turtle, amur leopard, gray wolf, meerkat, African wild dog, three-toed sloth, red panda, dolphin, giraffe, pink ribbon dolphin, seahorse, monarch butterfly, arctic fox, great white shark, koala, blue-footed booby, lion and duck-billed platypus.
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Guiding Groups
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Animal adoption agencies are mostly led by the work of the World Conservation Union's Red List of Threatened Species. Agencies also pay close attention to The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which helps administer the Endangered Species Act.
World Wild Life
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World Wild Life uses $0.83 of every donated dollar for conservation efforts under their Animals for Adoption Program. People contribute to World Wild Life monthly, in any amount they want.
Defenders of Wildlife
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Defenders of Wildlife is another organization that facilitates the adoption of endangered animals, as well as working to protect national forests, stop shark finning and the use of poisons that endanger the animals. They also protect animal species by promoting and responding to local litigation concerning the presence of animals in populated areas, like protecting lions and yellowstone bison under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Other Groups
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Other groups that have adopt-an-endangered-animal programs are The Aspinall Foundation, the Born Free Foundation, the Zoological Society of London, One World Wildlife, The Living Rainforest and HAWAI`I Wildlife Fund. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society focuses on adopting those animals.
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References
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