If you’re struggling for ideas for a loved ones' birthday or hoping to spread some goodwill at the start of the new year, here’s an idea that benefits wildlife and doesn’t even require getting up from your computer. Instead of browsing the stores at the mall, adopt an animal internationally in the name of an environmentalist or animal lover on your gift list.
Adoptions through international conservation agencies are usually symbolic. Your money supports research and policy initiatives to protect the endangered species of your choice. While you don’t get the personal connection to a specific animal that you might with a smaller, local organization, adopting or sponsoring animals internationally benefits an entire species, its ecosystem and future generations to come. Do you want to make sure tigers and tree frogs are still around when your grandkids grow up? Adopt a species in their name. (They’ll appreciate it one day, and for now the accompanying plush toy will look good under the tree.)
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) offers 100 species for adoption, from seahorses to blue whales, arctic hares to tasmanian devils. Adoption packages start at $25 for a photo and certificate, with $50 or $100 packages buying additional gifts like plush toys and framed photos. Some high-profile species like polar bears, tigers and panda also have a $250 level.
Defenders of Wildlife is another major international conservation operation offering animal adoption. The selection of animals is only about a quarter of those available through WWF, but adoptions start at only $15 and there are six more price levels under $100 . One unique option is the $40 Eco Plush package, which features a cuddly plush wolf, polar bear or penguin made from sustainable soybean fiber.
Adopting from major conservation associations is a great way to protect a whole species, but you can also support specific wildlife internationally through smaller organizations like Seaturtle.org. If you have a species or country in mind, search Idealist.org to find legitimate organizations that match your interests.
Adoptions are also a prime way wildlife sanctuaries keep up their work of caring for rescued animals. The number of deserving options here are limitless, but I have to make a special endorsement for my own personal favorite, Harnas Wildlife Foundation, a private sanctuary in Namibia where I volunteered in 2007. It also counts an expert on international adoption of a different kind – Angelina Jolie – among its patrons.
Source: BecauseAction.com
