In July, the planet’s average temperature climbed to its highest ever recorded, with a global average surface temperature of 17.09°C (62.76°F).
We are seeing the effects of global warming in many of the projects we support. Add to this the ever-present threat of poaching, and you will understand why wild animals and their habitats are in serious trouble.
With our supporters, we are helping to bring relief to otherwise-doomed creatures. This is how you helped wild animals across the world in July.
Botswana, Makgadikgadi National Park
Rushing food to starving hippos
As the horrific drought in Botswana wears on, a new disaster looms: A pod of around 100 hippos have run out of food. These animals are so hungry, they have resorted to eating elephant dung to survive.
We told our supporters about this heartbreaking situation, and your generous response enabled us to rush food to the hungry hippos. We hope to continue providing support until December, when rains are expected and their natural food sources will hopefully be replenished at last.
Credit: ASI/Taryn Slabbert (left); David Dugmore (right)
South Africa, Mpumalanga
Protecting orphaned rhinos with advanced tracking technology
Critically endangered black rhino calves, Odin and Marcules, stood no chance of survival without their mothers as they wandered alone in Kruger National Park, until our partner stepped in.
Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary (CFW) rehabilitated the calves and the two have formed a unique bond, finding comfort and friendship in each other.
Now that they are old enough to live in an intensive protection zone (IPZ), we wanted to give them extra protection against poachers who seem to get smarter by the day.
Thanks to our generous supporters, we were able to pay for two cutting-edge AI-powered collars, providing an extra level of protection against criminals and other threats for Odin and Marcules.
Credit: CFW
Zimbabwe, Lake Kariba
Increasing snare patrols in African poaching hotspot
An increasing number of wild animals are being caught in deadly snares across the 9,320-square-mile (15,000-square-kilometer) Lake Kariba region, driven by the horrific yet lucrative bushmeat trade. Snaring is one of the cruelest methods poachers use to kill wild animals, and our partner, Bumi Hills Anti-Poaching Unit (BHAPU), patrols tirelessly to find and remove these deadly contraptions.
Given a recent surge in criminal activity, we reached out to our supporters to help boost the frequency of snare patrols in the reserve. Unfortunately, we did not meet our goal to increase snare-removal patrols, but we are committed to trying to help in the future.
Credit: BHAPU
Ukraine, Kyiv Oblast
Rescuing and treating big cats rescued from the deadly frontlines
The terrible war in Ukraine is claiming animal lives by the thousands. Among the most tragic victims are lions and tigers abandoned as zoos collapse and private owners flee.
In July, our team was in Ukraine when two tiny lion cubs were found wandering around the frontline, both with fractured legs. They were rescued by our partner, Wild Animal Rescue Center (WARC), and joined over 30 other big cats at their shelter, including majestic lions and tigers. However, WARC has virtually no resources, and with funds running critically low, these animals are stuck in cramped cages as they receive critical care and ongoing support.
With our supporters’ help, we aim to contribute towards larger enclosures, help support the cubs’ treatment, and provide some relief to the exceptionally hard-working WARC team as they risk life and limb to rescue these traumatized big cats.
Credit: ASI/Dejan Radic
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We are devastated to share the passing of young Phabeni, an orphaned elephant calf in South Africa our supporters helped care for.
Credit: HERD
Bring on the waterworks! Thanks to our supporters, more water is flowing for Botswana’s drought-stricken wildlife – and we’re not done yet!
WATCH: From cruelty to comfort, big cats find sanctuary in South Africa – thanks to our supporters!
Wondering how Wanda is doing? This resilient wildebeest calf is thriving in South Africa, thanks to caring people like you.
Credit: Umoya Khulula
From the News Desk
At ASI, we stay abreast of the latest wildlife conservation news so we can keep you informed on the most critical issues surrounding animals today.
Fire at famous Bangkok market kills 1,000 animals. Read more.
Iceland grants whale hunting permit despite animal welfare concerns. Read more.
Why is rhino poaching down at this park in South Africa? The reasons may not be good. Read more.
Climate crisis driving exponential rise in extreme wildfires. Read more.
The greatest land mammal migration on Earth is taking place – and it’s not in the Serengeti. Read more.
Amputee lion who survived being gored and attempted poachings makes record-breaking swim across predator-infested waters in Uganda. Read more.
Romania to step up cull of brown bears after hiker killed. Read more.
World logs hottest day since records began — with fresh highs expected in the coming months. Read more.
All our achievements for wildlife in crisis are made possible by the generosity of our supporters, without whom, none of it would be possible. Thank you for being a friend to the animals in July.