As we reach the midway point of 2024, there is both good and bad news for wildlife. Droughts, heatwaves and wildlife crime continue to pose a threat to animals everywhere – but at the same time, much is being done to safeguard precious species and ecosystems.
After protracted deliberations, the European Union approved its Nature Restoration Law this month, an unprecedented regulation that aims to increase biodiversity and restore the continent’s damaged ecosystems. And, through the continued support of our donors, we have been able to improve the lives of wild animals in the greatest need.
Here is how our supporters helped us change and save wild animals’ lives in June.
Thailand, Phetchaburi 
Supporting the hard-won retirement of elderly elephant Pai Lin
Pai Lin, an elderly Asian elephant, was forced to endure 60 years of hard labor in Thailand. With few laws protecting them, Thai elephants are considered livestock, and are traded and forced to work for their entire lives.
By the time she was rescued by our partner, Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), Pai Lin’s body bore the scars of six decades of suffering, and her spine was completely deformed – most likely the result of being used in tourist camps, carrying up to six tourists at a time on her back.
Pai Lin was WFFT’s first rescued elephant, and at 75, she is their oldest. The major cost of rescuing wild animals is their lifelong care, with elephants eating up to 660 pounds (300 kilograms) of food every day – and we desperately wanted to help give Pai Lin the retirement she deserves. Through our supporters’ donations, we have been able to send WFFT enough funds to purchase almost 200 tons of delicious and nutritious food and treats, feeding Pai Lin and their other rescued elephants for two months.
Thank you for showing sweet Pai Lin and her friends true human compassion – something they have experienced very little of during their difficult lives.
Credit: Amy Jones/Moving Animals
South Africa, Tzaneen
Raising funds for a life-saving mobile clinic for pangolins
Every year, as many as 100 trafficked pangolins, including newborn infants and wounded mothers, are taken in by our partner, Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre in South Africa. It is because of the success of anti-poaching operations that pangolins are rescued from the hands of cruel poachers, but often the animals are in an atrocious state, barely clinging to life.
Time is of the essence for these creatures, and the quicker they can receive treatment, the better their chances of survival. A mobile pangolin clinic will enable our partner to provide treatment on-site, rather than transporting pangolins for up to hours at a time before they can administer vital care. The mobile clinic is also critical to careful, successful release into protected wild areas.
With our donors’ support, we have been able to fund a significant portion of this mobile clinic, and will keep you posted on its progress.
Credit: ASI/Taryn Slabbert
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No matter its size, a cat is still a cat! Watch rescue leopard Gabriel playing with a box in his forever home at Panthera Africa in South Africa. YOU helped get him there!
Credit: Panthera
Phabeni the orphaned elephant calf is thriving in South Africa, thanks to your support. See the gorgeous photos of this special soul.
Credit: HERD
Thank you for helping to fund the relocation of a critical wildlife sanctuary in Lao, Asia, where animal trafficking is a critical concern. See how your support is giving hope to hundreds of rescued animals.
Credit: LCTW
Just look at the incredible transformation of these rescued tigers and leopards in Thailand, from skin-and-bone to sunshine and peace.
Credit: WFFT
Rescue lions Sara and Najla are loving life in their sanctuary in South Africa – and you helped make it happen!
Credit: Lions Foundation
Here is our anti-poaching partner in Zimbabwe, Bumi Hills Anti-Poaching Unit (BHAPU), removing illegal snares and fishing lines, and stopping poachers in their tracks, thanks to your support.
Credit: BHAPU
WATCH: Rhino calf daisy continues to go from strength to strength in South Africa. She could not have done it without the support of compassionate animal lovers.
Credit: CFW/ASI
My, how they’ve grown! Issam and Kelly, traumatized lion cubs rescued from the illegal pet trade in the Middle East, are thriving in the safety of their sanctuary in South Africa.
Credit: Drakenstein Lion Park
Our Nigerian partner, Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, recently helped save five stricken turtles. See how they did it here.
Credit: GWCI
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.
Elephants call each other by name, study finds.
Over a fifth of Greece’s wildlife are critically endangered.
Banner credit: WFFT
News Items: Image 1, 2 & 3: Stock
