An onslaught of dismal environmental news may inspire you to bury your head in the sand like an ostrich – so today, we want to assure you that it’s not all doom and gloom. With the steadfast support of people like you, we are helping to bring species back from the brink – sometimes, one animal at a time.
This month, our supporters helped us care for an orphaned rhino, treat animals affected by fire, and help the littlest victims of the prolific wildlife trade in Africa. Every life counts in the fight against extinction, and thanks to our donors, we are making a difference. Here is how that support helped in November.
South Africa, Hoedspruit
Caring for a rhino calf orphaned by poachers
Little rhino calf Angie was just six months old when poachers brutally killed her mother right before her eyes in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Heartbreakingly, poachers often target female rhinos, especially those with calves, because they’re slower and much more vulnerable.
Angie was rescued by our partner, Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center (HESC), and given round-the-clock care. Angie needs seven gallons (26.5 liters) of special milk formula daily, which costs roughly $33 (£26) per day. Our supporters were deeply moved by Angie’s plight and through their generosity, we were able to provide two months’ worth of life-saving milk formula for this brave little fighter. Thank you for your compassion.
Credit: HESC
South Africa, Gauteng
Funding critical care for animals affected by wildfires
Recently, two jackal cubs and a newborn hartebeest were among the most fragile victims of wildfires in South Africa’s Gauteng province. These animals, and several more, required urgent, life-saving care after losing their mothers and surviving the horrific flames. When fires rip through the landscape, families are separated, infants are orphaned, and lives hang in the balance without near-immediate intervention.
Our supporters’ hearts went out to these little creatures, which were rescued and taken in by Friends of Free Wildlife (FFW). Through your support, we were able to help fund critical veterinary care and treatment for the rescued animals. With proper rehabilitation and care, they will ultimately be strong enough to be released back into the wild, where they belong.
Credit: Friends of Free Wildlife
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls
Helping drought-stricken animals hunted by poachers
Along the banks of the drying-up Zambezi River, wild animals are poached by opportunistic criminals as they drink what little life-saving water they can. Because the water level is so low – a result of the worst drought in 40 years – poachers simply hop across the river and pick off the animals as they drink.
An effective solution is to set up waterholes away from the river so that animals have a steady supply of fresh water a safe distance from poachers. We reached out to our supporters for urgent help, and although we have not reached our fundraising goal, we intend to continue raising funds for this project to help the thousands of elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards and other animals that desperately need our help.
Seychelles, Mahé
Critical care for an infant orphaned flying fox
Suzie, just a few months old and still dependent on her mother, was stolen by poachers and used as a tourist attraction on the island of Mahé. She was so brutally beaten by her captor that she was blinded in at least one of her eyes. Her wings sustained serious damage from her desperate attempt to flee her cage.
As soon as they heard of her plight, our partner, Protect Paradise Seychelles (PPS), raced to her rescue and brought Suzie to their sanctuary for life-saving care. Thanks to our supporters’ kindness, we have contributed towards her rehabilitation, giving this vulnerable, critically important little creature a second chance at survival.
Credit: Protect Paradise
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Hello, kitty! Two tiny lion cubs rescued from the frontlines in Ukraine are happy and healthy, thanks to our supporters.
Credits: WARC
Shining a light on lion safety: An innovative anti-predation solution is keeping lions safe from hunters in Kenya.
Credit: Lion Lights
A helping hand for hippos: Hungry hippos in Botswana are still waiting for the rains to replenish their food – but until then, we have helped keep them fed.
Credit: Camelthorn Farmstead
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.
We no longer breed minks to kill them! Romanian Parliament bans fur farms. Read more.
African Penguin classified as ‘critically endangered.’ Read more.
This year ‘virtually certain’ to be hottest on record, finds EU space program. Read more.
‘World’s largest’ coral discovered in Solomon Islands. Read more.
World’s 1.5C climate target ‘deader than a doornail,’ experts say. Read more.
Despite the barrage of bad news, there is hope – and with our supporters by our side, we can continue to make an impact for precious, vulnerable wildlife everywhere.