Did you know? There are thousands of wildlife conservation charities worldwide. Each one has its own mission and areas of focus. These organizations work tirelessly to:
- Protect endangered species
- Promote animal welfare
- Restore wildlife
- Educate the public
It can be difficult to decide where to send your donation with so many options available. You can also become an animal conservation volunteer to give your time instead of money.
Our experts at AngeLink are here to help you out! We have selected the top 8 animal conservation charities for you to support. You’ll also learn how to volunteer for wildlife conservation in our guide. Let’s dive in!
Best Charities for Endangered Animals
Wildlife faces serious threats, such as:
- Habitat loss
- Global warming
- Illegal hunting
- Species extinction
Up to 150 species go extinct every day, according to Reuters.
Fortunately, wildlife conservation societies and charities help combat these threats. They provide essential care for animals and addressing the root causes.
Sometimes, they get support from kind people through donations and wildlife conservation volunteers. As a result, wildlife conservation charities are gaining the strength to reverse this situation.
Never underestimate the impact you can make by donating to causes you love. With this in mind, check out some of the 8 animal conservation charities you can help!
1. The Aspinall Foundation
The Aspinall Foundation, a world-class conservation charity, dedicated to protecting endangered animals and natural habitats around the globe, was founded in 1984. Now, over 30 years on our mission remains the same.
Conservation Efforts
We are more dedicated than ever to returning as many captive bred animals as possible to our own protected wilderness areas and reserves. Over 2000 animals have been rescued and rewilded including Gorilla Rhino Cheetah Lion Hyena Gibbons Langur Bison Wild Horse In the following countries Congo Gabon SouthAfrica Zimbabwe Kenya Madagascar Romania Java Sumatra.
Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Opportunities
- Animal Department Volunteers:
- Help keepers with daily duties
- Must be over 18, with an interest or background in animal management
- Commit to a substantial amount of time
- Gardening Volunteers:
- Work in over 700 acres of Kent countryside
- Enhance gardens and enclosures
- Ideal for those who enjoy outdoor work and have gardening skills
- Fundraising Volunteers:
- Support global conservation programs
- Assist in raising funds through events and media presence
- Corporate Volunteering:
- Ideal for team building and personal development
- Contribute to conservation efforts at Port Lympne Reserve
- Trade Skill Volunteers:
- Contribute skills like carpentry or general maintenance
- Offer a few hours weekly to support various teams
- Animal Presenter Volunteers:
- Engage with visitors through Q&A sessions and education activities
- Available at Howletts Wild Animal Park
- Provide information and education about animals and conservation
2. The Charles Darwin Foundation
The Charles Darwin Foundation is the oldest scientific research and conservation institution. It’s been around since 1959. It preserves the fragile ecosystems in the Galapagos Islands.
Conservation Efforts
The foundation focuses on preserving both terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. The protected species include:
- Galapagos land birds: They work toward long-term conservation of the islands’ ecosystems
- Giant tortoises: These are in serious danger of extinction due to:
- Climate change
- Invasive species
- Habitat fragmentation
- The introduction of diseases
- Sharks: Includes species such as the scalloped hammerhead and tiger the shark
Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Opportunities
The Charles Darwin Foundation offers the following opportunities:
- Botany or Ecology Volunteer for Galapagos Verde 2050:
- Assist in ecological restoration projects across urban, rural, and protected areas
- Data Management and GIS Volunteer:
- Support data handling and geographic information systems for Galapagos Verde 2050.
- Marine Research Volunteer:
- Collaborate on sustainable use studies of the Galapagos Marine Reserve post-COVID-19.
- Laboratory Volunteer (Only Spanish):
- Help with molecular biology and PCR techniques at the Charles Darwin Research Station
- Terrestrial Invertebrates Collection Volunteer:
- Work with the collection team, potentially extending your initial three-month period
- Community Library Volunteer – Eco Program:
- Engage in environmental education and community outreach, with possible extension after three months
- Shark Ecology Volunteer:
- Join the Shark Ecology team for an initial three months, with the potential for extension
- Exhibition Hall Volunteers:
- Assist at the Charles Darwin Research Center’s Exhibition Hall for 2-3 months
- Herbarium Volunteer:
- Participate in the operations of the Natural History Collections’ Herbarium (It requires an initial three-month commitment)
3. Defenders of Wildlife
Founded in 1947, Defenders of Wildlife is one of the national leaders in the United States. They focus on:
- Preserving rare animals and plants
- Conserving habitats and natural resources
- Mobilizing broad support to protect wildlife and natural areas in North America
Conservation Efforts
The protection of a species depends on the conservation of the ecosystem. This organization focuses on preserving the integrity of each ecosystem as a whole.
Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Opportunities
Here are some of the ways you can volunteer to help Defenders of Wildlife:
- Black-footed Ferret Surveys:
- Join overnight spotlight surveys
- Tag and count ferrets
- New England Cottontail Habitat Restoration:
- Plant trees and shrubs in Maine
- Snowy Plover Habitat Identification:
- Locate and document habitat across the U.S.
- Everglades Native Plant Restoration:
- Plant native flora in Florida
- Idaho Ground Squirrel Monitoring:
- Survey and track populations
- Invasive Plant Removal:
- Clear non-native plants in Virginia bird habitats
- Panther-proof Fencing:
- Build fences to protect animals in Florida
5. National Wildlife Federation
National Wildlife Federation has been leading wildlife conservation charities since 1936. They collaborate with 52 state and territorial affiliates. They address the crisis and promote wildlife prosperity.
Conservation Efforts
The organization’s primary focus is to preserve vulnerable wildlife species, such as:
- Red wolves
- Deer
- Monarch butterflies
- Manatees
- Sage grouse
They advocate for the implementation of the Endangered Species Act. This will protect precious animals and their habitats.
Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Opportunities
The National Wildlife Federation offers volunteer opportunities for corporate groups. Here’s a list of opportunities available:
- School Garden Installation:
- Build or renovate schoolyard habitats.
- Teach students about local wildlife.
- Invasive Plant Removal:
- Identify and remove invasive species.
- Protect local parks and habitats.
- Tree Planting:
- Plant trees and seedlings.
- Enhance local ecosystems and air quality.
- Corporate Campus Habitat:
- Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
- Install native plants on corporate property.
6. Sea Shepherd
Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd has patrolled the oceans for over 40 years. It’s also renowned for its transparency and financial accountability.
Conservation Efforts
Sea Shepherd mobilizes ships, captains, and crews to protect threatened marine wildlife. Some of the animals they defend include dolphins, seals, whales, and fish.
Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Opportunities
Sea Shepherd offers two volunteer programs: Crewing at Sea and Onshore Volunteering. Here’s an overview of both:
Crewing at Sea
- Specialized roles are available, including navigators, sailors, engineers, and more
- Engage directly in marine conservation
- Work under challenging conditions
- A minimum commitment of one month is preferred
- Room and board are provided on the ship
Onshore Volunteering
- Tabling at events, organizing clean-ups, hosting benefits or concerts
- Distributing information, giving presentations, and promoting public awareness
- Event organization, public speaking, graphic design, photography
- Requires dedication, initiative, and a willingness to engage extensively with the public
7. FOUR PAWS US
Four Paws was founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and his colleagues. This non-profit organization manages the primary sanctuary for big cats, LIONSROCK. They cherish a world where humans treat animals with respect and empathy.
Conservation Efforts
The organization’s focus is on rescuing animals harmed by human activity. (Ex. Abuse)
They build sanctuaries tailored for each rescued wild animal species. They help alleviate animal suffering by providing medical care.
Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Opportunities
At this time, all the U.S. volunteer opportunities for Four Paws have been filled. However, you can check the Four Paws volunteer page periodically to see if any slots open up.
8. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
WWF operates in nearly 100 countries. The organization has been active for over 60 years. Looking for a charity committed to protecting endangered native species? Then WWF is for you!
Conservation Efforts
WWF is one of the largest foundations in the world. They focus on ocean conservation, forests, wildlife, and freshwater, among others. They support many other threatened wildlife species. Some of them are:
- Giant pandas
- Tigers
- Elephants
- Gorillas
- Sea turtles
- Polar bears
- Grizzly bears
- Rhinos
- Whales
Their main mission is to protect the incredible diversity of life on our planet. They accomplish it by using the most advanced available science.
Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Opportunities
World Wildlife Fund does not offer traditional volunteer roles in the U.S.
The organization does not have chapters in local communities. They do not coordinate local volunteer programs.
Here are some alternative ways to get involved and make a difference:
- Make Environmentally Conscious Choices:
- Opt for green products and sustainable practices in daily life
- Participate in WWF’s Action Network:
- Engage in electronic advocacy to influence environmental policy
- Travel Responsibly:
- Visit unique habitats to appreciate and learn about biodiversity
- Support Financially:
- Contribute through donations or by gifting WWF memberships
- Educate Yourself and Others:
- Read and share information from WWF’s monthly E-newsletter
- Local Environmental Action:
- Start with conservation efforts in your local parks and recreation areas
Help Raise Funds for Animal Conservation With Crowdfunding
A smart alternative to assisting animal conservation charities is through fundraising. After deciding on your cause, it’s time to find a free crowdfunding website.
Creating a fundraiser is simple. First, explain why this fundraiser is important to you and to the world’s oceans. We also recommend that you illustrate the benefits that donations will bring.
Give your fund an attractive name. Most platforms allow you to use their fundraising name. You can also think of catchy animal fundraiser names to attract donors.
Now, it’s time to share! Don’t hesitate to ask for donations to wildlife conservation charities or funds. With a good fundraiser and strategic sharing in the right places, your fund will reach the right people!
Together, we can all make a difference and conserve nature. Let’s create a brighter future for endangered species and natural habitats worldwide!