The populations of many species have fallen dramatically since the turn of the 20th century. Some, like the tiger, have been hunted to near extinction. Others, like the orangutan, have simply lost their homes as forests have been cleared to make way for agriculture or development. Adopting an animal will provide WWF with the money it needs to help keep these species around in the wild for future generations to enjoy.

Some of the most important work WWF does is the preservation and restoration of natural habitats. We have lost many species because humans increasingly encroach on their habitat. This is not something that is an inevitable consequence of growing populations. With a little planning and education, this needless destruction can be avoided. By adopting an animal you will be contributing to the protection of wild habitats of many endangered species.

Perhaps the single greatest threat to many critically endangered species like the rhino or the elephant is illegal poaching. Adopting an animal will provide WWF with the money it needs to help fund anti-poaching patrols and purchase equipment such as drone technology that can be used to keep animals protected.

In some parts of the world people like to keep wild animals as pets and in some cultures animal body parts are considered to have medicinal value. This means that some animals are captured and sold on the black market whilst others are simply killed for their body parts even though there is no scientific evidence suggesting they have any medicinal value. By adopting an animal you will be helping to fund WWF’s efforts in stopping the wildlife trade, lobbying governments to enforce bans and educate the public. Hopefully all of that will reduce the demand and lead to less needless killing of animals.