Raise Awareness for Endangered Species

6 Simple Ways to Make a Difference Today

Each year, on the third Friday of May, we set aside a day to raise awareness for endangered species. But often the call to protect wildlife feels distant and irrelevant to our busy, everyday lives. But the truth remains that we are dependent on biodiversity for the survival of our very existence. So whether you are an animal lover like me, or simply want to ensure that future generations have a planet to call home, these are a few ways you can make a difference today.

That Was Then…

In 2016, we took our first trip to Africa.

We were beginning a project of raising awareness for threatened species through new, photographic fine art print series. Today, that project is Render Loyalty.

But when we stepped off the plane in Nairobi those years ago, we weren’t prepared for the abundance of life we were about to meet.

Our first stop in Kenya was The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Through their Orphans Project, they rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants to eventually reintroduce them to the wild. I’ll never forget meeting the smallest orphan in the herd that day: Luggard. We had just watched the keepers share milk with all of the young elephants and they had gathered in a more wooded area. This darling little elephant walked right up to me, raised his trunk and let out the tiniest little trumpet as if to announce his arrival.

After our time at the SWT, we boarded a bush plane to fly to the remote Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. From the bush plane, we climbed aboard an open air safari vehicle and headed to camp. Ten minutes into the journey the road opened to a lush area of elephant grasses, water, plants and large acacia trees. Scattered all within were elephants, giraffes, zebras, birds, and more. 

It was as if the welcoming committee had reported for duty to greet us. All of the diversity of the savanna animals and plants stood before us in a grand display of life.

Since that initial trip to Lewa, we’ve traveled past that spot many times. Never again have we seen such a rich gathering of the animal kingdom as we did that day. 

The Hard Truth

You and I are living through the sixth mass extinction.

In just the last several months, the African forest elephant has been classified as critically endangered and the African savanna elephant, as endangered. There may come a day, in our lifetimes, when it’s not possible to see an elephant in the wild.

Imagine that.

It’s a prediction that is quickly becoming an irreversible trajectory.

In 2016 alone, 29% of the Great Barrier Reef was lost to climate change. Increased water temperatures are making coral life, which supports 25% of all ocean life, impossible. In the next five to ten years, the ocean will be too warm to support coral, decimating not just a species, but possibly an entire class.

When the coral aren’t there to provide a habitat for smaller fish, the entire ecosystem is affected. Dr. Justin Marshall, a marine biologist featured in Chasing Coral, projects the future:

“The little fish disappear, the big fish disappear and then, you can look at the humans as one of the big fish.”

Not to mention the species who are quietly facing extinction, year after year.

Endangered species, and truly all threatened species, are sounding an alarm. And sadly, we have all grown numb to its continual ringing.

“All signs point to ever more powerful assaults on biodiversity in the next two decades, painting a dismal picture of the future of life, including human life.”

— A study published in the PNAS by Gerardo Ceballos, Paul R. Ehrlich, and Rodolfo Dirzo

Will the sixth mass extinction be the thing that opens our ears?
Will the fact that we’ve lost up to 50% of all individual animals (in recent decades) finally compel us to get serious about reversing the tide?

The Quiet Hope

It’s tempting to jump ship while reading facts like these and head back to your ever-regenerating IG feed.

Or to throw up your hands and drown in a hopeless pit of despair, helplessness and the latest dream home reality show.

But neither of these will move the needle on raising awareness for endangered species or combating the threats to biodiversity. 

So we must acknowledge the other truth: that we have a responsibility.

And—we have power.

It is within my domain to make choices that will save real animal lives, and with them, our own.

Raising awareness is the first step to implementing change in your own life as well as others.

So without future ado, here are five simple ways to make an impact on the future of humanity and raise awareness for endangered species…

6 Ways to Raise Awareness for Endangered Species

1. Curb Your Consumerism

The greatest threats to endangered species—habitat loss, toxic pollution, poaching and overhunting, and climate change—all have one thing in common: you and I.

The root causes of all of those threats are overpopulation and overconsumption—by humans.

By changing your consumption habits, you can impact the pressure we put on the natural ecosystems of the world.

How do I do this?

I purchase reusable items whenever possible. No single-use plastics, disposable wares or unnecessary packaging. Getting take-out is a rare occasion we try to avoid; but when we do it, we opt for restaurants that use eco-friendly food packaging and plastic alternatives.

I buy used items instead of buying brand new, when possible. This is particularly impactful when you’re in the market for a new car, refrigerator or other large purchase. Not only does it cut down on your costs, but it’s incredibly sustainable. Just last week, we saved thousands when we bought a brand ‘new’ fridge from off a dealer’s showroom. Win-win.

When it comes to clothing and home goods: quality over quantity is my motto. We opt for timeless style that will outlast trends and quality that will sustain for years. Fast fashion creates enormous amounts of waste every year because of the changing fads and their low production costs. Investing in clothing items that are produced in smaller quantities and made to last for years will not only cut down on waste, but will serve your wardrobe too!

2. Educate Yourself (and others)

There’s nothing like the power of knowledge to stop you in your tracks. When you watch handfuls of plastic being pulled out of a bird’s stomach, as in Craig Leeson’s A Plastic Ocean, you just don’t forget it. 

Learning what’s really going on with the world’s ecosystems will open your eyes in an irreversible way. It’s the beginning of taking responsibility for our part in the decimation of wildlife, and it might just make you think twice about buying that plastic water bottle.

Documentaries are a powerful (and easy!) way to learn about what’s happening. Two more of my favorites are David Attenbourough: A Life on Our Planet and Tom Beard’s The Year Earth Changed, about the global lockdown’s impact on nature. A truly remarkable watch! 

And as you’re working to consume less, start learning about what you’re consuming and how it affects animals and the planet.

When you come across good quality, eco-friendly products—share them with your friends. That’s what I did to celebrate Earth Day last month, and so many others began sharing their favorite products too. You can watch my favorite green products for home, beauty and business on my IG TV channel.

3. Get Up Close and (make it) Personal

Be a tourist! The best way to support the conservation of wildlife is to contribute to the organizations who are protecting them through tourism. Sustainable tourism is a huge portion of the budget for so many conservancies and organizations.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy relies on visitors to their beautiful lodges to support the protection of the black rhinos, Grévy’s zebras, elephants and other wildlife who live on the landscape.

And with the continuing effects of the pandemic, Lewa and other organizations that are central to the region’s economy have been forced to make devastating cuts to their budgets. The halt of international travel and tourism has affected their ability to continue their vital work in all the robust ways they normally do. 

As you’re planning travel for this year and the next, consider making a (bucket list!) trip to Kenya to stay at Lewa, the Giraffe Manor, or Bushtops Safari Camps (pictured above) to see the wildlife for yourself.

There is truly nothing like seeing these majestic creatures first-hand to understand how precious they are. And how much they deserve our protection.

Plan a safari, pack your bags and go see them for yourself. Using the “vote” of your dollar to support the life-preserving work of the world’s best conservancies is a powerful way to spread awareness.

4. Be a Safe Haven

You don’t have to look any further than your own backyard (or patio!) for a potential wildlife habitat.

No, I’m not talking about inviting zebras and cheetah into your yard! But I am talking about creating a safe haven for the local pollinators, birds and other creatures that may find their way to you. 

Last year, after reading Nature’s Best Hope,  I was inspired to make my own, small balcony a little reserve. During quarantine, we bought milkweeds from our local nursery and set them out on the balcony. Within a week, we had tiny caterpillar eggs on the leaves, and shortly after—butterflies. 

It was a thrilling way to support threatened Monarch butterflies and to see the powerful transformation of nature first hand. 

Another way to make your space wildlife-friendly is to stop using pesticides and herbicides. They are one of the primary killers of bees, one of our most vital pollinators in maintaining ecological balance. Make your yard bee-friendly with natural alternatives like distilled vinegar or mulching with compost to suppress weeds.

Pesticides and herbicides are not only dangerous for plants, animals and insects. But they’re dangerous to your health as well. Create a bio-friendly environment by keeping them out of your yard and your home.

5. Double Your Gift

One of the easiest ways to raise awareness of endangered species is to give a gift that embodies that awareness.

We all have that friend, colleague or family member who has everything. The one that’s so hard to shop for at Christmas. In cases like that, I’ve found that the best gifts have impact in the world.

Through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, you can “adopt” an orphan elephant in someone’s honor. Sharing the rescue story of an orphan elephant and inviting someone into their particular challenge is a personalized way to make someone aware of the threats to wild elephants.

At Render Loyalty, your purchase of a fine art print directly supports our conservation partners. Your lion-loving friend will be delighted to know that 20% of the “Soulful Stare” print you give her will be directly donated to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

There may come a day, in our lifetimes, when it’s not possible to see an elephant in the wild.

You can share the story of the brave Lionheart, Luggard, who recently passed away, by giving his portrait to the “Tiny Trumpeter” in your life. Your gift will bring hope and rehabilitation to other orphan elephants, while spreading the word about the help that’s needed. 

There are so many other opportunities to give a beautiful gift that also brings awareness to the plight of wildlife. Double the impact of a gift you already plan to give by choosing a gift that spreads awareness.

6. Speak Up

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Speaking up for those without a voice is one of the most important ways to spread awareness for endangered wildlife. It is up to us to speak for those who can’t.

And what better time than Endangered Species Day? 

Choose your favorite wild animal and find out what their conservation status is.

Are they Vulnerable?
Endangered?
Critically endangered?

So many species are quietly slipping away without notice, and it’s up to us to decide they are worth saving and to speak up on their behalf.

Repost one of the graphics above to raise awareness for endangered species everywhere. And share something about your favorite species with your friends, co-workers or followers. 

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Ultimately, the responsibility is on us.

What world do you want to leave to our children and their children?
Do we want majestic animals, big and small, to become fairy tales that we tell them?
Or do we want them to be able to learn about and see them firsthand? 

We all have the power to be part of changing the course of where we’re headed.

Learn more about our wildlife conservation project Render Loyalty here. And if you’re looking to support an organization, consider donating to the Endangered Species Coalition.