World Lion Day 2020 is the Day to Give! I first published this post in 2015, and sadly, the plight of our lions is even worse than it was then. Please learn about our endangered lions and give generously to National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative.
From the Official Website of the UN World Wildlife Day: “On 20 December 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3 March, the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. The UNGA resolution also designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN calendar. World Wildlife Day has now become the most important global annual event dedicated to wildlife.
World Wildlife Day will be celebrated in 2018 under the theme “Big cats: predators under threat”.
I am so fortunate that I have had the opportunity to see big cats in the wild. Not everyone gets that chance, but everyone can help! Here are some suggestions to help protect threatened big cats!
SIGN A PETITION TO INDONESIA ASKING THAT SUMATRA, HOME TO MANY ENDANGERED SPECIES, BE PROTECTED INSTEAD OF TURNED INTO PALM OIL PLANATATIONS! https://www.change.org/p/protect-elephant-tiger-and-orangutan-habitats-in-sumatra
SPEAK WITH YOUR DOLLARS. 10 REASONS TO SKIP YOUR NEXT ZOO VISIT.
DID YOU KNOW THAT TEXAS HAS THE LARGEST POPULATION OF EXOTIC (WILD) PETS? WILD ANIMALS ARE SUPPOSED TO LIVE IN THE WILD. DO NOT CONTRIBUTE IN ANY WAY TO THE EXOTIC PET TRADE! What happens to these poor animals when their novelty wears off? Or when they are imported so rich people can say they shot a lion? http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/fatal-attractions/lists/facts-exotic-pet-trade/
Donate to:
World Wildlife Fund at https://www.worldwildlife.org/?utm_campaign=301-redirects&utm_source=wwf.org&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=wwf.org
Big Cats Initiative: https://donate.nationalgeographic.org/17-bc-adw?gclid=Cj0KCQiAieTUBRCaARIsAHeLDCThxcpiv7jYRhRu_urhAlVkOOUgzBCdrzPzd0SIUixwZNZxE36wdGkaAovPEALw_wcB
Cheetah Conservation Fund: https://cheetah.org/
Wild Conservation Society: https://www.wcs.org/our-work/wildlife/big-cats
You would also enjoy: http://tamtravels.wpengine.com/5-wonderful-things-can-help-earth-earth-day/
Do you love animals? The ocean? Terra Firma? Do you have a conservationist in your family or friend group? If so, consider these gifts which will not only please the recipient, but give a priceless gift to our fellow creatures. Did you watch RACING EXTINCTION last night on Discovery? It premiered, and it has the power to change the terrible outcome that awaits us and future generations. What one thing can YOU do to help? #STARTWITH1THING
It takes one small thing to start a revolution. What will you do to help?
How about adopting something really BIG??? Like a Whale Shark or a Manta Ray? The person it is gifted to can name it as well, and sightings of the animal will be reported to them! check out http://www.marinemegafauna.org/support-us/adopt-a-giant/! The team at Marine Megafauna knows how to give a BIG gift opportunity! Here is my BIG girl! 
Daenerys Targaryen, the Stormborn, Princess of Dragonstone, Queen of the Andals and First Men, Queen of the 7 Kingdoms, the Unburnt, and Mother of Dragons! We just call her Dany for short!
I was given the wonderful gift of naming this beautiful Manta in the Revillagigadoes Islands. The Manta had not been seen since 2003 until I photographed it in 2012 and turned put it in the database for the Pacific Manta Research Group. I decided on JEDI with the help of Karey Kumli at the Pacific Manta Research Group! I had two names, and Karey said “I like Jedi, it has a positive and powerful message. Keepers of Peace & Justice in the galaxy.” Isn’t that what we are trying for? Peace and Justice for the creatures that populate the earth?
JEDI
Manatees and Dugongs are endangered by humans and their boats. They are such sweet, friendly creatures. Remember them this holiday season! Donate here: https://secure3.4agoodcause.com/save-the-manatee-club/gift.aspx?id=2 or adopt one!
A Little Fun Rolling in Crystal River, FL
Join the fight for a healthy ocean and ecosystem! Join the Ocean Conservancy! http://www.oceanconservancy.org/the-ocean-matters/
Let’s not forget our other friends: African animals http://www.africanwildlifeconservationfund.org/
With the death of Cecil and so many other lions, they have become critically endangered. Can you imagine a world without Big Cats? I can’t. Help by High Five Give Five! http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/big-cats-initiative/get-involved/
Black Rhinos are almost extinct in the wild…and the Northern White Rhino is on the verge. There are three left in the wild. Yes, only three. They are in such desperate shape. They truly need all the help they can get. http://www.savetherhino.org/
and don’t forget Pelagic Life, http://www.pelagiclife.org. From studying animals to assisting sharks who have been “hooked”, this group is always active in the cause of saving our Pelagic Life. Nurture YOUR soul in the open ocean!
Give a gift of life and conservation for the holidays, and help humans preserve not only wildlife, but ourselves.
PS: Please don’t forget when you travel, fly airlines that do not carry endangered species cargo. American Airlines just announced it will no longer carry shark fins as cargo! They join, just to name a few, Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Jet Airways, and United Airlines. Many, many carriers are joining the crusade to stop transporting ivory, rhino horns, shark fins, manta fins, sea turtles and other endangered species parts. Choose your airlines and hotels and even shipping companies based on this kind of criteria. If they contribute to the shark fin trade, do not fly them. And let them know why you won’t fly them. Use social media to chastise any transport of these endangered species parts!
Happy Holidays to one and all! Let’s all help make this a friendlier planet!
