support vanishing wildlife ... where to start?

June 9, 2005 6:22 PM

I'm would like to help support vanishing wildlife and ecosystems - I am already a sierra club and NRDC member, but I would like to do some more localized giving perhaps to the gorilla fund, or jane goodall ...

wondering if members have suggestions for other organizations working to protect vanishing wildlife and eco-systems that may be even more in need of help? suggestions? thanks in advance.

posted by specialk420 to science & nature (6 comments total)

I don't know where you live, but this one might interest you. Were excited here that Donna Frye might be our next mayor.
posted by snsranch at 7:25 PM on June 9, 2005

The Forest Foundation might be interesting to you. They are linked with an older organization, Forests of the World, which helps market fairly-traded goods from places with endangered ecosystems and high biodiversity. The Foundation is non-profit, but not Forests of the World.

The basic idea is to invest in non-destructive enterprises so people don't have to cut down forests in order to make a decent living.

Disclosure - I have contracted for both organizations.
posted by amtho at 7:59 PM on June 9, 2005

In 1996 I traveled in Southern Africa with my girlfriend at the time, who is a Zambian citizen. We visited the Chimfunshi Chimpanzee Orphanage deep in the bush in Northern Zambia.

The Siddle's live very modestly. They have dedicated all their resources to rescuing these chimps, and they have done a tremendous job of it. Any money you donate to Chimfunshi will go directly to saving Chimpanzees, with very little overhead.

If you want a more direct experience, you can go visit. I can tell you that playing with 2 year old chimps in the woods will be one of the more special experiences of your life.
posted by alms at 9:00 PM on June 9, 2005

For info about a handful of endangered species, allow me to recommend Another Chance To See, a blog maintained by a fan of the late Douglas Adams, who with Mark Carwardine wrote the highly entertaining Last Chance to See.

As I recall from his book tour lecture, Mr Adams was especially concerned about the fate of the rhinocerous; his memorial website links to Save the Rhino.
posted by skyboy at 5:27 AM on June 10, 2005

The Futenma-Henoko Action Network is working to save an endangered coral reef in Okinawa which is home to tons of species, but especially the culturally significant and critically endangered dugong.

There are only about 50 dugong left in Okinawa, the only such animals in all of Japan. Besides being ecologically significant, the dugong plays a key role in Ryukyuan/Okinawan culture.

Their website has several action steps, but they are fundraising to get a documentary made. You can donate here if you like.
posted by jeffmshaw at 6:37 AM on June 10, 2005

thanks guys.

great suggestions.
posted by specialk420 at 7:44 AM on June 10, 2005