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Animal sponsorship -

One of the best ways of helping an injured, traumatized, or orphaned animal is to symbolically adopt or sponsor it. Here are some of the benefits of doing so.

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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center -

Rescue centers and wildlife refuges around the world depend on donations to run efficiently and successfully. Many animals in their care are available for sponsorship. For example, the Wildlife Alliance operates the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center in Cambodia. Among the threatened species housed there is a Sunda pangolin called Raya.

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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center -

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center also looks after Chhouk, an Asian elephant. By sponsoring animals like Raya and Chhouk, you're effectively donating funds to help provide for their upkeep. In return, and depending on the amount donated, a sponsor receives a personalized sponsorship certificate, a fact sheet about their animal, plus regular updates on their welfare.

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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center -

The higher the level of sponsorship, the greater the rewards. For example, top-tier sponsors can also expect an additional secret sponsorship, plus e-newsletters and VIP invites to virtual events.

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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center -

Many of the animals at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center are at risk of extinction. Which makes sponsoring PopPork, a beautiful clouded leopard, just that little bit more special.

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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center -

Like many of her friends at the center, Pote Leen, a binturong, is among those listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center -

Likewise, the pileated gibbon is listed as Endangered. But you can also sponsor this pretty primate, whose name is Preah.

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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center -

All three river otter species are native to Cambodia, and all are listed as Vulnerable or Endangered on the IUCN Red List. But get this! You can sponsor an entire family of these loveable creatures.

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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center -

Remember: when we think of animals, that includes birds, too. The great hornbill is a magnificent species, and you can sponsor Joa. He's actually being cared for at the center's Wildlife Release Station in the Cardamom Mountains.

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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center -

Listed as Vulnerable, the sun bear is the smallest member of the bear family. Micah, a young and lively sun bear cub, is also housed at the Wildlife Release Station, and can also be sponsored.

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WWF's Campaign for Europe's Carnivores -

Elsewhere, the Iberian lynx is the world's most endangered feline species. While direct sponsorship of this rare and graceful cat is impractical, you can help by donating to the World Wildlife Fund's Campaign for Europe's Carnivores.

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Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Sanctuary -

Very often animals available for sponsorship are victims of the exotic pet trade who've been rescued and rehoused. The Texas-based Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation (WRR) Sanctuary cares for a number of species, including spider monkeys, natives of the tropical forests of Central and South America.

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Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Sanctuary -

Other primates at the sanctuary number a troop of capuchin monkeys, some of which were held and used in laboratories. Donations received at WRR help towards the upkeep of facilities and the provision of food.

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Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles -

The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles in California specializes in the rescue and veterinary and husbandry care of a range of animals, among them seals and sea lions. Ways of helping include symbolically adopting a seal pup.

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World Wildlife Fund -

Sponsoring or adopting an animal literally helps bring the natural world back to life. It also makes a fantastic gift for animal lovers in your life. The World Wildlife Fund has a presence around the globe and provides a number of donation options for both kids and grown-ups.

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World Wildlife Fund -

Adopting an animal through the WWF helps restore precious habitats and protects the wildlife that relies on them. The range of adoption animals is varied and includes emperor and Adélie penguins.

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World Wildlife Fund -

One of the most iconic creatures on Earth is the orangutan. All three orangutan species are considered critically endangered. By adopting one of these majestic beasts, sponsors receive a WWF certificate, welcome pack, and a monthly update. The funds help towards tree planting, and protecting and restoring rain forests.

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World Wildlife Fund -

By adopting a polar bear with the WWF, sponsors are making sure the Arctic food chain stays healthy. By extension, the rapid loss of sea ice is also highlighted.

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World Wildlife Fund -

Over three million animal species live in the Amazon rain forest, and over 2,500 tree species (or one-third of all tropical trees that exist on the planet) help to create and sustain this vibrant ecosystem. But his fragile habitat is under severe threat. By sponsoring a jaguar, the WWF receives additional backing to help fund projects to work with local communities to monitor jaguar movements and help protect their ever-decreasing range.

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World Wildlife Fund -

Another big cat that benefits from WWF donations is the rare amur leopard. As little as 120 of these critically endangered felines remain in the wild.

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World Wildlife Fund -

Six of the seven species of marine turtles are at risk of extinction. Funds raised through sponsorship and adoption allow the WWF to concentrate efforts on protecting hatchlings and monitor turtle movements.

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World Wildlife Fund -

Like us, the mountain gorilla is susceptible to respiratory diseases. The money raised by adopting one of these truly magnificent beasts goes towards combating illness as well as helping in the fight against poaching and addressing human-gorilla conflict.

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World Wildlife Fund -

Poaching has decimated rhinoceros numbers to the point where this ancient species is practically on its knees. The black rhino, for example, is critically endangered. By choosing to adopt a rhino, sponsors are helping to fund anti-poaching patrols. Donations also impact the illegal trade in rhino horn.

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Shark Trust -

The UK-based Shark Trust runs an scheme whereby sponsors can adopt a "High Sea Hero Shark"—a hammerhead perhaps, or a blue shark—as part of its Big Shark Pledge campaign. Adopting a great white shark, meanwhile, supports vital research into this majestic but much maligned fish in the United States.

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Wildlife at Risk -

Wildlife at Risk is based in Vietnam. Its sponsorship program provides an opportunity for individuals, families, and companies to support a number of different initiatives ranging from food sponsorship to engaging in biodiversity survey programs. Sponsors can also choose a name for an individual animal.

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Oceanic Society -

Back on the water, the Oceanic Society based in California operates a symbolic whale adoption program. The non-profit organization encourages individual as well as corporate sponsorship of these gentle giants, all of whom have been named. Every cent supports their ocean conservation initiatives.

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American Bald Eagle Foundation -

If you have an affinity with one particular wildlife species, why not make it personal? Admirers of the national bird of the United States can sponsor one of these awesome raptors at the Alaska-based American Bald Eagle Foundation. In exchange for a donation, sponsors receive a gift pack the contents of which are enhanced the greater the amount given. Funds received go towards conserving the birds and their habitat.

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National Wildlife Association -

Another iconic North American species, the wood bison is one many animals whose welfare benefits from the National Wildlife Association's donation program. The association works in all 50 states. It also operates internationally pursuing environmental justice for communities that have been impacted the most by discriminatory practices.

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The Wildlife Trusts -

Sponsoring an animal can begin in your own back yard by opting to donate a small amount to help protect and preserve local wildlife. The UK-based Wildlife Trusts care for a range of birds and animals, as well as marine mammals, all of which can be sponsored.

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The Wildlife Trusts -

The Wildlife Trusts are in fact a movement of 24 trusts spread across the United Kingdom as independent charities. Monies raised go towards conservation work, such as managing nature reserves or creating new habitats, as well as highlighting climate change through seminars and workshops.

Sources: (Center for Animal Research and Education) (Wildlife Alliance) (IUCN Red List) (Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation) (Marine Mammal Care Los Angeles) (World Wildlife Fund) (Greenpeace) (Shark Trust) (Wildlife at Risk) (Oceanic Society) (American Bald Eagle Foundation) (National Wildlife Association) (The Wildlife Trusts)

See also: Beautiful wildlife driven to extinction

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