Nairobi, Kenya – World Animal Protection is calling for urgent action to safeguard Africa’s wildlife from increasing threats that endanger its survival.
Wild animals across the continent face a growing crisis due to inadequate conservation funding, exploitative wildlife policies, habitat destruction, the legal and illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Experts warn that without immediate intervention, Africa’s unique species may soon be history.
A key concern is the rise of wildlife captive farming for commercial purposes, a practice that not only compromises animal welfare but also accelerates species decline. Conservationists argue that protecting wild animals in their natural habitat is the most effective way to secure their future.
“Our wildlife is under immense pressure. Every year, thousands of wild animals are poached, trafficked, bred, and farmed in cruel conditions,” said Edith Kabesiime, Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection. “We must end this exploitative model that prioritizes profit over animal welfare and instead champion wildlife protection in their natural environments.”
Kabesiime emphasized the urgent need for adequate funding for conservation efforts, stressing that the ecological benefits of wildlife far outweigh short-term financial gains.
Call to Action
World Animal Protection is urging governments, conservation organizations, and communities to take long-term measures to protect Africa’s wildlife:
- Increase conservation funding – Allocate more resources to safeguard natural ecosystems.
- End wildlife exploitation – Raise awareness and push for policy changes to stop the farming, capture, and sale of wild animals.
- Promote human-wildlife coexistence – Implement community-led conservation programs to reduce conflict and involve local populations in wildlife protection.
- Encourage ethical tourism – Support responsible tourism that does not exploit or harm wild animals.
- Strengthen wildlife laws – Enforce stricter penalties for wildlife crimes to dismantle criminal networks.
This appeal comes as the world marks World Wildlife Day on March 3rd, a United Nations initiative to raise awareness on wildlife conservation.
This year’s theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” highlights the need for sustainable funding to protect nature for future generations.
World Animal Protection continues to advocate for urgent, long-term solutions to ensure Africa’s wildlife thrives in the wild, where it belongs.
