Wildlife in 2016

This 2014 video is called Brazil Wildlife National Geographic Episode 1.

From the Wildlife Conservation Society in the USA:

Dear Friend of WCS,

I look back with great pride on this year’s wins for wildlife: the establishment of new protected areas around the world; a historic transect of the Madidi National Park in Bolivia; eight nations taking a stand for elephants with the destruction of ivory; and China and the United States taking action to close ivory markets. Our WCS team works each day to achieve victories like these, which would not be possible without your support.

I can’t help but be overwhelmed with optimism for the coming months. I asked some of my colleagues and friends to share what they are most enthusiastic about for year ahead.

“Why are you optimistic about wildlife conservation in 2016?”

Joel Berger, WCS Beringia Program (Arctic)

“My optimism for 2016 could not be greater. Here, on the Roof of the World (Tibetan Plateau) and in the Gobi Desert, we have little-known icons that inspire and whose successes need to be told and re-told. There are wild yaks and kyang. There are chiru and saiga and argali. And, despite challenges, there are reasons to celebrate as the establishment of core protected areas from Mongolia to western China is enabling wildlife to multiply and expand.”

Stacy Jupiter, Director of WCs Melanesia Program

“On a recent expedition in Solomon Islands, I was overjoyed to find thriving coral reef communities with healthy populations of reef fish that are depleted in most other places of the Pacific. In 2016, WCS will expand its newly developing Solomon Islands program to work with local communities to ensure these resources are protected for future generations.”

Paul P. Calle, WCS Chief Veterinarian

“The revolutionary changes in the use of RNA and DNA for diagnostics have made it possible to almost immediately obtain laboratory results in the field. In 2016 we are excited to be able to deploy these technologies throughout the world in our conservation programs.”

Katie Dolan, WCS Trustee

“Online shark conservation programs for local teachers; 5K runs at the Bronx Zoo; an ivory crush in Times Square; mesmerizing animal images on the new WCS website; a report showing coral reefs with numerous species are more resilient: all hopeful signs that WCS is building a powerful movement to save wildlife, now and in the future.”

Julie L. Kunen, Executive Director of WCS Latin America and Caribbean program

“Because of the broad coalition we’ve built of over 20 institutions in 3 countries in support of our Amazon Waters Initiative, I’m optimistic that in 2016 we can more effectively conserve the world’s greatest and most diverse freshwater system.”

Antonia M. Grumbach, WCS Chair of the Board

“As we approach the reopening of the renovated New York Aquarium, and the opening of the new Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit, I look forward to the Aquarium’s transformation into an even stronger beacon of education and conservation. This new Aquarium will give our visitors a greater appreciation of the marine world which surrounds New York City.”

Cristian Samper, WCS President and CEO

As for me, I am encouraged by the growing collective understanding of why wildlife conservation matters, and the willingness by governments and people to promote sustainable development. The results of the Paris climate talks last month signal a commitment by governments and the private sector to change business as usual. I see all of this helping to influence the actions of my two young children, and children worldwide, who are ready to advocate for wildlife. We work every day to make their dream a reality, and we could not do it without your support.

Thank you for all that you do for wildlife, and best wishes for the year ahead.

Cristián Samper

President & CEO