WildAid: Coming to the Aid of Wildlife

WildAid, a San Francisco-based environmental organization, has a unique mission – to reduce the worldwide demand for wildlife products. In its efforts to spread the word about its mission, the non-profit organization works with Western and Eastern celebrities as well as business leaders in various industries in dissuading people from the purchase of wildlife products. Among its celebrity ambassadors are Jackie Chan, Yao Ming, Harrison Ford, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Hudson, Jane Goodall, and Amitabh Bachchan.

Aside from these celebrity endorsers, WildAid also maximizes the power of broadcast and social media to spread its message. Its methods of information dissemination and persuasion include educational initiatives and public service announcements, which can reach roughly 1 billion people per week in the Chinese mainland alone.

WildAid also works with national and local governments, local partners and communities, and media organizations with the aim of promoting wildlife conservation as a worldwide priority especially in endangered areas. Its Galapagos Islands-based field program apprehends poachers and smugglers while also providing local communities with alternative sources of livelihood.