Snow Leopard Trust as The Champion of the Snow Leopard

When it comes to championing the cause of the snow leopard, the Snow Leopard Trust is the most respected, not to mention that it is also the oldest and largest organization solely dedicated to the protection of the snow leopard, an endangered species living in 12 countries across Central Asia. The non-profit, Seattle-based organization is known simply as The Trust in the industry.

Founded by Helen Elaine Freeman in 1981, The Trust started as an organization dedicated to the helping people share their habitat with the snow leopards by improving their standard of living. In exchange, the local people will protect the animals and their habitat. Freeman’s desire to protect the snow leopards had its seeds when she worked as a volunteer at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, where she learned of the endangered animals’ plight.

The Trust implements several conservation programs including scientific research projects, community-centered conservation projects, and collaborative partnerships among snow leopard support groups and experts. Such a comprehensive approach to animal conservation has resulted in several notable achievements including the increase in the population of the snow leopards in their natural habitats.

The Trust largely relies on the donations made by individuals, foundations, and grant-making organizations as well as on product sales via its ecommerce site. Zoos and conservation organizations are also among its strongest supporters. Such is its reputation for fiscal accountability, responsibility, and transparency that it has been rated as a 4-star charitable organization by Charity Navigator, among other ranking agencies.

The Trust is also a member of several conservation-focused organizations. These include the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the International Species Information System (ISIS), the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), and Co-Op America.

The Trust’s efforts are currently focused on five countries, namely, India, China, Pakistan, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan. Its men and women carry out programs in research, conservation, and education.