US polling data on protecting animals and nature

The United States has some of the world’s strongest federal policies for protecting wildlife, like the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, but they are not impervious. Animal protection is decided by policy at every level of government, and can be strengthened or weakened by our elected leaders. That’s why it is vital to understand the values of the American people—our beliefs have an impact on the decisions made and the actions taken by officials.

To do this, IFAW conducted online surveys of people’s opinions across a range of wildlife issues. The most recent 2025 survey confirmed what we see every day in our work to improve animal welfare: Americans across the political spectrum support policies that protect animals and the environment and want federal leaders to prioritize wildlife conservation both at home and abroad.

Methodology

This survey was conducted online by Beekeeper Group from June 26 to July 3, 2025, using a sample of 2,004 male, female, and non-binary adults aged 18+ from across the US. The overall sample was split into two groups, A and B. The results were weighted to ensure proportional responses. The Bayesian confidence interval for 2,000 interviews is 2.4, which is roughly equivalent to a margin of error of ±2.1 at the 95% confidence level. Results might not add up to 100% due to rounding.

General opinion

Americans are concerned about the environment, the welfare of animals, and conserving nature. 72% say they’re more likely to support a candidate for political office who backs protections for threatened and endangered species—far fewer say the same of a candidate focused on protecting the rights of hunters or economic developers.

This matters. It means there is a clear public mandate for conservation—not just for nature’s sake, but as a political and moral priority for voters.

A strong majority of Americans are concerned about the environment (81%), the welfare of animals (81%), and conserving and protecting nature (81%).
72% of people would be more likely to support a candidate running for political office who supports protecting threatened and endangered species. In contrast, only 47% of Americans would support a candidate who protects the rights of hunters and economic developers.
7 in 10 (70%) people believe it is a good idea to factor the value of nature into government decisions.
82% of respondents believe the protection of imperiled species of animals and plants is important to people living in the US, and 80% believe the overall diversity of animals and plant life is important to people living in the US.

54% of voters oppose the Trump Administration cutting staff at national parks and other agencies that oversee wildlife and natural resources.

Why it matters

At a time when environmental protections are being rolled back, this survey offers something rare: clarity, consensus, and hope.

Americans overwhelmingly believe in the power of protecting nature. They support conservation, global cooperation, and bold action. They want policies that prioritize compassion, not cruelty. And they’re ready to back leaders, companies, and organizations who share those values.

We carry this knowledge into every conversation with policymakers, partners, and supporters. Because when it comes to protecting animals and the people who live alongside them, the American public is not divided—they are united.

Endangered Species Act

Americans feel it is important that the US focus on protecting endangered species from becoming extinct. Most support the objectives of the US Endangered Species Act (ESA), a federal policy which allows federal agencies to designate species as “threatened” or “endangered” and implement measures to protect them from extinction.

Most Americans believe the law is working, and that number rises even more among those who are familiar with the ESA, demonstrating that awareness of policy improves understanding of its impacts.

Put simply: Americans back nature-focused, habitat-driven solutions to stop extinction—and they want those protections upheld.

Nearly 8 out of 10 (78%) people support the objectives of the US Endangered Species Act (ESA) that allows federal agencies to designate species as “threatened” or “endangered” and implement measures to protect those species from becoming extinct.
84% of Americans feel it is important that the US focus on protecting endangered species from becoming extinct in the US and around the world.
64% of Americans believe the ESA has been successful in its goals to protect imperiled animals and plants from becoming extinct, while only 15% believe it not successful. Those familiar with the ESA were more likely to believe it successful: 89% of people familiar with the ESA believe it successful.
69% of respondents support the ESA’s ability to protect habitats for certain imperiled species to help ensure their survival.

International conservation

The US has long been a leader in international conservation. While that legacy is threatened by budget cuts and cancelled programs, The numbers show Americans do support global programs funding wildlife conservation.

As an organization working in over 40 countries, we know just how critical US support is. It funds ranger patrols, combats wildlife trafficking, and helps protect species that know no borders.

Three quarters of Americans (75%) support US funding of wildlife conservation in other countries.
71% of voters support federal funding for international wildlife conservation. 32% believe that the level of funding prior to recent cuts to federal programs and foreign aid (0.01% of the annual federal budget) is adequate, while 39% believe it should be increased from that level.
Only 40% of respondents support the Trump Administration’s policy of cancelling or pausing foreign assistance that supports wildlife conservation and efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. 46% oppose this decision.

Marine Mammal Protection Act

Public concern for marine mammals is strong, with the majority saying it’s important to protect them under federal law and funding. And it doesn’t stop there—Americans expect industry to play its part in protecting vulnerable species.

8 in 10 Americans (82%) feel it is important for marine mammals to be protected under federal law, with 51% of respondents classifying it as “very important.”
80% of people think it is important to provide funding to NOAA in its implementation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
80% of people feel it is important to protect the North Atlantic right whale, with 49% of respondents classifying it as “very important.”
75% of Americans would support a company who proactively takes measures to reduce the risk of killing or seriously injuring a right whale, even if it means their good may arrive slower.

Primate safety

Most Americans support a strict federal ban on keeping primates as pets, largely due to concerns about animal welfare, public safety, and the illegal wildlife trade. At IFAW, we know these practices cause immense suffering—and often fuel broader threats like trafficking and ecosystem decline.

55% of people support a federal ban on keeping primate species as pets.
The highest ranked arguments in support of a primate ban are:
Keeping primates as pets contributes to illegal wildlife trafficking
Primates require things private homes can't typically provide
Primates have attacked people

Poisons

The majority of Americans oppose the use of poisons like cyanide to kill wild animals, citing unnecessary cruelty and the availability of better alternatives. Public opinion is clear that humane solutions are not only possible; they’re necessary.

52% of people oppose the use of poisons, such as cyanide, to kill wild animals, while only 38% support their use.
The highest ranked arguments against poisons are:
Poisons are not needed due to alternative management methods that don't cause harm.
Poisons cause suffering