a message of hope from ifaw President & CEO Azzedine Downes

On behalf of IFAW staff around the world, I want to express how important your well-being is to us at this difficult time. We hope you are staying safe and well, and we wish the same for your animal companions and others who you care about. 

Around the world, we are looking out for one another—for our families, communities, supporters, and animals. As we continue to work together to overcome the challenges that COVID-19 brings, I want you to know that we remain determined and optimistic, united by a mission to create a world where animals and people thrive together. Now more than ever, we are resilient and prepared to help in every way possible. 

We’re disrupting wildlife crime: While the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that wildlife trade is no longer only a conservation issue. The dangers of wildlife trade impact people, our public health, and our global security. IFAW has a long history of disrupting wildlife trafficking and we will continue this mission, along with our other work around the world.  

We’re on standby for disaster: Travel restrictions will prohibit field responses for now. We will evaluate each situation as it emerges and determine the best and safest course of action. Our disaster response team is encouraging families to include pets in their emergency planning. 

We’re continuing to care for individual animals: Caretakers continue to look after the elephants, rhinos, koalas, and other animals undergoing rehabilitation at centers around the globe. In China, four dedicated staff members at our Beijing Raptor Rescue Center have been working around the clock to provide expertise care to injured raptors.  

During this challenging time, IFAW will be sharing information about wildlife trafficking and its connection to COVID-19. Please visit our website and follow our social media accounts for the latest updates. Stay safe and do not lose hope. We are all in this together and we will persevere.  

Sincerely,

Azzedine Downes, President & CEO