50 simple actions you can take to help animals

Written by Lizzie Daly, wildlife biologist, explorer, and presenter 

Nature needs us now more than ever.  

Across the globe, wildlife is in crisis. The problems we’re confronted with are urgent and complicated: climate change, the biodiversity crisis, habitat loss, disrupted ecosystems, and dwindling species.  

What we need to see now is a global, collaborative effort—a rallying cry to protect and restore nature, with animals and people at its heart. Every action you take, be it big or small, contributes to a brighter future. I know that you, like me, want to play your part.  

The new Actions for Animals guide features a list of 50 simple actions that anyone can perform to help animals survive and thrive, and to foster peaceful coexistence between animals and people. The actions draw on expertise within IFAW and dedicated individuals within the global conservation and animal welfare community.

Here’s a sneak peek of a few of the actions you’ll find in the guide. 

1.      Rewild your garden

By allowing even a small section of your garden to return to its wild side, you’ll be actively creating a whole new ecosystem by simply letting it grow.
 
Initiatives like Plantlife’s ‘No Mow May’ highlight the importance of making space for nature to thrive in our gardens. By keeping part of your garden wild, pollinators will soon set up camp. Wildflowers provide a feast for pollinators, tackle pollution, and lock away atmospheric carbon below ground. 

2.      Clean your bird feeders

Nature needs help with the washing up too—especially during the summer months, when risk of infection is far higher among birds. Keep an eye on feed levels, and when topping up, be sure to empty and clean thoroughly (taking appropriate personal hygiene precautions) before refilling. 
 
It’s also recommended that you move your feeder each month to avoid an accumulation of droppings. 

3.      Join a community beach clean

Litter from all over the world can wash up on our beaches, making this a truly global action. 
 
Every year, Surfers Against Sewage host their Million Mile Clean, which brings local communities together to tackle plastic pollution head-on. With the obvious benefits of doing your part for nature, you also have the chance to breathe in some fresh sea air whilst making new friends in your community. 

4.      Be a responsible tourist

According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), ecotourism can be defined as ‘responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education’.

When booking your next adventure, make sure you do your research into what activities will support local businesses and the community as well as animals. Don’t ride elephants, swim with captive dolphins, or pose with a chained primate.  

5.      Support our vital work

By donating to IFAW, you’re actively supporting our tireless work to create a better future for people and animals. 

Interested in attending this year’s Animal Action Awards? To be entered into a random drawing, send us an email at brand@ifaw.org with a subject line of ‘AAA tickets’. Ten lucky people will each receive a complimentary ticket to the awards ceremony (travel not included).