Julian Fennessy, Giraffe Conservation Foundation

In April this year (2017), five major wildlife protection groups petitioned the US Fish and Wildlife Service to list the giraffe as an endangered species. Just 97,500 of the animals exist in sub-Saharan Africa today, a drop of almost 40% since 1985. There are now fewer giraffes than elephants in Africa.

Dr. Julian Fennessy, originally from Melbourne, is the Executive Director of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF). Here he speaks about their work to help save this 'most recognizable' yet 'least studied' creature. In the superb Planet Earth Special video below, he takes a bold mission with a determined Ugandan team to round up and move 20 of the world's rarest giraffe across the Nile River.

Willie Smits, Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center

Known for their distinctive red fur, orangutans are the largest arboreal mammal, spending most of their time in trees. These great apes share 96.4% of our genes and are highly intelligent creatures. The Bornean orangutan is now estimated at about 104,700 (Endangered) and the Sumatran about 7,500 (Critically Endangered).

The Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center, located on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi helps rehabilitate young animals who have been torn from their mothers to be sold into the wildlife trade. It was started by Willie Smits who talks below in his 2009 Ted Talk on a blueprint for restoring fragile ecosystems and shares his background as a conservationist, animal rights activist, and social entrepreneur.

Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd

Commercial whaling began in the 1800's and nearly drove some whale species to extinction. Although whaling was banned in 1986 by the International Whaling Commission (IWC), Japan, Norway and Iceland dodge or defy the IWC moratorium. As few as 300 North Atlantic right whales remain; other species vary: 10,000-90,000.

For almost 40 years, Captain Paul Watson has been at the helm of the worlds most active marine protection non-profit organization Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. He talks here on how the oceans are the life-support system for the planet. He leads a movement that seeks to inspire passionate people to harness their courage, imagination and resolve to defend life and biodiversity in our oceans.

WWF: Adopt an Animal

"We protect wildlife because they inspire us".
- Make a symbolic adoption in support of WWF's global efforts to protect wildlife.
- Learn about particular animal species facts and situations . This website is an awesome tool!

Zoos Melbourne - fighting extinction

- See the fabulous National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition. Open till October 1st.
- See these 21 unique animals found only in south-eastern Australia.
- Act for wildlife. Get involved in the Zoo's great campaigns.