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7 Guidelines to Wildlife Conservation Action

7 Guidelines to Wildlife
Conservation Action

With a few simple actions, every one of us can make a difference for wildlife. The conservation actions below are sustainable practices based on Disney's Animal Kingdom's 7 Guidelines to Wildlife Conservation.

Seek out information about conservation issues.

• Read a book about your favorite animal and learn all you can about it
• Subscribe to wildlife conservation magazines like National Geographic World
• Watch wildlife shows on television
• Contact local chapters of conservation groups to find out what they’re doing in your areas
• Obtain a list of endangered plant and animal species from CITES or from your national list

Spread the word to others about the value of wildlife.

• Encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to reduce, reuse, and recycle
• Speak up for wildlife. Let your friends and family know how much you care about animals
• Teach children to respect nature and the environment
• Take children camping, hiking, or on zoo and aquarium trips
• Ensure schools have a balanced environmental education program

Look for and purchase products that are friendly to the environment.

• "Adopt" an animal or habitat as a present for family or friends
• Take a thermos for lunch instead of a juice box to save on packaging
• Shop for school supplies that are made from recycled materials
• Use organic fertilizers
• Don't buy ivory, or other products, made from wild animals
• Purchase shade grown coffee that benefits wildlife by conserving forests

Create habitats for wildlife in your backyard.

• Hang a bird feeder, put out a birdbath, or plant a small tree to show you care for wildlife
• Plant a wildlife garden with flowers that butterflies like
• Help your family build a bat box to eat all the mosquitoes in your backyard
• Create a small pond in your backyard for aquatic wildlife
• Contain domestic pets so they do not disturb wildlife
• Help children discover the many wonders of their backyard, like the tiny world of insects

Reduce, reuses, recycle and replenish.

• Recycle everything you can; newspapers, glass, cans, foil, etc.
• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. This saves precious water
• Ride the bus, the subway, bike or walk to school instead of taking you car -- this saves energy and keeps you fit too!
• Use cold water in the washer whenever possible
• Take unwanted, reusable items to charitable organizations or thrift shops
• Lower your thermostat one degree per hour for every hour that you are away

Choose your pets wisely.

• Leave wild babies where you find them, their mothers can care for them best
• Be a responsible pet owner. Make sure they have food, water, and a safe, comfortable place to live
• Learn everything about the pet you want. Some pets have a very long life span - a tortoise or parrot may live over 100 years!
• Veterinary expenses for wild or exotic pets can be high
• Be sure the pet you choose was not taken from the wild
• Some animals have special care needs; be sure you are aware of these and can provide the care and costs that are required

Support conservation organizations through contributions and volunteerism.

• Join a beach or river clean-up
• Visit a nature park where the money will go to help wildlife
• Join a conservation organization
• Volunteer at your local zoo or nature center
• Contribute dollars to conservation programs

More conservation actions you can take coming soon!