They need you today, Friend

Today is World Animal Day. Donate to protect lions, other threatened wildlife, and wild places around the world. | View online.

Hi Friend, Today is World Animal Day, so we're doubling down on our commitment to protect threatened animals and preserve wild places for the wildlife that depend on them. Sadly, lions, elephants, and so many other species all over the world are being pushed out of their native ranges and threatened with extinction. A National Geographic explorer shared just one distressing example of the problem: new research shows that poachers are killing Mozambique's few remaining wild lions, heartlessly removing their faces and paws for sale in Asia. Limpopo National Park is a hot spot for this type of poaching. The surge in demand for lion parts has decimated their numbers in the region. National Geographic Explorer and Big Cats Initiative grantee Kris Everatt, who has been researching the lion population there, has not seen a live lion in over a year. That's why—with the help of National Geographic Society donors—Kris and the Greater Limpopo Carnivore Program are launching an urgent response to protect what's left of Mozambique's lion population: the Limpopo Lion Protection Unit. Starting this fall, this project will employ local rangers to patrol poaching areas and stop poachers before they kill any more lions. And by stopping poachers, they'll also be helping preserve the habitat for other wildlife. This urgent project, like all of the work we support, depends on the generosity of our donors. For World Animal Day, donate $10 or more to help save lions, cheetahs, and other threatened species and the critical habitats they call home.

Friend, your support this World Animal Day will help keep lions alive and protect their habitat. As dire as the situation is in Mozambique, it's just one example of the challenges lions and other big cats face. Along with habitat loss, poaching, hunting, and retaliatory attacks are all major threats to some of the most majestic creatures on Earth. That's why, with our donors, the National Geographic Society is supporting more than 700 projects in 147 countries to conserve and protect wildlife and the habitats they call home. We can save the lions of Mozambique, other imperiled wildlife, and the habitats they need, but only with your help. Make a tax-deductible gift of $10 or more this World Animal Day. Thanks, as always, for your support. Sincerely, Sarah Stallings Senior Director, Annual Giving

Photo by Michael Nichols/National Geographic Creative You may not be able to save the whole world, but you can make a difference in your own backyard by planting a garden with native plants to provide sustainable habitat for local pollinators and other wildlife. The National Geographic Society is a nonprofit organization driven by the belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The generosity of individuals like YOU helps us push the boundaries of knowledge through our work in conservation, discovery, education, and cultural preservation. When you donate, you make what we do possible. To ensure that you receive your National Geographic emails, please add ng@e.nationalgeographic.com to your address book now. Learn how. Contact Us | About Us | Privacy Policy National Geographic Society | 1145 17th Street N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20036