Defend
Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife, a national, non-partisan organization that for more than 75 years has been the leading voice for the conservation of imperiled wildlife and habitat across North America.

Join Us Donate

Learn about wildlife

Love animals? We do too. Read fun facts, news, and dive deeper into wildlife education with our experts.

Speak out for wildlife

Discover how you can protect wildlife and wild places. Be a voice for the voiceless to make a difference today.

Who We Are

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife is the premier U.S.-based national conservation organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of imperiled species and their habitats in North America.

What We Do

Just as our name says – we defend wildlife. Our team of policy, legal, science and advocacy experts work at every level to transform policies and craft solutions for wildlife.

Why It Matters

Up to a million species are facing extinction - some within the next decade - unless we take immediate action to save them. We envision a future where diverse wildlife populations are secure and thriving.

Our Impact

In the Courts

We have been at the forefront of wildlife and natural resource litigation and policy since the organization's inception in 1947.

On the Hill

We engage actively on Capitol Hill to defend wildlife and wild places from legislative attacks and secure new wildlife conservation initiatives.

Defenders of Wildlife staff releasing black-footed ferret into its habitat

DOW

On the Ground

We work on the ground at the state, tribal and local level developing practical, innovative programs that protect and restore imperiled species and their habitats.

Ray Hennessey/Unsplash

A lynx in Denali National Park and Preserve watches intently.

Ken Conger/NPS

Justin Grubb/Running Wild Media

Polar Bear Mother with Two Cubs on Ice Floe

Josef Friedhuber/iStockphoto

Wildlife Needs You

Protect wildlife on public lands

Oppose the "Extinction Act"

Oppose logging in wildlife habitat

Protect the Arctic

View all actions

Liz Julian/USFWS

Make a Difference

for Wildlife.

FEATURED VICTORY: With the support of donor dollars, we helped save The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge – home to over 1,000 species, and a jewel of the Refuge System – from being destroyed by massive mining operations.

One-time donation Monthly donation