Defend
Wildlife

For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters.

Join Us Donate

We are closer than you think

From the beginning, America was shaped by the wild. Together, we must fight to protect the animals and lands we all love, while we still can.

Grizzly bears fishing for salmon katmai national park in alaska

What tracks will you leave behind?

Learn how you can leave a lasting mark on wildlife by designating us in your will, making a gift through your retirement account, and more.

Who We Are

For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters.

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

Bison at sunrise in Yellowstone National Park

Wildlife Needs You

Save wildlife from extinction

Create your fundraiser for wildlife

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