Stopping wildlife trafficking in the United States

A WildAid public opinion survey found that 80% of Americans polled consider themselves wildlife lovers or conservationists. Yet, 4 out of 5 knew little or nothing about wildlife trafficking, even though the United States has one of the largest illegal wildlife markets in the world. In collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, we are working to raise awareness of wildlife trafficking and the impacts it has on endangered species, as well as to reduce demand for illegal wildlife products in the United States.

  • 80%
    Of Americans polled by WildAid in 2016, 80% said they love wildlife.
  • 1 in 5
    Only 1 in 5 Americans are aware of the wildlife trafficking problem in the U.S.
  • 9 tons
    U.S. officials have destroyed nearly 9 tons of seized elephant ivory products at 3 different crush events.

Making an impact

Our public opinion survey discovered that what little Americans knew about wildlife trafficking was limited to elephants, rhinos and tigers. However, illegal wildlife products include jewelry and trinkets made from sea turtle shells and corals. It also includes endangered exotic birds, live reptiles and reptile skins, all of which has been poached from the wild. WildAid’s Stop Wildlife Trafficking campaign aims to educate American travelers so that they do not unknowingly buy products made from endangered species. Campaign billboards can be seen in many major U.S. airports, and television ads are running on broadcast channels nationwide.