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Planet Earth is the one and only home we have, Let’s treat it well…

Sadaf: Planet Earth is the one and only home we have, Let’s treat it well…

I’ve been always in love with nature. The positive vibes I take from nature and animals is beyond the word. But I am worried about our planet, animals, and natural resources. I am worried about the generations who come after us having nothing left from Universe-given...

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Sadaf: Planet Earth is the one and only home we have, Let’s treat it well…

I’ve been always in love with nature. The positive vibes I take from nature and animals is beyond the word. But I am worried about our planet, animals, and natural resources. I am worried about the generations who come after us having nothing left from Universe-given blessings and gifts. It’s our responsibility as humans to do our best, preventing our vulnerable planet from being more damaged. Why should coyotes in our city be killed because of the mistakes our people did by feeding them? Why are icebergs melting because of global warming which is the result of our factories and industries? Why are seas the dumping ground of our waste? Why do we use cars more than walk? Why more meat than more veggies in our meals? Why real fur instead of faux fur for our clothes? Why not less demand and less supply? I start my morning with these questions and find peace by doing things right at least around myself , my family and neighbourhood. If everyone thinks the same way, the planet could live better too.

Audrey: Nature lover – A 50 year story

My appreciation of the animal world began with my father and mother who both grew up on farms. We’d visit my grandparents farm and my dad’s brother’s farms they had horses, cows, chickens and sheep. It was the best of times. Mom showed us how to feed baby sheep. Grow...

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Audrey: Nature lover – A 50 year story

My appreciation of the animal world began with my father and mother who both grew up on farms. We’d visit my grandparents farm and my dad’s brother’s farms they had horses, cows, chickens and sheep. It was the best of times. Mom showed us how to feed baby sheep. Grow a garden. My dad loved animals. Such as bear, deer, bighorn sheep and polar bear. My parents travelled by camping from Alaska to Nova Scotia. Bringing back stories of animals they saw. Like a moose walking through their campsite in Jasper. My daughter would like to travel to Alaska now. She’s also a animal lover, has a dogs, cats, turtle on her farm. My hope for the future is to become monthly donor of various animal charities. The world is not the same place my parents grew up in. With help maybe we can bring it back.

From Juancho to Ming-Ming: How Love for Animals Shaped My Life

Rolando: From Juancho to Ming-Ming: How Love for Animals Shaped My Life

My appreciation for the natural world was inspired by my upbringing, particularly by my mother, who instilled in me a love for animals and nature from a young age. Even as a child, I've had a special place in my heart for animals. When my family got a dog named...

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Rolando: From Juancho to Ming-Ming: How Love for Animals Shaped My Life

My appreciation for the natural world was inspired by my upbringing, particularly by my mother, who instilled in me a love for animals and nature from a young age. Even as a child, I’ve had a special place in my heart for animals. When my family got a dog named Juancho, I loved him deeply. And when he passed away, it only strengthened my love and appreciation for animals.

Growing up in a small mountainous province in Isabela Region 2 in the Philippines, I was fortunate enough to see wild animals in their natural habitat near the river; this experience only strengthened my connection to the natural world. But over time, I noticed that the wildlife was disappearing, which broke my heart. I knew that the ecosystem and wildlife were an essential part of the world, and it saddened me to see it declining. As I grew older and learned more about the threats facing the environment and wildlife, I knew that I had to take action to help preserve and protect them. This led me to become involved in wildlife conservation, starting with small actions like supporting foundations like WWF-Canada and learning more about ways to live sustainably and reduce my impact on the planet.

My love for animals wasn’t just limited to wild creatures, though. My mother had a soft heart for abandoned kittens, and her kindness and compassion for these helpless animals inspired me to follow in her footsteps. I was grateful for the opportunity to help raise these cats and give them a loving home.

Over the years, my family adopted several kittens, and each one had a unique name and personality. Ming-ming was the oldest, having been with us for almost nine years. Coco, Martin, Eloy, Hugo, Sadori, Grey, and Chani were the latest additions to our family. We loved each one of them and saw them as valuable members of our household.

My upbringing has had a significant impact on my values and worldview. I’ve learned to be kind, generous, and loving not just to humans but to all creatures great and small. I believe that it’s easy to love and care for animals and that it’s important not to be cruel to them.

In conclusion, my story is a testament to the power of love and compassion. My experiences growing up with animals have taught me valuable life lessons that I carry with me to this day. I hope to inspire others to treat animals with kindness and respect and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. My hope for the future of the planet is that we will continue to work together to protect and restore the natural world. I believe that every individual has a role to play in this effort, whether it’s through supporting conservation organizations, living sustainably, or advocating for policies that protect the environment.

I hope that future generations will be able to enjoy the same beauty and wonder that I experienced growing up, and that we can create a world where humans and animals can thrive together in harmony. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others to appreciate the natural world and to take action to protect it, so that we can build a brighter future for all.

Leah: It is a Family Affair

From the moment my son was born he was fascinated with nature. As soon as he could walk he inspected dirt, grass, the sky and waterfronts for bugs, frogs, fish and birds. We would get to the end of the driveway and walk no further because ants were busily at work and...

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Leah: It is a Family Affair

From the moment my son was born he was fascinated with nature. As soon as he could walk he inspected dirt, grass, the sky and waterfronts for bugs, frogs, fish and birds. We would get to the end of the driveway and walk no further because ants were busily at work and he just had to watch. When we went to the library it wasn’t stories he checked out, it was animal encyclopedias. Today he has his PHD and completed his thesis on stickleback fish. He and his wife have passed this love of nature to their children. My daughter-in-law takes care of the environment by being very thoughtful of products she uses. She reuses items brilliantly. My daughter has instilled the responsibility of caring for nature in her children, especially her daughter. She has taught her kids the importance of reducing our footprint on this world. They walk where they can, they reuse what they can, they buy used items and recycle what they can. They waste very little. I grew up hearing that we were to care for animals and the world around us. My children have done even more than I could have imagined to support the world around them. If my great grandchildren step up, as my children and grandchildren have, then world will be in good hands.

The Most Incredible and Diverse Animals on Earth

Lesley: The Most Incredible and Diverse Animals on Earth

My story is simple. My life did not feel particularly fulfilling or happy. One year I was given a Point-and-Shoot camera. I was eager to try it out and decided to try taking a photo of a bee in flight. I thought that it wasn't half bad. I decided to take a class. The...

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Lesley: The Most Incredible and Diverse Animals on Earth

My story is simple. My life did not feel particularly fulfilling or happy. One year I was given a Point-and-Shoot camera. I was eager to try it out and decided to try taking a photo of a bee in flight. I thought that it wasn’t half bad. I decided to take a class. The instructor sent us out to try our best. He told me that I wouldn’t get anything with my cheap camera so I was delighted when others thought that I had a super shot and the instructor admitted that it was excellent. In fact, it was the only good shot! It was easy to find insects to photograph and I became enamored. I began to realize how beautiful and intricate they were and how important they are to our survival. I fell in love with these little animals that so many others dislike because they don’t understand them. I’ve learned so much and developed more of an appreciation for all animals but honestly, I think insects and other arthropods, rule the world. They are the most diverse and prolific. They have been around for over 300 million years (some much longer) and you can find them in every continent. They have amazing cultural systems and each knows their role. If man disappeared tomorrow, the insects would survive but if man destroys the insects, he would be doomed.

Sharolyn: Swiss Cheese

I spent my youth in Cameroun, Africa where I was overwhelmed with the diversity of the wildlife, especially since my family was coming from sterile California, USA. In Cameroun, I had to be constantly on the lookout for some sort of wildlife. My peripheral vision...

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Sharolyn: Swiss Cheese

I spent my youth in Cameroun, Africa where I was overwhelmed with the diversity of the wildlife, especially since my family was coming from sterile California, USA. In Cameroun, I had to be constantly on the lookout for some sort of wildlife. My peripheral vision became highly developed for insects and and animals in my vicinity. What I saw there was that nature was full of life with every living being filling a niche and a role, and although it was mighty, it was fragile as well. At that time the government was expanding its logging capabilities of the surrounding forests where we lived as the thinking was that nature was there for the taking, and that it was so large, it would recover. I realized then that if everybody thought that, they would take all until it was all gone.

Alice: Our Planet is a Gift

As a wee child I loved animals. I loved them so much that when Mini our cow died, I was 12 years old and told my parents we have to bury her under her favorite tree. My dad handed me a shovel and said "start digging kid." Little did I know that near a tree there would...

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Alice: Our Planet is a Gift

As a wee child I loved animals. I loved them so much that when Mini our cow died, I was 12 years old and told my parents we have to bury her under her favorite tree. My dad handed me a shovel and said “start digging kid.” Little did I know that near a tree there would be roots as I dug deeper. Two and a half days later I had a grave deep enough for Mini. After I finished covering the grave I went home and just about dropped on the floor from my aches and pains. That night while trying to sleep I heard my dad say to my mom. “She should never have a pet or be close to animals as they will break her heart.” Dad was right, animals to this day break my heart when they pass away. I love them to death. Right now I have a Sea Gull that I feed as he knocks on my patio door if I forget what time it is. The only thing is this has been going on for over 30 years and I have a feeling he or she tells the new hatched seagull this is where you go for your home cooked meals. I named him Johnny and he knows his name. After losing one of my pets I decided to go to Africa. I realized how important these animals were to our world. I managed to save one Zebra hide I bought and said no one will ever walk on him again. I have it hanging on a huge wall to be admired not to walk on. Many that come to my home ask why I don’t use it as a rug. my answer “How would you like to be walked on!” All my beautiful pets around the world will never walk alone as long as WWF is there for them.
Africa brought me closer to seeing all the wild life and the herds of animals just trying to survive. They have the hunters, the weather, the drought and go to find water. Then I think of our bears and how much ice is gone. The whales that I enjoyed watching swim along our boat on our way to Alaska several times. Animals deserve a chance to live on this planet as much as people. Remember every minute is a gift just like our planet.

Cythina: Learning to Love Like the Sun

My appreciation for the natural world started when I was a child. The natural world was always somewherer that I could turn to for a sense of belonging. By the time I was a teenager, I was very interested in wildlife conservation because of the deep relationships I...

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Cythina: Learning to Love Like the Sun

My appreciation for the natural world started when I was a child. The natural world was always somewherer that I could turn to for a sense of belonging. By the time I was a teenager, I was very interested in wildlife conservation because of the deep relationships I had built with the natural world. I first learnt about WWF at this time too because my friend adopted a snow leopard in my name. My heart was so full and thankful for this gift because snow leopards are my favorite animal. My hopes for the future of this planet is that we collectively become more ecocentric rather than androcentric. I hope for humanity to reconnect and build a relationship with nature that is defined by gratitude, love, and respect. To me, this is one of the most important things we can do for sustainability and the life of our future generations.

Now, I want to share a story about a creature I recently developed a relationship with because this creature had a profound impact on my life: Two summers ago, I made close friends with a creature I traditionally hated and sometimes even killed out of fear when they got too close. I judged this creature as aggressive, merciless, and mean… This creature is wasp. It all started when wasps started to build a nest in the birdhouse on the balcony and another nest in the wall under my bedroom window. To say the least, I was surrounded by wasps whenever I went outside on the balcony. When I would go outside, I practiced an arm movement I learnt from National Geographic that communicated a boundary to the territorial wasp, and it always worked to get them to leave me alone! Yet, one day as I was sitting outside, a wasp that I thought was a hornet it was so big, started to fly around me. The boundary-setting arm movement did not work. This wasp was persistent. (I later discovered it was the queen). She flew circles around me, and she got so close to my face that I could hear her beating, buzzing wings, and feel their wind on my cheeks. Then, she landed right in the middle of my forehead and crawled around in triangles. It encouraged me to be calm and rendered me very still because it felt quite uncomfortable with the fear of getting stung in the forefront of my mind!! (Literally! haha). Then, as fast as she came, she disappeared into the birdhouse. Curiously, from that day, the other wasps became less aggressive with me. I wondered what happened. I knew that it was my duty to explore and understand what I hated and feared, and wasp was giving me an opportunity to do just that. I had a choice to either call an exterminator or learn how I could live in harmony with this creature. So, I implored myself into shamanic journey with wasp. Wasp revealed a pattern to me. It started with a white triangle on top and a reversed black triangle on the bottom, connecting to make a rhombus. The triangles continued, and lines were revealed, holding the triangles together. Then, circles were made around the triangles and lines. What came from it all was the “flower of life.” Wasp was teaching me about interconnection. Wasp’s way was bridging the light and the dark, the multidimensionality, the linearity, and connecting it all through circular movement. I think this teaching can be applicable to how we can merge and value knowledges to inform the whole picture we are connected to. I felt grateful for the teaching I received and decided I would try to deepen my relationship with wasp through peaceful encounter. I vowed to stop doing the boundary-setting arm movement, risk getting stung, and just BE with wasp. It was an amazing experience to water the flowers, surrounded by so many swarming wasps and not feeling scared. Not a single one bothered me, it seemed as though they were grateful for the water, considering the heat wave/dome we were experiencing together as a result of climate change. They pollinated the flowers, and they worked together, just as hard as bees! One wasp would return to the nest, two more left. Back and forth, they shared jobs of pollinating and stocking up on insect food for the months ahead. Here, they were sharing the teaching of working diligently and cooperating with one another in a way that honors one another’s strengths and weaknesses. Then, I noticed a behavioral pattern that felt profound to me. It seemed that when a wasp was ready to end its life cycle, they would try to make it home. They would die in front of the nest entrance, and after one to two days, the other wasps would pick it up and carry it inside the nest. My guess is that they ate it, considering the many other insect bodies they’ve carried inside. To me, wasp was sharing a teaching about sustainability. I thought, what a beautiful dedication to ensuring the survival and livelihood of its future generations. After wasp slowed down into hibernation, I took extreme care not to let the snow pile up in front of their nest entrance they worked so hard at. I welcomed these friends back the next summer with utmost gratitude and appreciation for all they have shared with me, and with curiosity to learn more. I never ever thought I would say that before this summer experience. A lot of people do not like wasp, and I introspected as we descended into the void of winter, what could wasp have to teach us about hate, anger, fear, murder… and love, appreciation, cooperation, courage, and right action? Since so many people hate wasp, I wonder what could happen if we opened our hearts to wasp, rather than getting stuck in our fear minds. As Marie Curie once said, “we only fear what we don’t understand.” I do not mean welcoming wasps to surround ourselves, but to at least contemplate their existence and our personal relationship with it. I wonder what this could teach us about loving one another and loving all of our relations? It feels so simple yet seems so hard with all the pain and ego survival mechanisms in the way. It seems as if the fear of getting stung is greater than opening our hearts to love what we hate. Maybe we just need to get curious. That queen wasp was curious with me, and she courageously made the first move. Maybe wasp can teach us how to open our hearts to those we hate, and unearth value for the teachings shared that inform our own individual experience of the world. Maybe wasp can open us to find what we hate within ourselves, and thus, present us an opportunity to discover our wholeness. For, whatever is being reflected in front of me, is exactly what I have been trying so hard to reject within myself. So, the sun shines on everyone, leaving no one out. One could say the sun is an expression of unconditional love. Learning to love something that I once hated taught me that love is possible anywhere…

Wasp has also taught me about right-action, so I applied wasp’s teachings with a person in my life whom I have also previously judged as mean and aggressive, and who was thus, a little harder to love. Interestingly, I have also previously judged myself as nice and passive. Me and this person need each other to discover our wholeness. I have spent my life trying hard not to be mean because I was taught that being mean is hurtful, that I would not make friends, that it was not feminine, and that it made my parents angry. This other person has been taught that being nice is for “sissies”, that it is not masculine, and it is not tough. These contemplation’s were my way of bridging what I perceived as light and dark, just as wasp taught me. Discovering this paradox within myself bestowed an opportunity to discover more of my wholeness and unearth acceptance for that which I have been shunning my whole life. It also encouraged me to feel compassion and warmth for the other person and contemplate how he came to his beliefs. Furthermore, this opening has now surprisingly allowed us to cooperate and value one another’s perspectives, rather than constantly fighting over who is right. …It is amazing what can happen when we get curious and open our hearts. The reason I shared my wasp story is because I want to illuminate how sustainability is multidimensional and how nature can teach us many things about wellbeing if we are open to forming a relationship with her. Moreover, work towards wellbeing is also work towards sustainability, whether at the individual, family, group, community, nation, or planet level. Sustainability is not limited to the environment, but to all that we are in relationship with. For instance, discrimination, violence, and inequality do not promote sustainability, nor does constant extraction of earth’s resources to make a profit.

Now, the above story about wasp can be easily disregarded and mocked in a world that is not accustomed to expanding our perspective of what we are connected to other than to humans or that welcomes wasp as a friend. Nonetheless, it is my hopes that sharing this story may still plant a seed. I think if we slow down and take a deep breath, we may start to notice the beauty surrounding us, and we may even start to notice when a creature, tree, flower, breeze, body of water, etc. is trying to share something with us that could potentially change our perspectives, and thus, change our lives. I think if we feel a pull towards a part of nature in our lives, we should listen, because everything is connected.

Water Matters

Laura: Water Matters

I'm a farm girl and grew up during the DDT era where we saw few raptors. Occasionally we'd see an owl or a hawk, and remember seeing a snowy owl on a tree once. Over the decades we'd see more raptors, and finally they've made a comeback which means that science and...

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Laura: Water Matters

I’m a farm girl and grew up during the DDT era where we saw few raptors. Occasionally we’d see an owl or a hawk, and remember seeing a snowy owl on a tree once. Over the decades we’d see more raptors, and finally they’ve made a comeback which means that science and banning chemicals works. I took pharmacy at university and thought I wouldn’t be able to work behind a counter after being diagnosed with MS, so worked in a toxicology lab, I understand the science behind chemical bans. I was the water analyst for Alberta and we’d get samples of live fish in the toxicology lab that looked like they had acid poured on them, and their tumours were terrifying. Water matters. Everything we pour onto the earth affects our water. Above is a picture of an owl imprint in the snow.

Born In The Wilds; Ocean & Nature Lover; Generational Commitments Into The Future To Ensure A Planetary Future

S.: Born In The Wilds; Ocean & Nature Lover; Generational Commitments Into The Future To Ensure A Planetary Future

I was born into a life in which wildlife & nature were part of everyday life. My early childhood was spent on the Zambian/Congo border, on a small strawberry estate, 13 miles from the town where I went to school, with my afternoon & weekends spent mostly with local...

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S.: Born In The Wilds; Ocean & Nature Lover; Generational Commitments Into The Future To Ensure A Planetary Future

I was born into a life in which wildlife & nature were part of everyday life. My early childhood was spent on the Zambian/Congo border, on a small strawberry estate, 13 miles from the town where I went to school, with my afternoon & weekends spent mostly with local children, & surrounded by mostly non-predatory wonder creatures such as vervet monkeys, bush babies & gazelles. We climbed trees & wandered in the luscious & verdant surrounds. Sometimes I stayed the afternoon with classmates, with my father picking me up after work, but even in this surprisingly cosmopolitan British ex pat town, wildlife could be found on the streets. Yes, there were snakes, too, & other wild life one wanted to steer clear of but the attitudes held from my grandmother, through to my parents, to me, was that all life forms are connected & should be valued & respected. On immigrating from landlocked Zambia at 10 with my family to South Africa, my love of nature expanded to the oceans that were there before me. We moved a fair bit but we always located in ocean cities. This loving of nature attitude is in the DNA, also carried on to my son —who was taken by me to an ocean spot as soon as I could in the very first days of his life — & now onto his children. The family of four now live happily in an ocean village on the west of Vancouver Island, where one can often see wild life making a life too among the human inhabitants. One can spot bears fairly often, wolves too, coyotes & lots of deers, often munching in one’s garden! One of my grandchildren, just 10, envisions a life as a zoologist or wildlife vet, the other at 13 did the 2022 WWF run to restore nature, making it to number 3 on the leader border, raising $1808. A sizable sum, especially as she was in mostly a top group of adults with a fair number of corporate donors. I was her fundraiser & luckily has friends world wide, who supported her & the WWF. As a fairly young child, she referred to fellow primates as her cousins. She certainly is good family! Her brother initiated a rescue of an abandoned husky pup from the desert climes of Qatar last July.This much loved dog knows how extremely lucky he is to have landed with the animal & nature loving family, in a climate region far better suited to having a heavy coat. I have long been a supporter of WWF, as well as of groups helping to protect the Amazon rainforest. Both my grandchildren are delighted at being associated with the donations to these various conservation projects. They now have the generational family conservation baton firmly in their hands, & in all likelihood will run again to restore nature in the future, again in a threesome of my son, & grandson to accompany my granddaughter in solidarity. Another good way to support WWF is buying gifts at their shops. My granddaughter has a number of their great wildlife socks, which she loves & my grandson a rainproof jacket, perfect for living on the Wild West rainforest coast. Written by S Fuller, a primate, currently living in Vancouver en route to the VI west coast.

Rabbit Warrior

Hope: Rabbit Warrior

I have always loved animals and becoming vegetarian was a must! I have always fed stray cats around my neighborhood. I have also adopted and housed a total of 12 felines in all my collected past years, still having 2 indoor ones now. I lived on acreage before and i...

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Hope: Rabbit Warrior

I have always loved animals and becoming vegetarian was a must! I have always fed stray cats around my neighborhood. I have also adopted and housed a total of 12 felines in all my collected past years, still having 2 indoor ones now. I lived on acreage before and i also fed hummingbirds, and crows too. I am this Greek maternal woman who likes to see everybody eat, both human and animal!

When I moved to Vancouver Island, B.C in 2021, I was not aware that there was this over population of rabbits all over the island! It started with some uncaring humans, who obviously forget their ‘humanity’ and their heart obviously lacked compassion and sympathy! Many will dump their domestic pet rabbits wherever on the island and leave them to fend for themselves! I have always stated that animals are not like kleenex, one does not use them then throw them out! Shame to those that do not understand all animals are sentient beings!

I did not know I inherited an ongoing rabbit’s den! As the months went by, I saw small, cute poking heads venturing out from under my backyard sundeck! And it seemed each generation was producing more and more babies! Naive to this new experience I thought they would be safe in my fenced yard! I watched them for hours for their safety during the day, but at night, roaming cats or other predators would hunt some! It was heartbreaking! Some rabbits lived and dispersed to the neighborhood. Mind you this was happening to other yards too from other rabbits. But I knew of no one who took the efforts and time like I did to protect the babies! Yes, I understand the cycle of life, the strong survive, etc. but I felt that small sweet innocent baby bunnies, on my watch, should NOT be born just to become food! Anyway, in the winter last year, there was this decrease in sighting rabbits on my street! Not sure what happened, did the move on, did predators get them? Sad to think of this process!

Well, our first step, was to sacrifice our sundeck, tore it out and went under the crawl space to make sure no more babies were left there and then plugged up all the sides of the house at a big expense. It had to be done to stop them as it would have just kept going on indefinitely, as our soil is sandy and easily displaced by digging. But two rabbits who were obviously a bonded couple, hung around in my yard. I prepared for their next litter and I made a plan! I was determined to keep the babies safe and alive! I knew I had to be their champion! I started a war on predators you might say! When I say the next litter, I was not aware she could get pregnant so fast, one after the other, which caught me by surprise! So for both of these times I was there for her babies.

When the female would dig a tunnel for birthing in a tree mound, I would watch her when she came out when she was finished feeding them and she buried the tunnel back up. I knew eventually she would leave that tunnel hole open and the babies would venture out! I knew this was the vulnerable time for these sweeties. I had my son build me a protective spacious wood-wire hutch over the tunnel area. When the babies came out to from their tunnel, they were enclosed with safety! I would meet mom rabbit ( called her Jill ) early in the morning. We had a good relationship, she was smart, she knew I was helping. I would open the door hutch and she would jump in and feed her babies and when she came out, I would close the hutch. Eventually she stopped feeding and I took over for about 4 extra weeks with nutritious greens, hay pellets etc, feeding them twice a day, until they were bigger and could go to the animal shelter in my area. I did this 2 different times and saved 19 baby bunnies! None were lost this time! It made my heart sing, knowing they were safe, fed and I could see them often at the animal shelter.

I knew though that these multiple births could not go on indefinitely, so to give the couple a chance to rest and myself too, for I am a senior with bad knees, and needed a break also! I just wanted this cute couple ( the male i named jack ) to just have fun being rabbits and not just birth machines! My son and I captured them in a humane cage and took them to the shelter where I paid for them to be spayed and neutered. This has now been done, and we are building a spacious hutch in our yard, with an outside safe chicken run. Jack and Jill will soon come home to their very own safe place, being taken care with affection and attention! Can you imagine if I had left those 19 babies to go out and all start the birthing process all over again! Yikes! I believe I did a service for my neighborhood too. The bunnies I took to the shelter have safe homes now, well fed and taken care of! I know because I have also been volunteering at this caring wonderful animal shelter and have been caring for them still as well as other volunteers. It is great to see them grow up into handsome adults, some of which have been adopted by responsible pet parents.

There’s at Least One Sea Turtle Out There

Avita: There’s at Least One Sea Turtle Out There

I was introduced to the concept of wildlife conservation way before I could comprehend its meaning. When I was 7 years old, I visited Shell Beach, in South America. There, my aunt and her husband worked with WWF to protect the endangered species of the leatherback sea...

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Avita: There’s at Least One Sea Turtle Out There

I was introduced to the concept of wildlife conservation way before I could comprehend its meaning. When I was 7 years old, I visited Shell Beach, in South America. There, my aunt and her husband worked with WWF to protect the endangered species of the leatherback sea turtle.

The beach, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, was a spot where leatherback sea turtles would often lay their eggs. I remember seeing the huge eggs in a deep hole in the ground and thought it was fascinating and I am still curious to this day about what the egg feels like. A few days later, the eggs hatched and I had the once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the baby turtles emerge from their shells and make their way to the ocean.

Fast forward to May 2021, I was on a beach at Long Point Provincial Park when I notice some tiny prints in the sand. I followed it with my eyes and saw the tiniest baby turtle I’d ever seen trying to make its way to the water. My heart leaped out of my chest and I instantly got worried for the baby turtle because the beach was quite busy.

Children and their families were stomping and playing around, not noticing the little turtle trying to make its way to Lake Erie. Some children were also really captivated by the turtle and I knew I had to step in to protect this baby. With the help of their parents, I was able to ensure that the children didn’t touch the turtle or try to pick it up. I stuck by its side, gently guiding it with the sand toward the water because the turtle kept going in the direction of where a family was playing with a beach ball. I knew if it went that way, the turtle would be in danger.

After what felt like hours, but was about 40 minutes, the baby turtle made it to the water safely.

Paddling for the future

Judy: Paddling for the future

My hubby and I are nature lovers, and always have been since we were kids. Our first date was in a canoe, and during the last 20 plus years we have enjoyed numerous remote canoe trips paddling the incredible crystal clear waters of the Churchill River system in...

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Judy: Paddling for the future

My hubby and I are nature lovers, and always have been since we were kids. Our first date was in a canoe, and during the last 20 plus years we have enjoyed numerous remote canoe trips paddling the incredible crystal clear waters of the Churchill River system in Saskatchewan’s great north. On our trips over the years, we’ve travelled the waterways that the First peoples navigated and shared with others . Paddling those rivers and lakes we have had some beautiful encounters with families of river otters, black bears, moose, coyotes, martin’s, weasels, voles, raccoons, porcupines, wolves, beavers, loons and many other waterfowl. The moments we’ve spent around a campfire listening to a chorus of coyotes or wolves howling, the mornings we’ve woken to forest bird song, and the unexpected haunting loon calls at all hours of the day, are all such memories we will cherish forever. They have imprinted in our DNA, our hearts, and our minds and we have passed those along to our children, and now our granddaughter. It’s been wonderful taking her out in the canoe with us on adventures since she was old enough to sit by herself in the canoe, and it’s so amazing now to see her put her own paddle in the water, and tell us she can feel the difference of how the water affects her paddle when there’s current in the river. We’ve donated to WWF for a long time now, and our wish for the future is that all generations have the opportunity to experience the natural and untouched beauty of remote places, and other magical forests in this world. We hope that there are no more industry accidents that spoil the future for all sentient beings, and creatures of the Earth. We also hope that WWF continues to aid and support wildlife conservation and help preserve our forests, wetlands and endangered species. Our climate is still threatened and our current lifestyles and forest practices are not sustainable. We all need to do our part, to ensure the future of all creatures and humanity.

Because it matters

Kristina: Because it matters

My parents inspired me, they loved to bird watch and to walk in the woods and be with nature. They instilled in us our actions affected everything around us and they recycled, reused, repurposed and composted long before it was the "thing" to do. Donating to WWF has...

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Kristina: Because it matters

My parents inspired me, they loved to bird watch and to walk in the woods and be with nature. They instilled in us our actions affected everything around us and they recycled, reused, repurposed and composted long before it was the “thing” to do.
Donating to WWF has just made sense, though my donation is small, I just know it goes toward much needed research.
I love being in nature and I am very fortunate to live in a sparsely populated area and can be in the quiet of nature everyday.
My hope is that the collective We, make changes to sustain our world for generations to come.

A thriving eco system in my own back yard

Lyle: A thriving eco system in my own back yard

When my wife and I moved out of the big city and onto our small acreage of 2.5 acres, I had a lot of work to do. I started to plant as many trees as possible, and ordered about 600 trees of various kinds from the province, called shelter belt seedlings. I had to flag...

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Lyle: A thriving eco system in my own back yard

When my wife and I moved out of the big city and onto our small acreage of 2.5 acres, I had a lot of work to do. I started to plant as many trees as possible, and ordered about 600 trees of various kinds from the province, called shelter belt seedlings. I had to flag them or they would get run over by my lawn mower. Some survived and some had to be replaced. I noticed that my neighbors had established yards and mine was a blank slate. I also noticed that their yards were perfectly manicured, and my wife wanted that for our yard too. I had another idea of how our yard was going to be. I wanted to have a refuge for any animal that wanted to use it. The moles and gophers left big mounds of dirt all over the yard, all the neighbors killed them as a pest, and I just raked over the hills spreading the black loam over the area being dug out. I call it natural aeration, the dirt soon grew over with grass, leaving it greener and looking healthy, I allow the yellow dandelions to grow because the bees need their nutriants first thing in the spring and dandelions are the first flowers to give them their early spring diet. I haven’t sprayed any herbicides for the last 8 years because I’ve noticed that there were no bugs in my lawn, which the birds need. The deer that pass through use my trees as a scratching post, taking branches off while they do it. The trees are not perfect like the guy’s next door but the deer use my yard and not theirs. I love my natural yard and will maintain it in this way for as long as I live here. My trees have grown and my yard is beautiful, in a natural sort of way, and I love being in nature and use it as much as possible. My wife is getting used to the idea of having a yellow yard in the spring and fall during dandelion season. This is their world as well as mine and nature needs us to help them out, not kill them because of our need to have a perfect yard.

My Story

Jan: My Story

I have always felt a connection to nature and both its flora and fauna species. I also believe it's our responsibility and my own path to ensure its proper stewardship and assist in all that I can in its protection and preservation. I believe strongly in conservation...

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Jan: My Story

I have always felt a connection to nature and both its flora and fauna species. I also believe it’s our responsibility and my own path to ensure its proper stewardship and assist in all that I can in its protection and preservation. I believe strongly in conservation practices and support a number of conservation non profits’s in addition to WWF Canada, like Nature Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada, RBG, CPAWs, Eden Projects, Coral Restoration Foundation to mention a few. I have also taken steps to name WWF as a sole beneficiary in an investment to leave a lasting legacy that I contribute to monthly that will increase proportionately as my salary increases. It is my hope upon completion of my degree (Lifescience BsC at McMaster University-majoring in Biology, and minoring in streams of a few minors including Environmental Sciences) to assist in a career to help the environment in some capacity either with an npo, or in conservation. I am also aspiring to train as a Highschool Teacher to advocate pedagogy on the importance of harmony and connectedness of our youth with the natural environment, and to teach about science-based beneficial behaviours, actions and solutions that we can do to combat and overcome the climate crisis and ensure prevention of loss of biodiversity! Thank you WWF for all your great work!

My Lifelong Nature Journey

Sara: My Lifelong Nature Journey

I have been surrounded by nature since I was a child. From fishing with my dad at a very young age to riverside romps with my friends and climbing mountains for my studies, nature has always been an intrinsic part of me. To be happy is to be surrounded by wildlife,...

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Sara: My Lifelong Nature Journey

I have been surrounded by nature since I was a child. From fishing with my dad at a very young age to riverside romps with my friends and climbing mountains for my studies, nature has always been an intrinsic part of me. To be happy is to be surrounded by wildlife, snapping photos. To know that the natural world is in decline breaks my heart, and I aspire to make the future brighter for my nephew. I want him to grow up surrounded by trees, birds and all the natural wonders of this world.

Demetra: Learning about nature is ongoing

My appreciation for the natural world comes from my children. I enjoy watching them appreciate playing in nature, creating with nature, exploring nature and respecting nature. I have always been connected to the conservation of nature. But it was in grade 3 when I did...

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Demetra: Learning about nature is ongoing

My appreciation for the natural world comes from my children. I enjoy watching them appreciate playing in nature, creating with nature, exploring nature and respecting nature. I have always been connected to the conservation of nature. But it was in grade 3 when I did a research project on polar bears that lead me to want to help out more. I hope our next generations continue to protect and learn from our natural world. Thanks !

My Story

David: My Story

I grew up in North York, now Toronto, near the Humber River and one of its tributaries. Despite admonitions from my parents to stay away from the rivers, we often played along the banks year-round when not playing street hockey or hide and seek. I developed an...

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David: My Story

I grew up in North York, now Toronto, near the Humber River and one of its tributaries. Despite admonitions from my parents to stay away from the rivers, we often played along the banks year-round when not playing street hockey or hide and seek. I developed an appreciation for nature and wildlife in the ravine system. As well, based on my parent’s attitude that we should know our country first before going international and due to money being tight, we went camping in our canvas tent trailer. Long weekends were spent in Provincial Parks and vacations were spent traveling across the country.

Now, all grown up, I have a pop-up folding trailer to enjoy time in the Provincial Parks. And I live near the West Don River and its tributaries where I often drop down into the ravine system to get away from it all for a few hours. I always have my camera handy to capture photos of flora and fauna I come across. Always except once when the camera was in the tent while a herd of caribou walked through the campsite splitting around the picnic table we were sitting at.

These all helped develop in me a love for the natural world. And a need to preserve it for my continued enjoyment and for future generations.

After research, I determined that the World Wildlife Foundation supported the ideas I found important. An aside, I also include Greenpeace and Ecojustice in my monthly donations and legacy giving for their complimentary action and advocacy in the same issues from their different perspectives.

Rolf: Visit to marmot colony

I just have always believed that the natural world and wildlife has intrinsic value and the right to exist. One of my favorite wildlife memories was when I camped in a marmot colony. They soon got used to me and went about their business like I was not even there. I...

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Rolf: Visit to marmot colony

I just have always believed that the natural world and wildlife has intrinsic value and the right to exist. One of my favorite wildlife memories was when I camped in a marmot colony. They soon got used to me and went about their business like I was not even there. I even spoon fed one of them some of my Hawaiian rice with chicken!

Nature lover

Cynthia: Nature lover

I have always been a Nature and Wildlife lover I love Nature for all its grandeur, beauty and magnificence. I now have a grandchild and I want to tell him when he is old enough to understand, that I did my part in preserving the land where he was born. I want him to...

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Cynthia: Nature lover

I have always been a Nature and Wildlife lover
I love Nature for all its grandeur, beauty and magnificence.
I now have a grandchild and I want to tell him when he is old enough to understand, that I did my part in preserving the land where he was born. I want him to also learn to appreciate what Nature gives us for free. When it is time for me to leave this beautiful planet, I want to bring with me the feeling of accomplishment. Knowing that I did my part with support from friends and family who cares for what I cared for.

Tobius: Love of Animals

I had a very bad upbringing but I was lucky because a small forest was right behind our house, it was part of our backyard. When things got too bad to handle I would head to the woods, and I found peace with the animals. Even though there were bears and cougars in the...

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Tobius: Love of Animals

I had a very bad upbringing but I was lucky because a small forest was right behind our house, it was part of our backyard.
When things got too bad to handle I would head to the woods, and I found peace with the animals.
Even though there were bears and cougars in the woods, they never bothered me, quite often I would stay for 2 or more days, and I could hear the animals walking around at night and I knew it could be a bear but I wasn’t afraid.
Now even as an adult I will quite often go to the woods and just sit and relax, I can no longer camp overnight but I will sit for hours in the woods.

Lifelong love of nature

Victoria: Lifelong love of nature

I grew up in central British Columbia, practically in the middle of nowhere. As part of that, we had a lot of opportunity to experience wildlife in their natural habits. From bald eagles, golden eagles, swans, sandhill cranes, hawkes, geese, red tail fox, coyotes,...

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Victoria: Lifelong love of nature

I grew up in central British Columbia, practically in the middle of nowhere. As part of that, we had a lot of opportunity to experience wildlife in their natural habits. From bald eagles, golden eagles, swans, sandhill cranes, hawkes, geese, red tail fox, coyotes, timber wolves, wolverines, grizzly bears, black bears, otters, beavers, moose, elk, mule deer, white tailed deer and the occasional mountain lion, to name a few. It’s amazing to witness these animals in their natural habitat and I want my children, and eventually, their children’s children to be able to have this incredible opportunity.

Everything is Connected

Gail: Everything is Connected

Sitting on a rock in the middle of the forest at dusk, as a 21 year old scientist, I realized the oxygen in my lungs was from the trees around me, and my CO2 fed the trees that sheltered me. The elements in the rock I sat on were elements in my body. Everything is...

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Gail: Everything is Connected

Sitting on a rock in the middle of the forest at dusk, as a 21 year old scientist, I realized the oxygen in my lungs was from the trees around me, and my CO2 fed the trees that sheltered me. The elements in the rock I sat on were elements in my body. Everything is made of the same things, and to this day, that moment 45 years ago feels like yesterday. I have dedicated my life to all that don’t speak.

Concern for Earth’s natural, amazing and speechless wonders

Fernando: Concern for Earth’s natural, amazing and speechless wonders

I lived in the wild in the African Outback for a short time in my life when very young. My father was a doctor in the army, and I got inspired by watching the animals roaming free and showing their majesty. My hopes for the future of the planet are worldwide youth...

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Fernando: Concern for Earth’s natural, amazing and speechless wonders

I lived in the wild in the African Outback for a short time in my life when very young. My father was a doctor in the army, and I got inspired by watching the animals roaming free and showing their majesty. My hopes for the future of the planet are worldwide youth conscience with natural resources, beauty of life with trees and animals and less materialism. I fear the way education goes we fail to succeed!

Suzanne: Lifelong Love of Nature

I can honestly say I recall the moment so clearly when my love for nature began. I was about 10 and there was an article in the Toronto news about a wolf that was found near the city. The photo of it's sad and frightened face is still so very vivid in my mind. I think...

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Suzanne: Lifelong Love of Nature

I can honestly say I recall the moment so clearly when my love for nature began. I was about 10 and there was an article in the Toronto news about a wolf that was found near the city. The photo of it’s sad and frightened face is still so very vivid in my mind. I think I still have the photo somewhere. I decided to donate to wildlife and created a ‘Nature club’ in my basement. I studied animals from all over the world and especially Canada. Friends would come over and we would talk about how to help animals and some parents drove us to parks. From there, well it has literally been one of my life focuses.

I have travelled the world and covered Canada East to West and North to South. My friends say “The more bears the happier she is when she looks for a place to hike and kayak.” North America, South America, Asia, Europe and of course Africa have been part of my journey to understand the dynamics between people and wildlife. Trying to focus on contributing to humanity so that it can be a benefit to Wildlife Conservation. Climate initiatives too. If only more people understood how we are running out of time. With the loss of each green space we loose a piece of biodiversity that will never be replaced. We are so interconnected with nature. Somedays can be very depressing when I read what is happening to our planet and at the pace and rate that it is. Other days, I stop and say to myself, my small bit, does and will make a difference.

Dad’s Legacy

Carleon: Dad’s Legacy

My Dad was the most influential person in giving me a love of nature. He took my brothers and I on many hikes, camping trips, trips to conservation areas, and to beaches. He shared his appreciation of the beauty of plants, majesty of animals, and the benefits of...

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Carleon: Dad’s Legacy

My Dad was the most influential person in giving me a love of nature. He took my brothers and I on many hikes, camping trips, trips to conservation areas, and to beaches. He shared his appreciation of the beauty of plants, majesty of animals, and the benefits of proper clothing and footwear for whatever the weather. My kids helped me with awareness of the World Wildlife Fund through adopting animals. They were big stuffed animal fans! My youngest made her fifth birthday a fundraiser for WWF and was proud to raise a decent sum. My hopes for the future of our planet is that even the richest people learn the concept of enough and that we spread Earth’s bounty around fairly. I hope we can stop considering natural resources as money makers and leave Mother Nature alone to regain needed balance. Oh, and World Peace!

Lorne: A Rare Spectacular Sighting

So there Sue and I were on our deck overlooking highway 24 south of Simcoe. A raccoon carcass was on the shoulder of the road. A magnificent Bald Eagle was trying to have dinner and was constantly flying away because of road traffic. I took my shovel and moved the...

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Lorne: A Rare Spectacular Sighting

So there Sue and I were on our deck overlooking highway 24 south of Simcoe. A raccoon carcass was on the shoulder of the road. A magnificent Bald Eagle was trying to have dinner and was constantly flying away because of road traffic. I took my shovel and moved the carcass away from the road enabling an uninterrupted meal for what it turned out be a pair of magnificent Bald Eagles, whom ate in turn while one was on lookout. Absolute beauty in the wild.

Respect

Kellie: Respect

I love animals. I also love humans and the planet we live on. I really worry about the living things that we purport to share this magnificent planet with. I do not think we, as humans, know how to share. Not this sandbox; not any sandbox. And, so I worry about the...

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Kellie: Respect

I love animals.
I also love humans and the planet we live on.
I really worry about the living things that we purport to share this magnificent planet with.
I do not think we, as humans, know how to share. Not this sandbox; not any sandbox.
And, so I worry about the pain and suffering and environmental issues that we create.
I try to do what I can as an individual – I speak for those who cannot speak for themselves; I never let an animal suffer if I can help in any possible way; I am mindful of my use and waste; I try to keep abreast of news/public policies related to the environment and animal rights; I have been a vegetarian for 25 years; and, I give when I can and I try in the smallest of ways to spread the word: Respect. Respect for all life. Not just yours and mine but all of the magnificent lives that make this planet what it is. I think WWF is aligned with my interests in this and, so, I give. Thank you WWF for all that you do and especially for helping me to do what I cannot.

Looking after Nature’s Children

Margaret: Looking after Nature’s Children

I first was first inspired when I moved to Ottawa in April 2000 and heard about OCWC- Ottawa Carleton Wildlife Centre in June of 2001. My husband had found two baby squirrels-roughly a week old who had fallen out of their nest at the base of a tree on his parent's...

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Margaret: Looking after Nature’s Children

I first was first inspired when I moved to Ottawa in April 2000 and heard about OCWC- Ottawa Carleton Wildlife Centre in June of 2001. My husband had found two baby squirrels-roughly a week old who had fallen out of their nest at the base of a tree on his parent’s property. He took them to the centre, hoping they’d look after them. Instead, we were told that they were overbooked and gave him a powdered milk nutrition for us to look after them. We loved it! We were told how many times a day they needed nourishment and we were told how to teach them to pee afterwards.
My husband made them cages and we kept them first with us in the house and after they got bigger we moved them outside. The black squirrel was called, “Little Joe” after seeing the movie “Joe Black” with Brad Pitt. We called the little grey squirrel, “Haas”..after the character in Bonanza. Actually you could say that they were both from the Bonanza series.
For 8 days in June 2001, we looked after them. Haas was anxious to escape and so he left us early on. Little Joe however, wanted to hang around. On the day of my father in laws funeral, we released Little Joe. We kept looking for him but he never returned after that.
I became a staunch supporter of the work that the centre was doing for wildlife.
In the end, I wrote a children’s book on a true story of our raccoon family in the hopes that young children will come to create a bond with a wild animal by respecting them, just by watching them in the animal’s habitat.

From the OCWC to WWF; I wanted to learn more and to support the WWF for all the good work that you do!!

My main hope for the planet is that people everywhere (not just kids, but everyone) will start to respect wildlife (the four and two legged kind) , trees, plants, oceans, mammals and fish, so that we can live in harmony with all of those wonderful aspects of Nature and treat her with respect and reverence.

Maureen:

In about grade 4 when the teacher read aloud a book about forest life. It brought humans into the story, humans who lived in the coastal rainforest. My hope is that what I've had in my life is what future generations will have - plants and animals who survive and...

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Maureen:

In about grade 4 when the teacher read aloud a book about forest life. It brought humans into the story, humans who lived in the coastal rainforest. My hope is that what I’ve had in my life is what future generations will have – plants and animals who survive and thrive.

Nancy: A gift of love

My husband David purchased an owl for a little girl in Ontario who he adored. David loved nature and children and would spend all his free time enjoying the beauty of nature. He gifted this owl for a little girls fourth birthday one day before he passed away. I will...

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Nancy: A gift of love

My husband David purchased an owl for a little girl in Ontario who he adored. David loved nature and children and would spend all his free time enjoying the beauty of nature. He gifted this owl for a little girls fourth birthday one day before he passed away. I will forever remember the sweet gesture and to this day she keeps the owl on her bed to remember my dear husband.

Carol: Nature is in the eyes of the beholder

I have lived all my life in a city environment appreciating living creatures' ability to survive and thrive around me. I was a grade one teacher for 35 years and shared this wonder with my students who are the perfect audience for learning how to appreciate, wonder...

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Carol: Nature is in the eyes of the beholder

I have lived all my life in a city environment appreciating living creatures’ ability to survive and thrive around me.
I was a grade one teacher for 35 years and shared this wonder with my students who are the perfect
audience for learning how to appreciate, wonder and marvel at all that share this planet with us, whether we can observe them or not.
The CWF had (maybe still does?) teaching packages that I shared with my students in order to stimulate thought and compassion for all life.
We, my students and I , did fundraising in any small way that helped us feel we were contributing to help those we share our planet with.
Humans expend so much effort on justified environmental issues that directly impact themselves that we tend to forget the gift that wildlife brings and gives to us and how we are responsible for its imperilment.
I fear we are not involved enough and will not know what we have done until it is too late.
My hope is that we can focus on all who share this planet with us.

Elizabeth: Respect for nature.

My hopes are that through education and understanding of the severity of the condition of the planet that man will rise to the occasion and help this earth repair itself. I was blessed with parents that taught me a great appreciation of nature and wildlife and to...

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Elizabeth: Respect for nature.

My hopes are that through education and understanding of the severity of the condition of the planet that man will rise to the occasion and help this earth repair itself.
I was blessed with parents that taught me a great appreciation of nature and wildlife and to respect all living beings
I am very grateful for that.

Drew: Life is Wonderful

I have loved nature since I was a little boy and it hasn't changed since I aged!

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Drew: Life is Wonderful

I have loved nature since I was a little boy and it hasn’t changed since I aged!

An Ermine Among Us.

David: An Ermine Among Us.

I grew up on a southwestern Ontario farm with mixed crops and livestock. My dad had a natural way with animals of all kinds, and I learned that from him at an early age. He was not only good with farm livestock, but all of the field and woodland inhabitants as well....

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David: An Ermine Among Us.

I grew up on a southwestern Ontario farm with mixed crops and livestock. My dad had a natural way with animals of all kinds, and I learned that from him at an early age. He was not only good with farm livestock, but all of the field and woodland inhabitants as well. He respected them and always gave them their space.
I seem to have an easy way of connecting with animals around our wooded home lot, part of the northern reaches of the unique Carolinian environment, just north of Pinery Provincial Park. Our back yard was always visited by a diverse range of birds, animals, insects and aquatic life, as we had a water garden there as well as native and perennial gardens.
One particular visitor became a regular in the winter of 2014/15. When I first spotted him in November on the deck of our garden shed, I didn’t know what he was, and had to look him up. An Ermine.
Over the next four months of a particularly hard winter, we became quite familiar with each other. He was as curious as I was, and would come when I would call him “Herman!” I fed him suet sometimes, as the snow was so deep and the cold bitter; I was concerned the tiny creature might not survive. He rewarded me by posing very close to my camera sometimes, and cavorting playfully in the deep snow. My photographs were shared and much enjoyed by friends and neighbours who eagerly anticipated the next update on our small friend’s escapades.
Then, exactly four months later, he vanished. Likely a predator got him… we have foxes, coyotes, feral cats and other animals we enjoy seeing, along with deer, opossum, wild turkeys and a wonderful range of other birds and wildlife. But the time Herman the Ermine was with us was a real privilege.

West Coast Dreams

Elizabeth: West Coast Dreams

It wasn’t until I lived abroad for several years that I truly missed my home on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I left for Australia searching for artistic inspiration & began painting on a regular basis. After experiencing years of what Australia’s lush...

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Elizabeth: West Coast Dreams

It wasn’t until I lived abroad for several years that I truly missed my home on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
I left for Australia searching for artistic inspiration & began painting on a regular basis.
After experiencing years of what Australia’s lush coastal beauty had to offer I soon realized how much I longed for home & the ethereal west coast of Vancouver Island.
Thick fog blanketing the tree line, the wet, dark & deep ambient rainforest, the smell of sun-kissed blackberries along a trail, clusters of mussels clinging to a jagged shore, a pod of orcas playing in the distance. These moments & so many more have brought me a sense of peace in my life.
I had found my artistic calling, & after a summer visit back to the island I began a series of watercolour sea creatures. After that, many paintings of West Coast seascapes followed, which led me to focus on waves. There is nothing quite like the force of powerful, breaking waves at Botanical Beach commanding your attention.
Through countless trips photographing Botanical’s magnificent winter surf, I have dedicated most of my artwork to this special place. Botanical Beach has been a source of beauty, reflection & inspiration to me since I was a child.
I felt strongly in giving give back to the coast, & that’s when I became a supporter of World Wildlife Fund Canada.

Youth Inspired by Nature

Abby: Youth Inspired by Nature

A grade six science study of biodiversity plunged me headfirst into a world of jellyfish and juncos, crocodiles and crabs. I never looked back! Nothing fascinates and creates more respect in me than nature. I love using my time and resources for birding, wildlife...

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Abby: Youth Inspired by Nature

A grade six science study of biodiversity plunged me headfirst into a world of jellyfish and juncos, crocodiles and crabs. I never looked back! Nothing fascinates and creates more respect in me than nature. I love using my time and resources for birding, wildlife rehab, and gardening… nature will always inspire me!

My affinity for nature, a lifelong love.

Irene: My affinity for nature, a lifelong love.

My whole life I have felt an affinity with nature and animals. I loved going on long hikes on local trails when I was young. Listening to the birds and the rustle of squirrels in the underbrush gave me peace and serenity. My favorite animal has always been the...

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Irene: My affinity for nature, a lifelong love.

My whole life I have felt an affinity with nature and animals. I loved going on long hikes on local trails when I was young. Listening to the birds and the rustle of squirrels in the underbrush gave me peace and serenity.
My favorite animal has always been the elephant, a lumbering beautiful beast who is really a gentle giant. When I realized what was happening to them and their habitats, I started donating what I could to help. From there, I started donating to WWF-CANADA wherever I could. Animals can’t speak for themselves. We need to help them survive the mess we are making of this planet. I feel that as part of the older generation, I need to do my part to do what I can to help the next generations save our world and return it to it’s former glory.

Brenda: Animals are like Stuffies

I have always had a love for animals from as far back as I can remember I had a deep sense of empathy for them and still do to this day. I was the kid that thought my stuffed animals had feelings and the funny thing is at 64 I can still look into their eyes and wonder...

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Brenda: Animals are like Stuffies

I have always had a love for animals from as far back as I can remember I had a deep sense of empathy for them and still do to this day.
I was the kid that thought my stuffed animals had feelings and the funny thing is at 64 I can still look into their eyes and wonder what their thoughts are. If only they could speak those stuffies could have helped the living animals.
All animals need to feel a sense of belonging in the world. As humans we have done so much harm to the earth to the animals and to nature that we are destroying what rightfully belongs to them. As humans we can make the changes . As animals they can not make the changes to their natural being.
I have visited the polar bears in Churchill and it was the most incredible experience to have witnessed these magnificent bears in their natural habitat.
I want my grandchildren to have those experiences so every Christmas one of their gifts and my daughter and her husband get a stuffy from WWF.
I hope that people will give respect to those that can’t tell us what’s wrong , to look into the eyes of an animal and wonder what can we do to help you, to look in the eyes of a stuffy and feel the empathy for their living being.

Cheryl: nature

Nature has always been a saving grace in my life. As a writer and artist, it influences everything i do.....One is never lonely in a forest. Very happy to be able to support wildlife causes whenever i can.

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Cheryl: nature

Nature has always been a saving grace in my life. As a writer and artist, it influences everything i do…..One is never lonely in a forest.
Very happy to be able to support wildlife causes whenever i can.

Lenny: A Chihuahua with a Lion-Sized Heart for Wildlife Conservation

Janine: Lenny: A Chihuahua with a Lion-Sized Heart for Wildlife Conservation

Lenny might not have the size of a lion, but he's got a big heart for wildlife conservation. His human, Janine, stumbled upon this passion when she noticed Lenny's obsession with outdoor walks and his affinity for squirrels. Before they knew it, they were actively...

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Janine: Lenny: A Chihuahua with a Lion-Sized Heart for Wildlife Conservation

Lenny might not have the size of a lion, but he’s got a big heart for wildlife conservation. His human, Janine, stumbled upon this passion when she noticed Lenny’s obsession with outdoor walks and his affinity for squirrels.

Before they knew it, they were actively supporting the WWF foundation, raising funds and awareness for animal conservation. Janine may have all the thumbs, but Lenny’s cuteness and charm bring in the big bucks or at least a loonie, twoonie too. Every bit makes a difference.

As this dynamic duo works together, they dream of a future where every animal can live free from harm and every person can appreciate the beauty of nature. Lenny even had a few suggestions for a side-kick to the WWF mascot Chi-Chi the Giant Panda, including himself.

Together, Janine and Lenny continue to inspire others to join the WWF, proving even the smallest dog can make a big impact. 

Ronald: My Story

I was told that as an infant, my favorite book was a cloth book (un-tearable) showing various animals. Apparently naming them (in baby-speak) was among my first words. I think I remember the book, but thought it might be a created memory. Then years later, I found...

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Ronald: My Story

I was told that as an infant, my favorite book was a cloth book (un-tearable) showing various animals. Apparently naming them (in baby-speak) was among my first words. I think I remember the book, but thought it might be a created memory. Then years later, I found another cloth book in a children’s book store. The smell of that book brought back so many vivid memories that I know I had a similar book. That’s evidence that very early, in life animals were important to me. Later, in Grade 4 (1953), I flipped through an encylopaedia and found pictures of dinosaurs. Wow! Then I saw the word “extinct” and looked that up in a dictionary. Utter devastation. So conservation became important for me. Today, I am still upset at reports of some frog or dolphin that is about to disappear. I am not suited to trekking in wild places like David Attenborough or Gordon Buchanan. All I do is give a little financial support to WWF and several other wildlife organizations. Thank you for your good work.

A love for wildlife and making a difference

Julian: A love for wildlife and making a difference

I love wildlife. I spend every minute I can experiencing the majesty of the natural world. I donate monthly to WWF-Canada, but after recently being inspired by nature, I wondered if I could make an even greater impact. I researched the best ways to make a significant...

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Julian: A love for wildlife and making a difference

I love wildlife. I spend every minute I can experiencing the majesty of the natural world. I donate monthly to WWF-Canada, but after recently being inspired by nature, I wondered if I could make an even greater impact.

I researched the best ways to make a significant difference for wildlife and wild places. I’m only 27 years old, but am a respected Investment Professional in the financial industry. Inspired by an article I read regarding life insurance as a gifting option, I decided this was the best way for me to make a significant contribution to wildlife and wild places. This philanthropic strategy allows me to leverage my annual support and make a larger gift. The numbers surprised even me.

In just 10 years, through paying premiums on my insurance plan, I will have created a $55,000 gift to WWF-Canada. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to leave such a substantial legacy to restore the natural world that gives me so much joy!

Now my passion for wildlife is my living legacy. I hope that my story will inspire others to consider how they can ensure a nature-filled life for future generations.

A legacy of action for the environment

Ian and June: A legacy of action for the environment

Ian and June Robertson are forces of nature and forces for nature. Regular monthly supporters since 1988, Ian and June are also CN Tower climbers, loyal petition signers, and advocates for wildlife. On top of all they’ve done, they have included a gift to wildlife in...

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Ian and June: A legacy of action for the environment

Ian and June Robertson are forces of nature and forces for nature. Regular monthly supporters since 1988, Ian and June are also CN Tower climbers, loyal petition signers, and advocates for wildlife.

On top of all they’ve done, they have included a gift to wildlife in their Will to WWF-Canada.

Ian and June are avid gardeners who’ve turned their small garden into a wildlife wonderland. And they’re intrepid bird watchers.

Ian, now retired, was a school teacher. In every school he worked, he championed the environment — which, early in his career, involved him in the basics of recycling and energy conservation programs. In his later years, he inspired his schools to climb the CN Tower.

“It’s nothing special,” Ian and June say, “We’re not scientists or biologists. We have simply loved nature all our lives and want to do what we can to pass a beautiful world on.”