Warriors fight to protect wildlife
Fri 10 November 2006
Gemma Colvin, Communication
Wildlife Warriors Worldwide is a conservation organisation established to include and involve people in the support and protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife
Founded by Steven and Terri Irwin, Wildlife Warriors was until recently known as the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation.
Although the charity is now independently operated, the Irwin family remains involved as patrons, supporters and advisers. Wildlife Warriors credit Australia Zoo's philosophy of “Conservation through Exciting Education” for giving the organisation a solid foundation to build upon.
The objectives of Wildlife Warriors include “protecting and enhancing the natural environment, providing information and education to the public, raising awareness of wildlife issues and undertaking biological research.”
Wildlife Warriors research, recommend and act in the protection of threatened and endangered species.
In 2004, the Australian Wildlife Hospital was opened. Inspired by the memory of Lyn Irwin (Steve Irwin’s mother) a “pioneer in wildlife care in Queensland” the hospital enlists the help of full-time veterinarians, a hospital manager, vet nurses and volunteers to provide first-class care for sick, injured and orphaned animals, the Wildlife Warriors website says.
Furthermore, Wildlife Warriors also co-operate with like-minded organisations such as the world’s longest established international conservation body, Fauna & Flora International (FFI). FFI is a “pioneer of sustainable conservation work that provides solutions to aid wildlife, humans and the environment”, the Wildlife Warriors website reports.
Wildlife Warriors is also associated with LifeForce, a charity based at Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, known as the ‘Tiger State’ of India. Lifeforce initiates and supports tiger conservation programs. Field officers from Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Warriors work with local villagers to help protect the habitat and reduce the potential for human and tiger conflict, the Wildlife Warriors website reports.
Furthermore, Wildlife Warriors works with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Bhutan on tiger conservation programs, and is also in partnership with De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre in South Africa, aiming to track and relocate problem cheetahs away from local villages.
Wildlife Warriors is also supported by ‘Corporate Wildlife Warriors’ including Australia Zoo, which covers all administration costs, enabling 100 per cent of every donation to be applied directly to conservation of wildlife and habitat.
Other corporate Wildlife Warriors include Sci-Fleet Motors, who provided two Toyota Troop Carriers that have been turned into the Wildlife Rescue Units, and IDEXX Laboratories in Australia, who help the veterinarians at the Australian Wildlife Hospital by providing veterinary diagnostics tests to assist in the provision of better care for the wildlife patients, the Wildlife Warriors website says.
Wildlife Warriors is also assisted by Global Ambassadors who help with donations, fundraising and events, and use their influence to inform the public about Wildlife Warriors.
Wildlife Warriors global ambassadors include musician Jimmy Barnes, pop-rock duo Jess and Lisa Origliasso (also known as ‘The Veronica’s), country music star John Williamson and radio host on the Sunshine Coast 's Zinc FM, Jamie Dunn.
Wildlife Warriors public relations (PR) consultant Sally Townsend has worked for the organisation since June 2006. Previously she had worked for Australia Zoo for four years.
Ms Townsend first worked for Australia Zoo in payroll deductions, and then moved to the PR department for Australia Zoo. When a PR position became available with Wildlife Warriors Ms Townsend says she jumped at the chance.
“It was really a natural progression from working at Australia Zoo, then to move into working for Wildlife Warriors. I decided I wanted to devote all my time to Wildlife Warriors.”
Ms Townsend says the most important part of her job is to ensure Wildlife Warriors receives publicity. She writes media releases drawing attention to environmental issues such as land clearing, and also writes articles for radio, newspapers and magazines.
“It is important to spread the conservation message,” Ms Townsend says.
The Wildlife Warriors website explains that as a Wildlife Warrior, “you will become part of a global 'wildlife force' that will be working hard to preserve our natural environment.”
Anyone can become a Wildlife Warrior by making a one off donation to the organisation or by joining the annual giving program online via the Wildlife Warriors website.
Image(s) designed by Gemma Colvin