"My membership with AWF began when the organization was still known as the African wildlife leadership Foundation. Although I have never been to Africa and doubt I’ll ever get there, I can’t imagine an Africa in the future that is bereft of the non-human animals that make much of the continent a place of great worth as is the case with the creatures of the rain forests on the continents where clear-cutting has not yet taken place. AWF is the only organization in which I have membership and of which I have knowledge that is involved exclusively with theAfrican continent while the others have a broader (e.g. WWF) or narrower (e.g. TNC) scope. AWF provides the resources fundamental to the betterment of the lives of those people who live on the land are most directly influenced by all of the wildlife who also require space and natural resources for their continue existence. In my opinion, the fate of wildlife and habitat in Africa and other developing countries depends upon the developed countries assisting the people toward greater independence through education and small loans to get them started in self-sustaining businesses. The resultant improvement in their lives could ultimately lead to healthier living conditions.

My membership and trust fund contributions to AWF and to the other nine organizations reflect my appreciation of all life, from the smallest invertebrate, microorganism, fungus to the largest mammal and their singular roles in helping to create and maintain a planet friendly to all including such a still largely ignorant and ungrateful species as our own. More of us should bear in mind the simple fact that it is we who owe the planet, not the other way around, and of all the earth’s species, it is the absence of our own that would be most beneficial."

Anita Brown
Colorado Springs, CO

"We live in an age where taking responsibility is the only assurance we have to ensure that our own survival is protected. This reality is no less true for the survival of Africa’s wildlife. By planning ahead, I am confident that I have contributed my share towards advancing the legacy of the African Wildlife Foundation."

Kilimanjaro Society member

"The scope and potential impact of AWF's African Heartlands program is breathtaking, and offers tremendous hope for Africa's people and wildlife. Having been to Kenya and Tanzania, to Kilimanjaro and the Virungas, I am especially heartened to know that you are working in these special areas. Thank you for the opportunity to become involved with AWF and especially the Heartlands Program."

Foundation President

"We got really interested in helping endangered animals in the 1980s when it became very clear that many species were headed for certain extinction without direct intervention. My family and I have always loved animals a lot, so we just felt compelled to do something to help them. I can't imagine a world without them.

It started with wolves. Then cheetah, elephant, gorilla, rhino, and tiger numbers reached a crisis state. AWF has a great track record for successes, so it was a good choice for me.

I'm optimistic about the future of threatened species, though not complacent. Over time I've learned how many other problems have to be factored into saving wildlife -- loss of habitat, poaching, human overpopulation, poverty, and environmental degradation.

I've watched AWF deal with all of this and find successful solutions. I'm really impressed, and am in this for the long haul. I do wish I could donate more money now, but I'm leaving in my will what is, for me, a very large gift. I wish I could give it to AWF today, but I know the need will still be strong when the time comes."

Kilimanjaro Society Member

“Through following AWF’s work in Africa with mountain gorillas and other endangered species and hearing of its respected reputation in the eyes of knowledgeable experts, I have included AWF in my living trust plan. Though there are innumerable charitable causes that one can support, I find the protection of wildlife ranks among the most worthy. And I believe that the protection of Africa’s wildlife through intelligent, thoughtful administration of land preservation, indigenous people’s interests and anti-poaching measures is a cause anyone should be proud to further.”

Kilimanjaro Society member