Wildlife Conservation Society

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Vulnerable animals are counting on us to act.

SPEAK UP FOR TRAFFICKED ANIMALS

We’re calling on you to help ensure that resources are available for wildlife rehab efforts. Urge your Representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 3538 to ensure wildlife conservation continues without financial strain and rescued animals receive proper care.

Keel-billed toucan
ACT NOW
Your Message
Will you step up for stressed and sick wildlife?
Dear [Representative],

As your constituent and a supporter of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), I am writing to urge you to cosponsor H.R. 3538, the Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025 introduced by Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL).

Federal law enforcement officials frequently confiscate live animals that are being illegally trafficked into the United States, unlawfully being sold domestically or posing a hazard to people. Lacking facilities to house these creatures, law enforcement often asks nearby zoos and aquariums on an ad hoc basis to provide care for them.

Confiscated animals arrive at the facility very stressed and often sick, requiring immediate veterinary care. On rare occasions, animals can be returned to their country of origin for rehabilitation and reintroduction or are able to be part of a zoo’s or aquarium’s collection on display to the public after recovering their health. But most often, confiscated animals will live for the remainder of their lives in the quarantine or backroom areas at the zoo, aquarium, or similar facility that initially agrees to take them. Rarely are resources provided by the law enforcement agency to provide for care.

In 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) formed a cooperative agreement to implement a solution, starting a regional pilot Wildlife Confiscations Network. Since its launch, the Network has assisted with over 135 wildlife trafficking cases and successfully placed over 4,100 animals into quality care in about 40 vetted facilities throughout the region. Outcomes for both law enforcement and the confiscated species have been significantly improved.

H.R. 3538 would expand this successful network nationwide, establishing a national cooperative and coordinated response for the care and wellbeing of wildlife confiscated from illegal trade at United States border crossings and ports of entry. I urge you to reach out to Representatives Garbarino and Quigley to cosponsor the bill.

Thank you for your consideration of my request.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

Wildlife and wild places are facing pressing global threats
— and your donation will go directly to help combat these issues.

Wildlife Crime

Poaching, trafficking, and illegal trade endanger hundreds of vulnerable species.

Climate Crisis

Changes in climate jeopardize biodiversity and the health of entire ecosystems.

Habitat Destruction

Logging, mining, burning: human encroachment destroys homes and havens for wildlife.

We stand for wildlife

For 125 years, WCS has been dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places, powered by the expertise and science in our zoos, aquarium, and global conservation program.

Our legacy of success now positions us perfectly to take on the world’s most pressing conservation challenges—the zoonotic pandemic crisis, the decline in the world’s biodiversity, and the climate crisis—with urgent and bold action.

We focus on protecting the planet’s most important, ecologically intact places with the greatest biodiversity and resilience to climate change. With your help, we can secure a future worth celebrating.

WCS works to save wildlife and wild places in 60 countries, across the ocean, and in our 4 NY zoos and aquarium

FAQs

  • Is my donation tax-deductible?

    Yes, your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent allowable by law. Your receipt—which you’ll see upon completing your contribution and receive in email—will indicate the amount of your gift that is tax-deductible.

  • How can I learn more about WCS's mission?

    To learn more about the work we do to save wildlife and wild places, join our mailing list and follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. You can also read through our latest Annual Reports to see WCS impact on wildlife around the world, and how your support will help.

  • What will my donation be used for?

    Your generous gift will go wherever the need is greatest to support our global conservation work of saving wildlife and wild places.

  • What is the preferred way to give?

    While all donations are welcome, monthly giving is the preferred method of giving. As our work requires persistent dedication, we require long-term support so we can be there for wildlife today and in the future.

  • How can I change or cancel my monthly gift?

    You are always in control of your monthly giving. Simply log on to https://secure.wcs.org/user to change, stop, or delay your monthly gifts through your own, secure online service center.

    To register or to obtain a new password visit: https://secure.wcs.org/user/password

    If you have any questions about your gift, please contact Member Services at 718-220-5112, Monday – Friday 9 AM to 5 PM EST or email us at donate@wcs.org.

  • How can I have a greater impact?

    Become a WCS Conservation Patron and join a community of WCS’s most passionate and engaged supporters! By donating $125 monthly or $1,500 annually or higher, you can conserve vulnerable animals around the world and receive WCS insider access, communications, and benefits.