Who we are
We are World Animal Protection. We move the world to protect animals in four key areas: animals in communities, animals in farming, animals in the wild, and animals in disasters.
Animals in Disasters
Ever since ‘Operation Gwamba’, when we rescued 10,000 animals from floodwaters in Suriname in 1964, we’ve protected over seven million animals in disasters. We’ve responded to earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, tornados, volcano eruptions, cyclones and shipwrecks. We’ve saved animals in conflicts from Bosnia to Rwanda to Afghanistan. And today, we move faster than ever to protect animals when disaster strikes.
Over 50 years of disaster experience
When disasters strike, the impact is devastating for animals and the communities who depend on them. So for more than 50 years, we‘ve helped governments and communities prepare for disasters, enabling people to protect animals and rebuild their lives. Tens of millions of people worldwide are dependent on their animals – for food, to earn a living, to stay healthy, as companions, for status, and to stay safe. That’s why the lives of animals and people are fundamentally linked.
More than seven million animals protected
As well as working with governments and communities in preparation for disasters, we act fast to ensure animal needs are met when disasters strike. In the time we have worked on disaster responses, we have provided aid to over seven million animals.
We have a global network of response teams, so our staff can be on the scene of a disaster within days. Once we arrive, we work with local partners to assess what’s needed and to set up relief programmes quickly and efficiently. We provide whatever aid is necessary – whether that means providing emergency veterinary treatment, distributing food, evacuating animals from danger, or reuniting animals and owners that have been separated by disasters.
The power of being ready
Through our work with governments, international bodies, NGOs and local and national partners, we empower communities in disaster-prone areas to prepare for the future. This can include:
- Training people to care for animals during and after disasters
- Developing community emergency plans that include animals
- Setting up early warning systems
- Showing people how to store and protect food and water
- Demonstrating how to safely evacuate animals from danger
- Building, strengthening and securing animal shelters
- Running vaccination programmes
- Releasing public service announcements on caring for animals during disasters.
Help for animals means help for people
In some communities, responding fast to protect animals can reduce the need for long-term aid. If animals are saved, families can stay self-sufficient – and be better prepared for future disasters. But without animals, families lose one of their main sources of income, and are often left with no way to rebuild their lives. That’s why losing animals can hinder the recovery of entire communities.
Share this story
Related
