2. Thinking about animals

Many animal species are seriously endangered. Animals we all know well such as the tiger, orang-utan and gorilla are facing extinction within the next ten years. Just imagine a world in which these wonderful creatures only exist in picture books, in old films or in cages in zoos. We should all care about what happens to animals, even if we are not particularly interested in them. Many people believe that animals, just like us, have rights. They also form part of the 'web' of life on the planet. Just like a spider's web, if one of the strands on the web is removed it is weakened; if several are removed, the whole web might collapse. Pets are not part of this web because they are not 'wild' animals. In fact pets are often a threat to animals in the wild, for example cats attack and kill birds. There are many organisations that are trying to protect the habitats of endangered animals and by doing so protect the animals themselves. You may already be a member of one of these international, national or local wildlife organisations.

Do you agree? Add your voice to the debate on this issue

Did you know?

• About 5000 different animal species are now threatened with extinction
• Around 50 animal and plant species become extinct each day because of rainforest destruction
  
• One quarter of the world's animal and plant species could become extinct in the next 20 - 30 years

Take Action

• Join an organisation campaigning for the protection of wildlife and the environment
  
• Find out about local wildlife sites, nature reserves or woods and how you can get involved in supporting them
• Create a wildlife garden or a pond at school or at home and find out which plants will be best for birds, frogs, fish, butterflies and bees
• To find out more, please visit:
  The World Wildlife Fund www.wwf.org.uk/gowild/index.htm