Alongside Defenders of Wildlife, Sierra Club, American Bird Conservancy, and the Endangered Species Coalition, WWF invited activists to Washington, DC, to celebrate 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act and meet with members of Congress and their staff to highlight the importance of this law—and advocate for its endurance. About 70 people representing 17 states participated in the event.

Here’s what a couple of our activists said about why they’re speaking up for the Endangered Species Act:

“I think that access to nature and wild spaces is something that should be considered a fundamental human right, and the biodiversity crisis is one of many things that is threatening that ability to experience nature. My hope is that in the next 10 or 20 or 50 years, we’re able to create a world where future generations don’t have to worry about animals going extinct or the biodiversity crisis because our generation has taken control and done our part so that when we pass the torch, we’re passing it better than it was when we received it.”
– Haley Jordan, WWF Panda Ambassador, Delaware

“As I learn more and more about how ecosystems are connected, I’ve learned how the Endangered Species Act has been used to save a lot of species—even cornerstone species and non-charismatic species—that are important for ecosystems. And the biodiversity it creates is important for human health, the economy, and communities. There’s also a moral reason to pass down a healthy planet for future generations like my six-year-old son.

What I hope elected officials do is take action to create a biodiversity strategy, and that they’re able to keep out all of the attacks and fully fund the implementation mechanisms to get as many species on the list and on the road to recovery.”
– Ryan Hicks, WWF Panda Ambassador, Washington

Want to speak up for endangered species, too? Become a Panda Ambassador!

Learn more about WWF’s wildlife conservation work.