We share this world with a wide variety of creatures big and small that depend on living in unique habitats and ecosystems for their survival. It is important to learn to live in harmony with wildlife, for they have every right to live in their natural environments free from human invasion and harm.

Continued human population growth has led to unsustainable rates of consumption of our natural resources, resulting in a loss of Earth’s biodiversity. The main factors driving biodiversity loss include habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation, and pollution.

Wild animals are the custodians of our planet. We humans are not better or smarter than wild animals. The history of damage we have caused here on Earth is evidence of how ignorant human beings are.

Why are wild animals so important?

1. Wildlife maintains balance in ecosystems. When one species goes extinct, imbalance occurs in that ecosystem.
2. Biodiversity helps make healthier ecosystems. Biodiversity is the presence of many species in an ecosystem.
3. Wildlife and their habitats offer medicine. Many herbs today are used to treat illnesses. Morphine, penicillin and aspirin were all derived from wild plants.
4.  Wildlife helps ecosystems to be healthy, helping our entire world systems of water and air to be healthier.

Listen in an hear Nola’s words for animal conservation that will warm your heart. Nola was a Northern White Rhino at the San Diego Safari Park. I met her in 2015. She passed three months later. Her words have inspired me forward as an advocate for all animals and our planet.