Advocates drum up support for America’s wildlife in DC

Advocates from across the country came to D.C. last week to call upon Congress to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which would send more than $1 billion each year to state and tribal agencies so they can protect the amazing wildlife with which we share our country – including gentle manatees, buzzing bumblebees and powerful bison. Most of these species aren’t yet endangered, and the goal is to keep it that way by proactively conserving their habitat and funding other measures needed to avoid declines.

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act enjoys bipartisan support and passed the House in 2022. Now, we’re working to get it through the House and Senate onto the president’s desk. On our lobby day, our advocates met with over 70 congressional offices from both parties and explained that it’s not just the well-known, charismatic animals who need our help, like Florida’s panthers and the monarch butterfly, but many, many more.

One species that could benefit from investments in wildlife conservation is the sperm whale, the largest toothed whale. Regularly hunted in past centuries, sperm whales are still recovering and listed as a high priority in many state wildlife action plans. So, we also brought a giant inflatable sperm whale to the Hill on Monday in partnership with the Student PIRG’s lobby day to show congressional staff and visitors what this bill is all about.

To help wildlife large and small, tell your senator to support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act today.