In 2008 the Government of Japan harpooned 551 whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

In memory of those whales IFAW is a collecting portraits of ordinary Australians - and some familiar faces - making a whale tail with their hands. Visit Project 551 today and upload your photo to help stop to whaling. 

July 2007, a haunting photo makes it out of eastern Congo. A family of six rare mountain gorillas are shot dead at point blank range. It's the largest gorilla massacre in known history. With only 700 wild mountain gorillas left on the planet, why would anyone kill these charismatic and highly endangered creatures?  

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) met in June, achieving no new protections for whales. 

Find out more about the IWC and the IFAW team.

China: IFAW team help in devastated area

IFAW's Emergency Relief team rushed to the Sichuan province to assist in the rescue and relief operations after the devastating earthquake on May 12th.  IFAW's efforts to rescue both people and animals included dispatching search and rescue teams, providing medical supplies and equipment, and inoculating animals to prevent the spread of disease.  IFAW's deepest sympathies go out to the Chinese people in this very difficult time.  Please check back for updates.

Read more about IFAW's on the ground efforts to save animals in China

Please help us respond to disasters at a moment's notice

Did you know that thousands of animal and wildlife products made from endangered species are bought and sold over the Internet every day?

As the largest Internet marketplace for ivory sales, eBay is directly and indirectly assisting the illegal trade in wildlife as well as the poachers who create it.

eBay has expressed its commitment to a global policy on the ivory trade and a willingness to work closely with IFAW on drafting such a policy and its enforcement.  But words are not enough.

Stop the trade of ivory on eBay and worldwide

IFAW participates in a range of events, lending support to other organisations and their projects, and raising awareness of our own activities in the region and elsewhere.