Omss Animal: August E-news: Baby Gorilla Poaching Attempt Thwarted

Baby Gorilla Rescue | Polar Bears Swimming Longer | Stop Iceland's Whale Hunt | Go Paperless with WWF

After the rescue
© Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project

An infant mountain gorilla was rescued from poachers in Rwanda with help from the partnership of WWF, African Wildlife Foundation and Fauna & Flora International. A group of Rwandan and Congolese men were attempting to smuggle the baby female into Rwanda. The smugglers were arrested and an investigation into a possible larger network is under way. See more photos of the infant after her rescue.

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In Depth: Gorillas and Illegal Wildlife Trade

WWF's fight against illegal wildlife trade

Facts about mountain gorillas

Congo Basin: Natural habitat of gorillas and more

Melting Sea Ice Forcing Polar Bears to Swim Longer Distances

A polar bear emerges from the sea
© Paul Nicklen/National Geographic Stock/WWF-Canada

A new study reveals that sea ice loss from climate change is causing polar bears to swim longer distances to find stable ice or reach land, resulting in greater risk to their cubs. The study used global positioning system (GPS) collars on female bears along with satellite imagery of sea ice to detect incidences of bears swimming more than 30 miles at a time. Find out what the study reveals about polar bear cubs.

August Caption Contest

Enter the WWF Photo Caption Contest, and your creative caption could be featured in next month's e-newsletter.

African lion looking through the a window of tourist's vehicle

"Have you seen a scarecrow or tinman?"
Jamie C., Toronto, Ont.
July's Contest Winner

Photographer gets eye to eye with a kangaroo

Submit your clever
caption for this photo!

Help Pressure Iceland to Stop Hunting Endangered Whales

Help us stop Iceland's whale hunt
© naturepl.com/Mark Cawardine/WWF

Iceland continues to hunt whales, in violation of international law. Last month, the U.S. certified that Iceland is defying the international ban on commercial whaling. President Obama must now decide whether to impose sanctions based on that determination. Please join us and urge the president to impose tough sanctions and hold Iceland accountable for its killing of endangered whales.

Turn Over a New Leaf and Go Paperless

Imagine becoming a member of WWF and not receiving any paper mail--now you can, with WWF's new Paperless Membership! Simply join as a monthly Paperless Member and we won't send you any paper mail as long as you continue to be an active monthly donor, and unless required by law or at your request. Check out all the benefits of going paperless.

Featured Videos

Why are polar bears swimming longer distances?

Meet WWF tiger conservationist Mila Parakkasi

Featured Expedition

Journey Through Copper Canyon
Oct. 29 - Nov. 5, 2011

Join WWF on a small-group journey to Mexico's Copper Canyon, one of the most dramatic natural formations on Earth, which remarkably few travelers know about. Reach the canyon's remote heights on a stunning railway journey, then explore the area by foot and horseback. Learn more.

Do You Know?

What conservation celebration took place on July 29, 2011?

a. Global Tiger Day

b. Gorilla Awareness Day

c. International Shark Day

d. National Wolf Day

Click on one of the answers
above to see if you know.

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Announcing the Winners of WWF's Photo Contest

Thanks to everyone who submitted photos to our 50th Anniversary Photo Contest! We received nearly 10,000 photos showcasing the beauty of the natural world we want to protect for future generations. Last month, you voted and helped choose the grand prize winners in the three categories of wildlife, wild places, and people connecting with nature. See the three winning photographs and view our photo gallery of finalists.

	Send a winning e-card
	Get a winning wallpaper

August's Featured Species

Fin Whale
Balaenoptera physalus

Status: Endangered

Basics: The fin whale is the second-largest living animal, after the blue whale. These whales can measure as long as 88 feet and the dorsal fin rises about 2 feet high.

Threats: Commercial whaling

Interesting Fact: Fin whales can sustain a speed of around 23 miles per hour, and can leap completely out of the water.

Symbolically adopt a whale

Bank of America Is Supporting WWF

Show your love of the tiger with the WWF Visa Signature® credit card from Bank of America. Bank of America will contribute $100 to WWF for each new qualifying account. Get more details.

Double Donation from Build-A-Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear Workshop is celebrating WWF's 50th anniversary with a double donation September 2 - 4 only. When you buy the new WWF Fennec Fox, $2 will be donated to WWF. Fennec foxes are important small hunters, helping to control the insect population--and they are at risk due to habitat loss. Since 1999, Build-A-Bear Workshop has donated over $1.4 million to WWF to help us protect endangered animals and their habitats.

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