Protecting biodiversity requires collective effort. Whether you’re inspired to learn more, take action, or support conservation financially, these organizations provide trustworthy, science-based pathways to help endangered species thrive. Explore the resources below and find ways to get involved.
Recommended Conservation Groups for Teachers and Parents
We’ve curated a list of trusted conservation organizations doing vital work to protect endangered species and ecosystems worldwide. These groups are leaders in science-based conservation, offering meaningful ways to learn, support, and take action.
WWF (World Wildlife Fund)
Focus: Global conservation across habitats, climate, oceans, and endangered species.
Why We Recommend: WWF is one of the most recognized organizations with transparent reporting, large-scale impact, and local partnerships worldwide.
Website: https://www.worldwildlife.org
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
Focus: Maintains the authoritative Red List of Threatened Species and drives global conservation policy.
Why We Recommend: IUCN is the gold standard for conservation data and plays a critical role in shaping policy and protecting habitats.
Website: https://www.iucnredlist.org
EDGE of Existence (Zoological Society of London)
Focus: Protects the world’s most evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered species.
Why We Recommend: EDGE highlights species that are both unique and irreplaceable, combining cutting-edge research with local conservation action.
Website: https://www.edgeofexistence.org
Conservation International
Focus: Protecting ecosystems that people depend on, with an emphasis on climate resilience and indigenous leadership.
Why We Recommend: CI ties biodiversity conservation directly to human well-being, ensuring sustainable impact.
Website: https://www.conservation.org
Rainforest Trust
Focus: Securing land to protect rainforests and critical biodiversity hotspots.
Why We Recommend: Highly rated for transparency, with donations directly funding land purchase and legal protection.
Website: https://www.rainforesttrust.org
The Nature Conservancy
Focus: Global conservation projects balancing ecological and human needs.
Why We Recommend: TNC is known for science-driven approaches, land preservation, and scalable solutions to climate and biodiversity challenges.
Website: https://www.nature.org
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Focus: On-the-ground conservation in nearly 60 countries, plus management of major zoos and aquariums in New York.
Why We Recommend: WCS combines scientific expertise with direct conservation efforts in critical regions.
Website: https://www.wcs.org
AWF (African Wildlife Foundation)
Focus: Protects Africa’s wildlife and wild lands while supporting sustainable development for local communities.
Why We Recommend: AWF integrates conservation with community empowerment, ensuring both people and wildlife thrive together.
Website: https://www.awf.org
AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
Focus: Sets standards for animal care, conservation, and education among accredited zoos and aquariums.
Why We Recommend: AZA accreditation ensures institutions meet the highest standards in animal welfare and contribute directly to conservation programs worldwide.
Website: https://www.aza.org
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council)
Focus: Uses legal and policy expertise to fight climate change, protect ecosystems, and safeguard wildlife.
Why We Recommend: NRDC is a powerful advocate for environmental protection, combining science, law, and grassroots activism.
Website: https://www.nrdc.org​
Resources for Kids
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
Use the IUCN Red List to search for particular endangered animals and learn more:
Website: https://www.iucnredlist.org
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National Geographic Kids
Focus: Offers kid-friendly articles, videos, games, and species profiles that help children explore wildlife and learn about endangered animals independently.
Website: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com
WWF Wild Classroom on YouTube
Focus: Provides engaging wildlife videos, species facts, and lesson-style content that kids can watch on their own to learn about conservation and the natural world.
Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqLN5woFYwtKKoXvASDRT3Q
WWF Kids’ Planet
Focus: Offers activities, resources, and challenges that help kids and teens explore nature, sustainability, and ways to take action for the planet from home.
Website: https://www.wwf.org.uk/get-involved/kids-planet
Cartoon Network Climate Champions
Focus: Encourages kids to complete fun climate and conservation challenges through videos, games, and missions designed to inspire everyday planet-friendly actions.
Website: https://cartoonnetworkclimatechampions.com
Smithsonian’s National Zoo – Kids, Families, and Schools
Focus: Shares animal facts, at-home activities, and learning resources that help kids connect with wildlife and conservation through the National Zoo’s educational content.
Website: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/kids-and-families
Earth Rangers
Focus: A kid-focused conservation organization that turns children’s concern for the environment into action through missions, games, and a free membership program.
Website: https://www.earthrangers.com
Eco Kids Planet
Focus: A nature magazine for children that explores wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental issues through stories, activities, and fun facts.
Website: https://www.ecokidsplanet.co.uk
Friends of the Earth – Nature Activities for Kids
Focus: Provides simple, printable nature and environment activities that help children learn about wildlife and caring for the planet through hands-on exploration.
Website: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/take-action/nature-activities-kids
National Wildlife Federation – Kids and Family
Focus: Offers games, guides, and outdoor activity ideas (including Ranger Rick resources) that keep kids engaged with nature and wildlife conservation.
Website: https://www.nwf.org/Home/Kids-and-Family
Books That Bring Endangered Species to Life
Don’t Let Them Disappear, by Chelsea Clinton (Ages 6-8)
Snow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains, by Justin Anderson (Ages 5-8)
Red Alert! Endangered Animals Around the World, by Catherine Barr (Ages 5-8)
Interrupted Journey: Saving Endangered Sea Turtles, by Kathryn Lasky (Ages 6-9)
The Spirit of Springer: The Real-Life Rescue of an Orphaned Orca, by Amanda Abler (Ages 7-10)
Pandas and Other Endangered Species: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Treehouse #48, by Mary Pope Osborne (Ages 7-10)
Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa’s Fastest Cat, by Sy Montgomery (Ages 10-12)
ResQ and the Baby Orangutan, by Eva Pell (Ages 9-12)
Back From the Brink: Saving Animals From Extinction, by Nancy Castaldo (Ages 10-12)
If You Take Away the Otter, by Susannah Buhrman-Deever (Ages 5-8)
If Elephants Disappeared, by Lily Williams (Ages 4-8)
If Polar Bears Disappeared, by Lily Williams (Ages 4-8)
Animals Lost and Found, by Jason Bittel (Ages 7-10)
The Lorax, by Dr Seuss (Ages 4 and up)​