ifaw

09/10/2026

80 years on, the International Whaling Commission remains one of the world's most important forums for protecting whales.

While a handful of pro-whaling nations continued to stand in the way of progress, countries came together in Tasmania last week to back measures aimed at reducing threats like ship strikes, strandings and bycatch.

The overwhelming global momentum is toward conservation, not commercial whaling.

Pro-whaling nations have again blocked the creation of a sanctuary to safeguard whales in the South Atlantic....

08/10/2026

Three smooth-coated otter pups are getting the care they need after being rescued during flash floods in Assam, India. 🦦🍼

At just 4–5 weeks old, the pups were found trapped in fishing nets near the Kaliani River. Thanks to the quick actions of local villagers and the forest department, they're now safe at IFAW–Wildlife Trust of India's Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation, where they're receiving round-the-clock care in the small mammal nursery.

Photo: © IFAW-WTI

07/10/2026

Most Australians already think buying and selling elephant ivory and rhino horn in Australia is illegal.

It isn't.

A recent investigation by ABC News found more than $1 million worth of ivory items were advertised for sale in Australia, while the promised ban on domestic ivory and rhino horn trade remains undelivered.

The Australian government doesn't believe it's a big problem.

But Australians made their views clear in recent polling with 95% supporting a ban.

Enough is enough. It's time to close the loophole, keep the promise, and help protect elephants and rhinos from the cruelty of wildlife trafficking.

Read the article below.

Read about our polling here: https://www.ifaw.org/au/press-releases/overwhelming-majority-australians-back-ivory-rhino-horn-trade-ban

A new study has found hardly any of the $1.2 million worth of elephant ivory sold or advertised in a six-month period in Australia came with paperwork proving its origin.

06/10/2026

Who's in charge when nobody is? 🦇🔥

It's 43 degrees. Hundreds of flying foxes are falling to the ground, succumbing to the heat.

Or it's the morning after a bushfire has been declared out. Most of the fire crews have gone home. The animals are still out there, potentially with burns, smoke inhalation or other injury.

In moments like these, there are many parts of Australia where there is no agency whose job it is to help. No control centre. No plan. Just a group of wildlife volunteers who turned up because the animals needed someone to.

Over the past year, we've trained more than 400 of those volunteers in wildlife search and rescue through our online training, and over 100 in person. Now we're training the people who lead them.

Our new Field Team Leader course asks something incredibly hard of people who got into this work for the animals. It asks them to stop looking at the animals. To turn around and look at their people instead.

Because a leader who is head-down in a rescue can't see the teammate who is overheating. Or grieving. Or about to make a decision they'll carry for years.

In our first pilot with the Northern Rivers Wildlife Network, the majority of participants left feeling more confident.

To our first cohort of new leaders: congratulations. The animals, and the people who care for them, are in better hands because of you. 💚

And to our supporters: this is what your generosity builds.

Wildlife emergencies aren't slowing down. Neither are we. Next stop: the rest of Australia 👊.

📸 IFAW

05/10/2026

Living with the Wild episode four is now live. YouTube link in comments.

04/10/2026

Meet Oaka 🐾

This rescue dog is training for a very special mission: helping to save koalas.

Following in the pawprints of legendary detection dog Bear, Oaka is learning how to use her incredible sense of smell to locate koalas in the wild, helping conservationists protect this iconic species.

From rescue dog to conservation hero, we can't wait to see where Oaka's journey leads. 💚🐨

Read her story below.

Now officially adopted, Oaka has joined the team as Australia's newest koala detection dog in training

03/10/2026

Indonesia is facing one of its most dangerous fire seasons in decades.

Fast-moving fires are continuing to engulf already-shrinking forests that provide shelter for hundreds of irreplaceable species—including critically endangered Bornean orangutans.

As fires close in and forests fill with smoke across Indonesia, orangutan mothers are struggling to keep their babies safe.
Clinging tightly to their young, they're forced to navigate a landscape engulfed by smoke and flames, searching desperately for shelter and food.

We're working with our partners Conservation Action Network (CAN), IAR Indonesia (YIARI), and Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program - Yayasan Palung on the ground to rescue animals in need.

Learn more about these efforts and what you can do to help: https://g.ifaw.org/4Aw0PGe

Photos: © YIARI / Ministry of Forestry

02/10/2026

At IFAW, we know conservation works best when communities have sustainable opportunities to thrive alongside wildlife.

That’s why we’re supporting initiatives like the new Beadwork Development Hub in Amboseli. The goal is simple but transformative: creating new pathways for Maasai women artisans to build financial independence through traditional craftsmanship.

Learn more:

In the heart of Kenya’s Amboseli landscape, a new initiative is taking shape, one rooted in cultural heritage, economic resilience, & wildlife conservation

01/10/2026

What do you feed a dog with a job as important as koala detection?
The freshest, most nutritious food you can find. Which is why we're feeding Oaka, IFAW’s newest koala detection dog in training, Lyka Pet Food meals and treats - to keep her sharp, healthy and full of energy.
Thank you to the team at Lyka for your support.
We're rooting for Oaka as she trains for the next fire season 💚

29/09/2026

Introducing you to our newest koala detection dog in training. 🐨🐾
Meet Oaka.
She’s been busy training to continue the lifesaving legacy of world famous koala detection dog Bear. 🐨
She’s an Australian koolie, just like Bear and has a similar story to him.
She was considered too much to handle by her family, and was surrendered.
Local rescue group DM Rescue and trainer Apex Canine immediately saw her pawtential though.
They reached out to us after seeing our call out on TV and we knew she was the one. 🌟
Oaka has a long journey ahead of her but we’re all crossing our fingers, toes and paws that she’ll be the ally koalas need. 🐨🤞
In the meantime, we’ll keep you updated on her pawgress. 🩵

Shout out to Alsahwa Estate for their support of this project.

To keep her healthy, Oaka is being fuelled by fresh dog food company Lyka Pet Food.

A new four-legged conservation hero is in training, with a rescue dog preparing to follow in the pawprints of world-famous koala detection dog Bear.