© Patrick PeterAnimal advocacy can feel like a losing battle. For every step forward—every victory—it seems that our joy is tempered by a barrage of news about animal abuse, wildlife crime, and societal complacency, jolting us another step backward.[teaserbreak]
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus shut down in May, sparing countless animals from misery… but then, we learned that the company is applying for a permit to export eight of its tigers to a European circus. Germany voted to ban fur farming… but then, the same week, the internationally-renowned Vogue magazine promoted fur fashion for the spring season. A baby elephant in Kenya was saved in an emergency operation after getting caught in a poacher’s snare… but then, news broke that poachers killed one of Kenya’s rare, iconic tusker elephants.
Incessant stories of gloom and doom can make advocates feel helpless in the fight for animal protection, and can lead us to question whether our efforts will ever be enough to effect meaningful change. Faced with an endless string of bad news, how can we maintain our motivation to help animals?
1) Consciously cultivate a hopeful, positive outlook about your impact for animals.
Rather than feeling paralyzed or overwhelmed by what you can’t achieve, focus on what you can achieve—no matter how small it may seem. Share a link about poaching on Facebook to raise awareness among your family and friends; sign a petition to retire a lonely elephant from a shoddy zoo; call your congressperson to urge support for a wildlife protection bill. No single person can fix everything, but each of us can do something… and our collective action adds up. For the animals in the positive news stories, the efforts of individual animal advocates are what changed their lives.
2) Celebrate the victories.
Critical progress is being made for animals through legislation, rescue, and education, and public opinion is palpably shifting toward compassion. (Just look at the rising backlash against SeaWorld and animal circuses!) The success stories are mounting, and that’s rewarding in itself. Share your enthusiasm, too; it can attract new people to the cause!
3) Find strength in the support of others.
Seek out people who are like-minded or simply supportive of your empathy for animals. By surrounding yourself with those who are working toward the same goals, or with others who merely respect your views, you can build a sense of camaraderie—and validation.
4) Vent with people who care about you.
Feeling frustrated? That’s common! Talk about your concerns with sympathetic friends, family, coworkers, or other advocates. You never know who could give you your next piece of useful advice.
5) Lean on Born Free USA.
We care about animals, just like you do. Rest assured knowing that you have Born Free USA’s support!
You’re not in this alone; you’re in this with us, with our other supporters, and with all of the animal advocates around the world. Despite the persistence of heartbreaking news stories, we are making measurable strides for animals. To those animals, even the smallest advancements matter.
What can we achieve together next?
Keep Wildlife in the Wild,
