@suzanagartner
When I launched my book A Voice for Animals, I was invited to do interviews about wildlife protection and discuss the celebration of the 50th year anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
It happened during my book launch, which is a milestone for one of the most powerful wildlife protection laws in the world. I remember being struck by how many species had been brought back from the brink of extinction because people, policies, and communities chose to care.
During my research, I took a dive into the ESA, and the wildlife animals it protects. For instance, owls can nest safely, lizards can move through sands, and beloved butterflies (one of my favorite creatures as a child), can be free too to fly. One story that was captivating and inspired me was the Bald Eagle (the national symbol of the U.S. and they are unique to North America; they are strong and independent; and survivors. They are majestic birds and I had the chance to hold one during a presentation on wildlife in Muskoka a few years ago. They were once almost wiped out due to habitat loss and pesticides, but thanks to the ESA it has helped protect nesting sites and reduce harmful practices. Today, they can be seen soaring through the sky which gives me hope for the future of these birds and other these wildlife creatures. It’s a powerful symbol of what’s possible when we commit to coexistence.
As an animal advocate, I speak up for all animals: companion, farm animals, and majestic wildlife creatures. I carry hope in my heart and share uplifting animal stories and progressive laws as they fuel my passion. It’s my commitment and ongoing work for animals that inspires me to speak up for the voiceless. As I am on a book signing tour across Ontario at Indigo bookstores, I hold a special place in my heart for wildlife creatures that need legal protection.
For this U.S. Thanksgiving, I have chosen to be gratefultothe ESA. A recent proposal in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed to remove endangered species protections from over 27 million acres of military landwhich is home to more than 400 threatened or endangered species. But thanks to over 80 organizations, animal advocates, wildlife conservationists, leaders, and politicians that care about preserving wildlife, this proposal was rejected for the third year in a row.
As my American friends celebrate Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on how far the U.S. has come and how much can be done. I’m thankful for the people who speak up for animals such as wildlife, that often go unnoticed, and for laws like the ESA that create real change. I am thankful for the wildlife creatures, who remind us of the beauty and interconnectedness of all life.
Let’s celebrate the ESA and these gains and help create a better world where wildlife animals that are not just protected, but respected and allowed to flourish in their natural habitats.
As I was preparing this Thanksgiving blog to honor the Endangered Species Act and the incredible work it has done to protect wildlife, I came across news of proposed changes that could weaken some of those very protections. Reading it was heartbreaking, especially knowing how many species, ike the Monarch butterfly and others struggling to survive and are under threat.
It reminded me just how fragile their future can be, and how much they depend on our voices, our compassion, and our willingness to stand up for them. I still have hope. Scientists, advocates, rescuers, families, and we can join them. This Thanksgiving, as we give thanks for the ESA’s legacy, we can also act: follow and support groups like Defenders of Wildlife, Endangered Species Coalition, Humane World for Animals, and The Nature Conservancy, speak up during public comment periods, volunteer, donate, restore habitats locally, or take small daily steps like planting native species. Every action, big or small, helps protect animals who cannot speak for themselves—and together, our care and determination keep hope alive.
With gratitude,
Suzana