Illustration of a Dolphin

9 Best Charities for Protecting Dolphins (Complete 2026 List)

Dolphins are some of the most agile and intelligent animals on the planet. Yet, many species are threatened with extinction, including all 6 species of river dolphin. Dolphins play an essential role in marine ecosystems but they face a multitude of threats from pollution to overfishing. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting dolphins?

Illustration of a whale tail

9 Best Charities for Protecting Whales (Complete 2026 List)

Whales are some of the largest animals on Earth, yet many species are threatened with extinction, including the iconic blue whale and the recently identified Rice’s whale. Multiple threats face whales including unsustainable fishing practices, noise pollution, and climate change, and if things don’t change, we are at risk of losing these magnificent creatures from our oceans. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting whales?

Illustration of a coral

9 Best Charities for Protecting Coral Reefs (Complete 2026 List)

Coral reefs make up just 1% of ocean habitat, yet they house a quarter of all marine species, making them essential ecosystems for the survival of ocean life. Unfortunately, coral reefs face numerous threats including global warming, pollution, and unsustainable tourism practices, leading to coral degradation and bleaching. In fact, over 50% of the world’s coral has already disappeared. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting coral reefs?

Illustration of a Koala

9 Best Charities That Help Koalas (Complete 2026 List)

Koalas are one of Australia’s most iconic species. Yet, populations are suffering a serious decline due to habitat loss, disease, bushfires, and road accidents. Between 2018 and 2021, Australia lost 30% of its koala population and the species is now officially extinct in 47 electorates. Some remaining populations are estimated at just 5–10 koalas. Fortunately, charities are working hard to bring the beloved koala back from the brink of extinction. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that help koalas?

Illustration of animals inside a shield

9 Best Charities That Fight for Animal Protection (Complete 2026 List)

Animals around the world are under threat from a multitude of activities including poaching, animal testing, habitat loss, slaughter, and other forms of cruelty. For example, more than 400,000 dogs are euthanized in shelters and 115 million animals are abused in laboratories every year in the US alone. Wildlife is faring no better with the wildlife trafficking industry’s worth estimated at up to $20 million annually. Fortunately, charities are working to protect animals from further suffering. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight for animal protection?

Illustration of a person petting a cat and a dog

10 Best Charities That Fight for Animal Welfare (Complete 2026 List)

Animals around the world are languishing in horrific conditions. For example, 77 billion farm animals are slaughtered every year, the vast majority of which are factory-farmed, where they are confined in tiny cages and subject to unnatural environments. Furthermore, over 100,000 big cats are kept in captivity in the US alone, with the wildlife trafficking industry now recognized as the 4th largest global industry. Fortunately, charities are working to improve the lives of vulnerable animals around the world. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight for animal welfare?

Illustration of an abused animal

14 Best Charities That Help Abused Animals (Complete 2026 List)

Around 10 million animals die from abuse or cruelty every year in the US alone—that’s 1 animal every minute. Factory farming practices, the wildlife trade, and cruelty to companion animals all contribute to this alarming figure. Fortunately, charities around the world are working to improve animal welfare standards and protect all animals from abusive environments. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that help abused animals?

Illustration of Wild Animals

12 Best Charities That Protect Wild Animals (Complete 2026 List)

Wildlife habitat across the globe is disappearing at a rate of 5,760 acres every day. As a result, just 4% of the mammals living in the world are wild animals. And ocean wildlife is faring no better, with just 4% of our oceans being protected and millions of marine animals dying every year from plastic pollution. Fortunately, charities around the world are working tirelessly to save wild animals from the threat of extinction. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that protect wild animals? 

Illustration of a person holding a bowl of vegetables

9 Best Charities That Promote Veganism (Complete 2026 List)

Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to end animal exploitation. Vegans avoid animal products in food, clothing, beauty products, and entertainment, for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. A vegan diet has just 30% of the environmental impact of a meat-heavy diet, so it is an achievable way to make a positive sustainable change in your own life. Many charities champion the benefits of veganism, raising awareness, and making the movement more accessible across the globe. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that promote veganism?

Illustration of endangered animals

10 Best Charities That Fight for Endangered Animals (Complete 2026 List)

The number of endangered species recorded by IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) has more than doubled within the last seven years. Of the 160,000 species that have been assessed, around 43,000 are now threatened with extinction. Indeed, we are heading into a mass extinction event caused by habitat loss, wildlife crime, and climate change. However, charities are determined to reverse the damage and save our endangered wildlife. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight for endangered animals?

Illustration of a tiger

9 Best Charities That Protect Tigers (Complete 2026 List)

Tigers are one of the most iconic and easily recognizable animals on the planet. Yet, their future is uncertain. Three of the nine subspecies of tiger have already gone extinct and there are estimated to be less than 3,900 tigers left in the wild today, occupying just 4% of their historic range. Fortunately, charities around the world are dedicated to conserving the majestic tiger for future generations. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that protect tigers?

Illustration of flying birds

9 Best Charities That Help Birds Thrive (Complete 2026 List)

There are around 10,000 bird species worldwide, yet a staggering 48% of them are in decline. Loss of habitat and overexploitation are thought to be the main reasons for this worrying statistic. Birds are a vital part of any ecosystem because they disperse seeds, recycle nutrients, and even fertilize marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs. Fortunately, charities around the world are fighting to save birds and restore the natural diversity of our skies. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that help birds thrive?

Illustration of a circus elephant

18 Best Charities That Fight to End Animal Cruelty (Complete 2026 List)

10 million animals die from abuse every year. Yet, actual cruelty statistics are likely to be much higher because many cases of abuse are not reported. From the countless wild animals languishing in unsuitable conditions for entertainment purposes to the 6.3 million cats and dogs that are abandoned or surrendered to animal shelters every year, the outlook is grim. Fortunately, many charities are fighting to improve the welfare of animals and give them the lives they deserve. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight to end animal cruelty?

Illustration of animal testing

9 Best Charities That Fight to End Animal Testing (Complete 2026 List)

Around the world, more than 115 million animals are used in experimentation every year, with up to 24 million procedures performed annually in the US alone. These animals are often subjected to abuse, confinement in unsuitable cages, and early deaths. Even more worryingly, it’s estimated that 92% of experimental drugs that are found to be safe and effective in animals actually fail human clinical trials. Many charities are now working hard to end this outdated industry and protect animals from further exploitation and suffering. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight to end animal testing?

Illustration of two giraffes

9 Best Charities for Protecting Giraffes (Complete 2026 List)

Giraffes were once a common sight across the African Savanna. Yet, today there are just 97,000 individuals left in the wild, a decrease of 40% since the 1980s. Nicknamed the silent extinction, the disappearance of these gentle giants had gone largely unnoticed until recently. Fortunately, many charities are now working hard to protect the remaining populations of giraffes and ensure their survival for future generations. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting giraffes?

Illustration of two penguins

9 Best Charities for Protecting Penguins (Complete 2026 List)

Penguins are one of the two most endangered groups of seabirds in the world, with over two-thirds of the 18 species listed as vulnerable or endangered. And it’s estimated that 50% of Emperor Penguins and 75% of Adelie Penguins will disappear within the next 40 years if global warming continues at the current rate. Fortunately, charities around the world are now fighting to protect these iconic birds from further threats. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting penguins?

Illustration of a shark fin out in the open sea

10 Best Charities for Protecting Sharks (Complete 2026 List)

Sharks are some of the most ancient, powerful, and majestic creatures in the world. They have been on this earth for over 450 million years and have survived 5 mass extinctions. Yet, today, 75% of all shark species are threatened with extinction due to overfishing, the illegal wildlife trade, and shark-human conflict. Fortunately, charities worldwide are fighting to save sharks and change public opinion about these animals. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting sharks?

Illustration of a polar bear

9 Best Charities for Protecting Polar Bears (Complete 2026 List)

There are estimated to be 22,000-31,000 polar bears left in the world. This may sound like a lot, but populations are declining fast due to a range of threats including poaching, oil drilling, and climate change. Perhaps the biggest threat facing polar bears is the rapid decline of sea ice. If nothing changes, experts estimate that there is a 70% chance polar bear populations will decline by over a third by 2050. Charities around the world are now recognizing this crisis and are fighting to ensure the survival of polar bears. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting polar bears?

Illustration of a sea turtle

10 Best Charities for Protecting Sea Turtles (Complete 2026 List)

Sea turtles have been around for 110 million years. Yet, all of the 7 sea turtle species alive today are threatened with extinction. Sea turtles face a number of threats including poaching, habitat destruction, climate change, and harmful commercial fishing practices. Furthermore, the survival rate of sea turtle hatchlings today is just 1 in 1,000. Thankfully, many charities have recognized the need for drastic change and are working to protect these prehistoric creatures. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting sea turtles?

Illustration of monkeys

9 Best Charities for Protecting Monkeys (Complete 2026 List)

There are 486 monkey species on our planet; 155 of them are classed as critically endangered or endangered, and 265 are threatened. In fact, experts believe that roughly 60% of all primate species alive today are at risk of going extinct in the next 25 years. Charities worldwide are now working hard to ensure these intelligent animals are able to survive and flourish. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting monkeys?

Illustration of dogs being helped

9 Best Charities for Helping Dogs in Need (Complete 2026 List)

Dogs are affectionately referred to as man’s best friends. Yet, around 3.3 million dogs are handed into shelters every year in America alone. Even dogs that are well cared for, are susceptible to developing debilitating diseases. In fact, 1 in every 4 dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime. Charities around the world are working tirelessly to end the suffering of our canine companions. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for helping dogs in need?

Illustration of apes

9 Best Charities for Protecting Apes (Complete 2026 List)

Chimps share 98.8% of their DNA with humans, yet they are regularly abused, killed, and traded as pets and entertainers. All great ape species are now endangered with less than 688,000 gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans left in the wild. All 20 gibbon species (the lesser apes) are also dangerously close to extinction. Conservation charities are now fighting to stop these iconic species from disappearing from our planet altogether. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting apes?

Attempted illustration of wild animals around the world

9 Best Charities to Symbolically Adopt a Wild Animal in Need (Complete 2026 List)

It is estimated that one-quarter of the earth’s mammals, 1 in 6 bird species, and 40% of all amphibians are under threat of extinction. Charities worldwide are dedicated to restoring the world’s biodiversity but they need your help. One effective way to contribute is to symbolically adopt a wild animal to provide vital funding for conservation work. So we had to ask: What are the best charities to symbolically adopt a wild animal in need?

Illustration of pet animals

9 Best Charities to Adopt a Pet Animal (Complete 2026 List)

6-8 million cats and dogs are handed into shelters in the US every year. Furthermore, 2.7 million pets are euthanized in shelters annually due to overcrowding. Charities across the country are now working to allow you to protect these vulnerable animals and prevent their senseless killings. So we had to ask: What are the best charities to adopt a pet animal?

Attempted illustration of wildlife

9 Best Wildlife Conservation Charities (Complete 2026 List)

There are around 40,000 species classed as threatened or endangered and this number is only growing more. And while some actions are already taken to stop this trend, there is still much more to be done as deforestation, urbanization, and unsustainable living practices are affecting our wildlife and their habitats. So we had to ask: What are the best wildlife conservation charities?

Illustration of an orangutan

9 Best Charities for Protecting Orangutans (Complete 2026 List)

Orangutans are now only native to two countries in the world; Indonesia and Malaysia. And all three species of orangutans are now classed as critically endangered due to palm oil farming, the wildlife trade, and deforestation. But thankfully, charities around the world are now working to rescue and rehabilitate orangutans to preserve the species for future generations. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting orangutans?

Illustration of a horse

9 Best Charities That Help Horses (Complete 2026 List)

The American Horse Council estimates that around 100,000 pet horses are abused or neglected across the country. In addition, horse racing is a $40 billion-a-year industry in the US, but what happens to the horses when their racing careers are over? In 2020, 53,947 horses were shipped across US borders for slaughter; over half of these are believed to be ex-racehorses. Horse charities around the world are working tirelessly to reverse this trend and help people to understand the needs of these incredible animals. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that help horses?

Illustration of a wolv

9 Best Charities for Protecting Wolves (Complete 2026 List)

Wolf populations around the globe are decreasing at an alarming rate. For example, grey wolves have been extirpated from many of their natural habitats and there are estimated to be just 20 red wolves left in the wild. These mysterious animals have been viewed in a negative light for centuries, with many people believing that they are dangerous and aggressive to humans and livestock. Charities around the globe are actively trying to change these misconceptions and are working to ensure these beautiful animals are around for future generations to appreciate. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting wolves?

Illustration of a gorilla

9 Best Charities for Protecting Gorillas (Complete 2026 List)

Due to relentless poaching efforts and the lucrative bushmeat trade, gorilla populations have plummeted in the last few decades. Both gorilla species are now critically endangered. In 1981, the number of mountain gorillas living in the Virunga volcanic mountain range was estimated to be just 253 individuals. However, thanks to the relentless efforts of charities around the globe, populations of this iconic species are now on the increase. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting gorillas?

Illustration of a lion

10 Best Charities for Protecting Lions (Complete 2026 List)

There are estimated to be between 23,000 and 39,000 mature lions left in the wild. This iconic species was once found across Africa, Europe, and Asia, but due to poaching and habitat loss, lions now occupy only 20% of their historic range. Yet, thanks to the work of conservation charities, populations are now on the rise in several countries including Zambia and South Africa. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting lions?

Illustration of two big cats

10 Best Charities for Big Cats (Complete 2026 List)

There are 38 known species of wild cats in the world, yet 10 of them are listed as endangered, or near threatened, and 13 are classed as vulnerable. However, thanks to the conservation efforts of big cat charities worldwide, many populations are now on the increase. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for big cats?

Illustration of a rhino

9 Best Charities for Protecting Rhinos (Complete 2026 List)

There are 5 species of rhino in the world, yet every single species is threatened with extinction. Poaching efforts in the 1980s decimated populations across Africa and Asia which resulted in the iconic rhino being brought to the edge of extinction. Rhino charities work tirelessly to apprehend poachers and also build sanctuaries to hopefully save these beautiful, enigmatic animals from disappearing entirely. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for protecting rhinos?

Illustration of domestic cats

9 Best Charities for Domestic Cats (Complete 2026 List)

Approximately 3.2 million cats are given to animal shelters every year, and perhaps more worrying, there are estimated to be around 58 million stray cats roaming the streets of America. Not only do feline-focused charities provide much-needed homes for these unwanted cats, but they also work tirelessly to dispel the countless myths that surround the behaviors of domestic cats. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for domestic cats?

Illustration of Animal Rescue

9 Best Animal Rescue Charities (Complete 2026 List)

Animal rescue charities play a huge role in our community and world. To not only rehabilitate animals but also provide them with a safe home and save them from cruelty or even extinction. However, many charities have different goals and missions, so it’s essential to understand the differences in each. So we had to ask: What are the best animal rescue charities?

21 Best Charities for Helping Farm Animals (Complete 2026 List)

More than three billion animals are killed for food in the US alone every single day. And nearly every one of them was raised on factory farms where they had to endure horrible conditions. Unfortunately, the industry has continued to fail in terms of the ethical treatment of these farm animals. But, fortunately, many charities are working hard on this issue. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for helping farm animals?

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