A Wild Thank You

This Week in NWF History

Since 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has worked to conserve the nation’s wildlife and wild places. As part of our 80th anniversary celebration, we are recognizing important moments in our history that continue to make an impact today.

There is a common thread across all of the moments of history we’ve celebrated over the past year: the support of generous donors, partners, staff, volunteers, and more. As Thanksgiving approaches, we take a moment to ponder how some of the wildlife you’ve supported with the Federation over the last eight decades might say thanks.

Maybe they’ll stare deeply into your eyes to thank you for being a “deer” friend to wildlife and wild places?

Elk. Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Steve Perry
Elk. Photo by Steve Perry, National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant

 

Or perhaps fly in to grab some flowers; positively “humming” with gratitude?

Hummingbird. Every summer we get hummingbirds on our deck driking from flowers or from the feeder hanging nearby.
Hummingbird. Photo by Praful Kelkar, National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant

 

Maybe they have a baby bear hug for a friend?

These two Alaskan Coastal Brown Bear Cubs have been left alone by their mother, right in front of a small group of photographers. The adult bears are habituated to accept small groups of photographers, who are under the supervision of professional guides, who closely monitor the actions, and distance from the bears, of the photographers. The mother of these two cubs was so comfortable with our presence, that she walked away from both us and the cubs. The two cubs sat down, and one put its leg and paw over the shoulder of the other, so, as if to say “don’t worry—mom will come back”.
Brown bear cubs. Photo by Charles Gonzalez, National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant

 

Or swimming over for a “turtley” awesome hello?

Green sea turtle. Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Tyler MacDonald
Green sea turtle. Photo by Tyler MacDonald, National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant

 

It’s hard to put into words how grateful we are as you help us soar to new heights.

Bald eagle. Photo by Jack Nevitt, National Wildlife Photo Contest
Bald eagle. Photo by Jack Nevitt, National Wildlife Photo Contest

 

Thanks for keeping us smiling.

Photo by Hillary Esquina, NWF

Join us on Facebook to celebrate more reasons we’re wildly thankful every day!

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Published: November 21, 2016