The call to action was made on Monday, marking World Wildlife Day.

Edith Kabesiime, wildlife campaign manager at World Animal Protection, highlighted that Africa’s iconic wildlife is under immense pressure from human activities, climate change, exploitative policies, and chronic underfunding of conservation efforts.

“Every year, thousands of animals are poached, trafficked, and kept in cruel conditions,” Kabesiime stated in Nairobi, urging stronger protections for wildlife in their natural habitats, rather than exploiting them for sport hunting or social prestige.

The campaigners also emphasized the critical need for adequate funding to sustain wildlife conservation efforts in Africa.

This year’s World Wildlife Day theme, "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet," stressed the importance of securing financial resources for long-term conservation.

The call for action includes halting the expansion of captive farming for commercial purposes, promoting ethical tourism, and strengthening wildlife protection laws.

World Animal Protection advocates for a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and communities and called for a stronger commitment to ending the exploitation of wild animals.

The United Nations established World Wildlife Day in 2013 to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife in human survival and the urgent need to protect these species.

The campaigners have emphasized the critical need for adequate funding to sustain wildlife conservation efforts in Africa.