WWF: Adopt a Wild Heart, Capture a Wild Soul
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is calling humanity to action, either by adopting a wild animal or showcasing the beauty of South Africa through a camera lens. These programmes were initiated to protect land, resources and animals. So, whether you help financially or visually, it will goes a long way.
Symbolic Adoptions at WWF
Known as the gift that keeps on giving, the WWF’s Symbolic Adoption Programme is a meaningful way to support wildlife conservation. Of course, it is also a heartfelt gift for the nature-lovers in your life. In addition, these symbolic adoptions help the WWF (who also works with rural communities near major wildlife areas) to continue its decades-long mission of protecting wildlife.
When you symbolically adopt an animal or species through WWF, you will receive a personalised digital adoption certificate and a digital photograph of your chosen species. You will also receive an adorable soft teddy of your species to cherish forever. Additionally, you will receive regular updates highlighting the impact of your support on WWF’s vital conservation work and the well-being of the species you have adopted.
Michelle Govender, Head of Individual Fundraising at WWF South Africa, says: “When you make a symbolic adoption, you’re saying, ‘I understand what’s at stake and I choose to care.’ Each adoption not only supports a vulnerable species; it’s an investment in a future where nature and people thrive together. It’s a simple act with the power to create ripples of change today and for generations to come.”
Adoptions start at just R300 per month, or from R1,150 if you prefer a once-off contribution. Simply visit the WWF website and choose which species you’d like to symbolically adopt to start the process.
WWF South Africa Photo Competition
Alternatively, WWF South Africa has recently launched another initiative to spread the mission of their organisation. In essence, Our Country, Through Your Lens is a photo competition calling on South Africans to document the country’s natural heritage, showing why it is so important for us to take care of it.
Dr Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF, says: “From restoring rivers in the Drakensberg’s water source areas to growing black rhino populations and creating green jobs for youth across the country, our work shows that a better future isn’t a fantasy, it’s already happening. This movement is about encouraging people to stop, observe and acknowledge what really matters in our day-to-day lives. From a child planting a tree to the sun rising over the ocean, if it makes you believe in something better, take the shot and share it.”
How to enter: Post your photo submission as a comment on WWF South Africa’s Facebook page. Or, upload it to Instagram or TikTok and tag @WWFSouthAfrica and use the hashtag, #BelieveInBetter.
Entries are open from 12 May to 6 June 2025. The public will vote from 9 to 27 June after the judges shortlist 20 outstanding photographs. The winners will be announced on 2 July 2025, with a curated public exhibition to follow. Prizes include:
– First place: Luxury two-night stay for two at Madwaleni River Lodge in the Babanango Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. This includes meals, accommodation and daily game drives in the company of a professional photographer.
– Second to Fifth Place: A large Recycled Buddy Backpack from Sealand Gear, valued at R2 695.
WWF is trying their best to instil the importance of nature in humanity through initiatives like their symbolic adoptions programme and nationwide visual movement. We are a country of immense natural beauty, we need only open our eyes to see it.
