Purpose

The purpose of the Coalition is to research and analyze the issues of supply and demand for captive wild animals and to develop, implement and coordinate multiple strategies to significantly reduce the trade, use and possession of captive wild animals as pets.

In order to achieve this goal, CWAPC is organized around four distinct task forces:

The Data Information task force is developing and maintaining a centralized database of accurate, concise and accessible information concerning the issues surrounding captive wild animals.

The Public Relations and Media task force is developing a long-term plan to generate mass public awareness of the issue, garner sympathy for the victims- both human and animal, and promote rejection of the practice of keeping dangerous wild animals as pets.

The Education task force is producing teaching aides, activist packets and other programs to reinforce the message that keeping wild animals as pets is dangerous for people and inhumane for animals.

The Legislation task force is focusing on supporting and passing key legislation surrounding the issue of keeping dangerous wild animals as pets. The first goal is to pass the Captive Wildlife Safety Act and the Captive Exotic Animal Protection Act. In parallel, the goal is to introduce and pass 2 Exotic Pet bills and 2 Canned Hunt Bills at the state level, by 2006.

Working together, the Coalition will make a difference in reducing the availability, volume and presence of dangerous wild animals as pets.

CWAPC encourages the public to become involved with federal, state and local legislation that surrounds the dangerous practice of keeping wild animals as pets. It's only when you call, write or email that your voice is heard. In fact, for every one piece of communication received, it is seen as the equivalent of 100 people making a similar contact and sharing that same opinion. You can make a difference. Please act now. Thank you for your support.

Caribbean Holidays

"Saving Middle Earth was a great fantasy, but as an actor I know when it’s fantasy and when it’s real— keeping a lion, tiger, or other wild animal as a pet is a dangerous and potentially lethal fantasy. Let’s keep wildlife out of people’s homes and protect them in the wild."

Sean Astin, star of The Lord of the Rings trilogy .


About the Coalition

The Captive Wild Animal Protection Coalition (CWAPC), a consortium of zoo professionals, sanctuary operators, and animal protection groups, believes the practice of keeping wild animals as pets is both dangerous for people and inhumane for animals. The purpose of the Coalition is to research and analyze the issues of supply and demand for captive wild animals and to develop, implement and coordinate multiple strategies to significantly reduce the trade, use and possession of captive wild animals as pets. Our goal is to significantly reduce the availability, volume and presence of dangerous wild animals as pets.

History of The Coalition

The Captive Wild Animal Protection Coalition (CWAPC) officially launches on February 25, 2003. CWAPC is a and innovative consortium of zoo professionals, sanctuary operators, and animal protection groups turning the spotlight on the issue of keeping dangerous wild animals as pets.
In May 2002, twenty individuals were brought together by The Bosack and Kruger Foundation to address the issues surrounding the growing US trade in captive wildlife. In August 2002, these experienced and knowledgeable individuals and organizations agreed to work collaboratively as the Captive Wild Animal Protection Coalition.

The purpose of the Coalition is to research and analyze the issues of supply and demand for captive wild animals and to develop, implement and coordinate multiple strategies to significantly reduce the trade, use and possession of captive wild animals as pets. < Read more >

CWAPC believes that education is an important component of creating social change. To this end, CWAPC will provide the public with accurate information concerning the harmful practice of keeping dangerous wild animals as pets, and ultimately create a safer environment for people and animals. The Education task force will gather and produce public outreach and advocacy materials. Created in a variety of media, these materials will seek to inform all ages, small children, middle school students, teenagers and adults, to reinforce the message that keeping wild animals as pets is dangerous for people and inhumane for animals.
Materials have been compiled from coalition participants and other related organizations to create a comprehensive set. The Education task force will produce original materials in the future to add to these resources.

The goal of these materials is to communicate the following messages:

Wildlife should be protected in their natural habitat.
Private ownership of wild animals as pets is dangerous to people and inhumane to animals.
Wild animals as pets injure and kill children and adults and can transmit potentially deadly diseases.
Only professionally operated, regulated facilities can provide appropriate levels of care for wild animals.
Wild animals are not suited to be kept as pets.

The CWAPC Public Relations and Media task force has assembled a press kit to generate mass public awareness of the issues surrounding the private ownership of wild animals. The Coalition believes it is critical to sustain media focus on these issues to create greater awareness of the problem, garner public sympathy and support for the victims of tragic incidents involving wild animals and people, and promote rejection of the practice of keeping dangerous wild animals as pets. Only through a ground swell of public awareness and action will this tragic problem be brought under control.

You can make a difference.

Please support the CWAPC Captive Wild Animal Rescue Fund and help us ensure responsible lifelong care for these animals.

Click here to donate online

Please note:

Donations to CWAPC are managed by Kimya Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Donations are tax-deductible.