We have a chance to break the cycle of tragedy

We won’t stand by while whales die. This Orca Month, we’re raising $25,000 for emergency ocean defense – can orcas count on you? We won’t stand by while whales die. This Orca Month, we’re raising $25,000 for emergency ocean defense – can orcas count on you? ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [logo header with donate button]( [Orca Whales © Christopher Michel]( Defender, So many Southern Resident orcas have fought to survive against heartbreaking odds . . . and lost. Just a few years ago, J17, an orca known as Princess Angeline, was last seen alive showing the most severe physical signs of starvation. She was the mother of Tahlequah (J35), who captured the world’s attention when she carried her dead calf on her head for 17 days on a “tour of grief.” Tragedy strikes again and again – and our leaders have dragged their feet. We’re raising a national call for real action to save the surviving Southern Resident orcas while there’s still time! [PITCH IN TO SAVE ORCAS]( Many of the threats killing these orcas are caused by humans – toxic contaminants, consumer products and development, rising water temperatures due to fossil fuel use, and outdated dams and other interference with rivers that have caused the populations of Chinook salmon to plummet, starving these orcas in the process. You can keep us in the fight to turn things around and pressure our leaders to restore their ecosystem. With your help, we have the power to stop extinction and keep threatened and endangered animals like the Southern Resident orcas from disappearing . . . forever. It may be too late for Princess Angeline and Tahlequah’s calf – but it’s not too late to save their species. Before our Orca Month challenge ends, [help us break the cycle of tragedy by pitching in with your most generous gift!]( Thank you for all you do. Sincerely, The Defenders Defenders of Wildlife 1130 17th Street NW • Washington, DC 20036 defenders.org --------------------------------------------------------------- Photo Credit: Orca Whales © Christopher Michel This email was sent to {EMAIL} [Update]( your email preferences or [unsubscribe]( [supporter]