Don’t look away, Defender

This is what an extinction event looks like. This is what an extinction event looks like. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [header logo with donate button]( [North Atlantic Right Whale and Calf © NOAA/NMFS]( Unusual Mortality Event: A significant die-off of any marine mammal population that demands an immediate response. Defender, This is what an extinction event looks like: Dozens of right whales have been horribly maimed and killed by boat hulls and propellers, or entanglements in sharp fishing gear that cuts into their flesh and drags them down until they lose the strength to survive. The most heartbreaking part is that the most vulnerable whales – mothers and their newborn calves – are the most likely to be struck and killed as they swim close to the surface. Many of those calves never see their first birthday. And with the next calving season just around the corner, we’re running out of time to stop the next generation from being run over and killed. [Join us in raising your voice to rescue right whales from extinction – click here to pitch in with your life-saving gift!]( The deaths of North Atlantic right whales have gotten so bad, the National Marine Fisheries Service officially declared an Unusual Mortality Event. For years, Defenders’ scientists and lawyers have called out that brutal vessel strikes and ghastly entanglements in fishing gear have been pushing North Atlantic right whales to the very edge of extinction. Now that our leaders are waking up to this crisis, it’s vital that we push them to do what needs to be done to save these whales! [This is your moment to step in and save right whales for future generations. Pitch in today to have your greatest impact for these whales, before the next calving season begins!]( We can’t afford to look away from this Unusual Mortality Event – this may be our last chance to change the fate of an entire species. Every death our leaders fail to stop is another step on the path to extinction. Help us end this death march for North Atlantic right whales by lending your support today, while you can make a powerful difference! [SAVE RIGHT WHALES FROM EXTINCTION]( Thank you for helping us hold our leaders accountable, and for your compassion in helping us deliver a better future for right whales and all wildlife. Sincerely, Jane Davenport Senior Attorney Defenders of Wildlife Defenders of Wildlife 1130 17th Street NW • Washington, DC 20036 defenders.org --------------------------------------------------------------- Photo Credit: North Atlantic Right Whale and Calf © NOAA/NMFS This email was sent to {EMAIL} [Update]( your email preferences or [unsubscribe]( [supporter]