Operation Wildlife Comeback is a grass roots philosophy that invests in the individual. No matter where you live you share an ecosystem with wildlife. And every ecosystem has a unique problem that affects the people, the animals, and the environment:

Burning land causes habitat destruction. Hungry people trap animals for food. Lack of education creates myths and encourages poaching. The desire to own exotic pets promotes the illegal pet trade. Lack of clean water and sanitation spreads disease among people and animals.

Human encroachment creates issues between wildlife and humans. Address these issues and you solve the problems. Operation Wildlife Comeback does just that! We discover what these issues are by talking, living, and working with people who share an endangered animal’s habitat. Then we solve the problems:

Educating people about proper logging and farming techniques prevents habitat destruction and maintains soil fertility, which helps to grow more fertile crops and prevents insect damage and soil erosion. Giving people chickens, rabbits, goats and other livestock and the knowledge of to raise them provides people with a more consistent source of food than trapping and a business that gives them a sense of fulfillment.

Many cultures believe that Rhino horns are an aphrodisiac and can be used as a medicine to reduce fever and cure other ailments. Breaking down these myths, providing optional sources of income, and educating the next generation that Rhino horns are really made of carotene, the very same material that our fingernails are made of, will help prevent poaching. Informing and educating people that it is illegal for certain species of animals such as baby gorillas to be sold in the United States will break down beliefs that they can become wealthy by poaching animals and selling them as pets. Ensuring that people have a clean water supply and educating them about the importance of washing hands and keeping cooking utensils clean can eliminate disease. Many human diseases can also be spread to animals. Preventing disease among humans will prevent disease among animals.

Endangered animals and people are interconnected. The needs of one cannot be addressed without considering the needs of the other. By creating options and giving people short-term and long-term goals, they are no longer a part of the problem they are part of the solution.

The Northern Right Whales Entangled in Fishing Nets

With a population estimated at around 300 individuals, the northern right whale is the most endangered species. The "right" whale was named by the early whalers because it was the "right" whale to kill. This whale moves slower than other whales and it floats after death, making it convenient for whalers to dissect it after it died. During our expedition will be joining a team of dedicated scientist from around the United States as we attempt to release these giants from entanglement in fishing nets.

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The Rise of Wolves in Yellowstone

Currently about 160 gray wolves have been reintroduced into central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park. Fearing for their livestock, the local ranchers filed a lawsuit, and in December 1997, U.S. District Judge William Downes ruled that all wolves and their offspring must be removed. The Slate Foundation will analyze the Rocky Mountain Gray Wolf problem, and draw our own conclusion on the gray wolf problem.

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Land For Wild Horses

The Bureau of Land Management has issued its 2007 Round-Up Schedule. Close to 7,000 horses and burros will be captured, further threatening the genetic viability of our wild herds. The Slate Foundation will conduct non-partisan, scientific research on the wild horse overpopulation and their impact on the range. Our plans also include purchasing free roaming land for these historic American symbols and to give future generations the opportunity to see the pioneering spirit of the Wild West.