RIF's "I Love Animals" Writing Contest

Meet the Judges 

This year's judges hail from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world's largest conservation organization.  For more than 45 years, WWF's core mission has been the protection of endangered species and their habitats.  It played a major role in instituting an international ban on ivory trading and an international moratorium on commercial whaling.  And in the past 10 years, it has created more than 500 parks and reserves in Africa, Latin America, and Asia and has protected over 56,000 square miles of marine areas around the world.

Ages 5-8

Kristin, Program Coordinator for Climate Change, Fisheries, and Government Relations

I love animals... “because we share the earth's space with them. They have much to teach us and we have much to learn from them.”

Lynne, Fulfillment Manager for the Online Adoption Center (and proud owner of a black English Labrador Retriever)

I love animals... “because they are our companions, our guides, and they represent aspects of ourselves—from the gentlest puppy, who teaches us trust and innocence, to the wolf, who teaches us strength.  Animals have much to share with us.”

In my job, I help animals... "by developing and purchasing plush stuffed animals to support the WWF Online Adoption Center. The Adoption Center is where people can donate money to WWF to symbolically adopt an animal species.  They receive a soft plush version of the adopted animal as a thank you gift from WWF."

Brooke, Executive Assistant for Strategic Conservation Initiatives and U.S. Government Relations (and proud owner of two cats named Murray and Austin and one dog, a German Shepard-Labrador mix, named Ace)

I love animals... "as much today as when I was a small child.  I have always thought of animals as an integral part of the web of life on earth, the life that we—as humans—must share with Mother Nature.  I have always felt that animals are capable of experiencing as much love and feelings as humans do." 

Aurelie, Geographer for the Conservation Science Program (and proud owner of a cat and some fish)

I love animals... "because they are wild, interesting, unique, and as much a part of this planet as we are." 

In my job, I help animals... "by using satellite imagery to study forests, coral reefs and other places that are home to many animals. I help them by figuring out where certain habitats are threatened or disappearing, and thus, where we can go to help them."

Ages 9-11

Cristy, Project Coordinator for Global Support & Conservation Science

I love animals... "because I hold the firm belief that it is the obligation of mankind to love and care for animals, preserving the diversity and abundance of life on Earth.  I love all animals, even the ugly ones!"

Kevin, Researcher for the Agriculture Department (and proud owner of a dog named Spud) 

I love animals... "because their behavior fascinates me, and they can be swell pets too."

In my job, I help animals... "by working to improve agricultural practices so that less animal habitat will be changed by farming."

Keya, Program Leader for the Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund (and proud owner of a cat and a hound dog)

I love animals... "because I respect and love all life."

Amanda, Communications Officer (and she was the proud owner of a guinea pig as a child)

I love animals... "because they are wondrous creatures and a part of the incredible web of life on Earth."

In my job, I help animals... "by sharing their stories.  By telling the stories of amazing animals, especially endangered ones, WWF inspires people around the world to help protect them." 

Read WWF stories of endangered animals.

Ages 12-15

Kevin, Project Coordinator

I love animals... "because as a kid I was always fascinated with nature.  I used to wander around in the fields behind my house and catch monarch butterflies, climb trees, and see the different kinds of animals that lived nearby."

Erika, Media Relations Specialist (and proud owner of a yellow Labrador Retriever)

I love animals... "because they are essential to the continued existence of the planet and add to the diversity of life on Earth.  Not to mention that they're simply amazing and at times I'm in awe just watching them in their environments."

In my job, I help animals... "by getting the word out about our conservation programs to the rest of the world, which helps garner support for our work and spread awareness of conservation issues."

Andrea, Project Coordinator (and proud owner of a dog)

I love animals... "because they have played an integral role in my life as both a child and an adult.  My pets as a child were my closest friends and, to this day, my dog has been my most forgiving and unconditional companion.  I think animals help us notice parts of the world around us that we would otherwise overlook."

Katrina, Program Officer for U.S. Government Relations (and proud owner of dogs, terrier mixes, named Hank and Georgie)

I love animals... "both domestic and wild.  I love domestic animals because they are loyal companions who give unconditional love.  I love wild animals because they represent all the beauty of our natural world.

In my job, I help animals... "by collaborating with U.S. government agencies on ways we can work together to protect wild animals around the world, like polar bears, tigers, and marine turtles."

More About the Contest:

  W·I·N·N·E·R·S
  Contest Overview
  Official Rules
  Prize Package