Since 2019, I have been a WildAid ambassador for sharks. Ever since I was a child, I have had a very strong bond with the ocean. Last year I traveled to Cancun, Mexico with WildAid in search of whale sharks – an endangered species of shark 

I learned that this animal that has been on earth for hundreds of millions of yearsis being driven to extinction, despite having any known natural predators (as few animals can compete with its 10 meters long size).  The forces behind this are not natural at all, fueled solely by supply and demand, and it is a demand created by mankind’s trading of its fins. For this demand to be met, up to 70 million sharks are slaughtered ruthlessly every yearEach and every one of us has a responsibility to put a stop to this and to #EndTheTrade. 

I’ve had the great fortune of meeting them firsthandThe feeling of having them swimming around you is indescribablesharing the ocean with these majestic creatures, I couldn’t help but be in awe of their presence. The world under the surface is very quiet and gentle. It belongs to whale sharks and all marine life. While we might be smaller than a whale shark, we have already done massive damage to their homes and marine ecosystems across the world. Humans are just one of many living things on this planet, we need to learn how to coexist with all other forms of life and recreate the balance. 

After this intimate experience with these wonderful animals, I can personally feel strongly that these gentle giants do not deserve the grim fate that awaits many of them  It is equally important to protect marine life in our oceans as wildlife in our forests, mountains, deserts, wetlands and grasslands. Through my work with WildAid, I have realized that one small step can help both wildlife in the waters and on land.   

I am urging you, if we can collectively channel our energy to #EndTheTrade, the world will be a better place, a safer place for all wildlife to share and cherish.   

Please join us in signing our petitionand together we can #EndTheTrade for a better world for all wildlife and for us.  When the buying stops, the killing can too. 

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About WildAid

WildAid is a non-profit organization with a mission to protect wildlife from illegal trade and other imminent threats. While most wildlife conservation groups focus on protecting animals from poaching, WildAid primarily works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products such as elephant ivory, rhino horn and shark fin soup. With an unrivaled portfolio of celebrity ambassadors and a global network of media partners, WildAid leverages more than $308 million in annual pro-bono media support with a simple message: When the Buying Stops, the Killing Can Too. 

Journalists on deadline may email communications@wildaid.org