Wildlife Photographers Rally: £81,000 Raised in Just 24 Hours

A lioness comforts her cub as she tucks its head under her chin and wraps her legs around it. The picture, taken by Billy Dodson, will be included in the book Remembering Lions and will serve as a reminder of what special bonds could be lost if more conservation work isn't done to protect lions. The Remembering Wildlife campaign has already raised £460,000

In a remarkable display of solidarity and passion for wildlife conservation, the global community of wildlife photographers has come together to raise an astounding £81,000 in just 24 hours. This unprecedented feat underscores the power of collective action in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

A rare white lioness is pictured in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve by Chad Cocking. Timbavati means 'the place where something sacred came down to the Earth from the heavens' and refers to the rare white lions that can be found in this South African reserve. The reserve was founded in 1956 and covers 206 square miles

The Wildlife Photographers Rally, organized by leading conservation organizations, served as a rallying point for photographers worldwide to contribute their talents and resources towards safeguarding endangered species and habitats. Through the lens of their cameras, these dedicated individuals captured the beauty and fragility of the natural world, inspiring others to join their cause.

A male lion greets his cub for the first time by rubbing his nose against it. The picture, taken by Suzi Eszterhas, highlights the tender bonds that lions can have between each other. Remembering Lions will be released on October 14 and its Kickstarter campaign has already raised £81,000 in just 24 hours

The funds raised during the rally will be directed towards critical conservation projects aimed at protecting threatened species, combating habitat destruction, and supporting local communities that coexist with wildlife. From the majestic elephants of Africa to the elusive snow leopards of the Himalayas, every donation will make a tangible difference in preserving our planet’s biodiversity.

The famous lion known as ¿Scar¿ in Kenya¿s Maasai Mara reserve taken by Marlon du Toit. This lion got his Disney-inspired nickname after he lost his right eyelid in a territorial fight. Famous among locals and regular safari goers, Scar is also admired for the black widow's peak in his mane

Beyond the financial contributions, the Wildlife Photographers Rally has sparked a broader conversation about the role of art and activism in environmental advocacy. Through their stunning imagery and compelling narratives, photographers have the ability to transcend borders and connect people from all walks of life to the wonders of nature.

Playful lion cubs nip at each other in the grass while surrounded by the rest of their pride who laze around in the sun. The picture, taken by James Gifford, is one of the donations from over 50 photographers to Margot Raggett's book, Remembering Lions, which is the fourth in her Remembering Wildlife series

Moreover, the success of this fundraising campaign serves as a testament to the growing awareness and urgency surrounding conservation issues. With biodiversity declining at an alarming rate and ecosystems under increasing threat, the need for concerted action has never been greater.

A lioness exhaling misty breath at sunrise in Kenya¿s Maasai Mara by Andy Rouse. The Maasai Mara reserve covers 583 square miles and is home to about half of the entire country's population of lions as well as countless other animals including elephants, rhinoceros, leopards and buffalo

Two young male lions are pictured here on top of a mount in golden light by Daryl Balfour. Mr Balfour used to run a safari camp in the 1980s but gave it up to become a full-time wildlife photographer with his wife. There are around 20,000 lions left in the wild but their numbers have been halved in just the last quarter of a century

A sleeping lion is pictured here as a lightning storm approaches in the distance. The picture was taken by Hannes Lochner who spent five years living by the Kalahari desert. Lions face many threats from issues such as poaching for their skins and bones, hunting and most critically of all, habit loss and conflict with humans

A lion cub tries to get its mother's attention by squeezing through her legs while she stands in the grass. This picture was taken by Margot Raggett who first created the Remembering Wildlife series in 2014 when she saw a poached elephant in Northern Kenya and was moved to take action to protect wildlife

This misty picture taken by Pete Oxford shows a proud lioness facing down a herd of cape buffalo. Lions will often work together in groups in order to take down cape buffalo by herding them into one central point where more experienced lions will then take over and try and trip them up before going in for the kill

As we celebrate the remarkable achievement of raising £81,000 in just 24 hours, let us also recognize that our work is far from over. The challenges facing wildlife and their habitats persist, requiring ongoing dedication and innovation. Together, as a global community, we must continue to advocate for the protection of our planet’s precious biodiversity, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.