From the outset, the founders of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, or IFAW, rejected the notion that the interests of humans and animals were separate. Instead they embraced the understanding that the fate and future of harp seals- and all other animals on Earth-are inextricably linked to our own.

IFAW's courageous actions drew international attention to the plight of the seal pups and successfully rallied worldwide condemnation of the hunt. Thanks to IFAW's continued vigilance, it is now illegal to hunt white-coat seal pups for commercial purposes on the ice floes off Canada's east coast. This is a fragile victory, however, for Canada's commercial seal hunt persists. More than 200,000 harp seals have been reported killed so far this year. IFAW continues to document and expose abuses of the commercial hunt and press for an end to this cruel, unsustainable slaughter. Over the years, the small team of committed campaigners reaching out to help seals has grown to become the world's leading international animal welfare organisation. IFAW begins its fourth decade of operation with more than 200 experienced campaigners, legal and political experts, and internationally acclaimed scientists working from offices in 13 countries around the world.

We are now joined in this important work by some two million contributors worldwide. This broad base of support makes it possible for IFAW to engage communities, government leaders, and like-minded organisations around the world and achieve lasting solutions to pressing animal welfare and conservation challenges-solutions that benefit both animals and people. Over the years, our approach has been as varied as the species we protect.

IFAW's mission is to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. We seek to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people.

We campaign to change policies and practices to improve the welfare of animals and also assist animals directly through our own program work and grants to other organisations.

IFAW mounts rescue and relief operations to help animals in distress, whether from natural or man-made disasters; collaborates with local communities around the world to preserve critical tracts of wilderness habitat; promotes economically viable alternatives to commercial exploitation of wildlife; and supports sanctuaries for animals around the world. Our campaigns are based on scientific research and bolstered by advocacy with legislators and world leaders for strong laws to protect animals, as well as public education to promote more enlightened coexistence of all living things on this planet we share.