2025 Wins for the Wild

In a world that often feels heavy with environmental challenges, 2025 reminded us that meaningful change is possible. From landmark policy victories to inspiring wildlife recoveries, this year delivered powerful wins for animals, ecosystems, and the people working tirelessly to protect them.

Here are some of the most impactful 2025 Wins for the Wild — proof that conservation works when passion, science, and community come together.

Comeback Species Numbers Rise

Some of the most uplifting wins of the year came from species once thought to be on the brink.

• Green Sea Turtles were downgraded from Critically Endangered to Not Endangered thanks to decades of conservation and population recovery
  
• African Grey Parrots gained crucial new protections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, helping preserve one of the world’s most intelligent bird species
  
• Lynx were successfully reintroduced in Germany, restoring balance to local ecosystems
  
• Elephants were relocated in South Africa, easing human-wildlife conflict while protecting elephant populations
  
• Mexican Grey Wolves saw a hopeful milestone when a female wolf named Asha and her pups were released into the wild, expanding the species’ recovery zone
  

Each of these moments represents years — sometimes decades — of dedicated conservation work finally paying off.

Restore / Reconnect Wild Landscapes

Protecting animals also means protecting the places they call home.

• 1.3 million acres of grassland in the Northern Great Plains were protected through sustainable ranching initiatives
  
• Efforts intensified to safeguard old-growth forests and high-altitude habitats for snow leopards across Asia
  
• Wildlife crossings in Montana and New Mexico received new investments, improving habitat connectivity and reducing deadly vehicle collisions
  

These projects ensure wildlife can move, migrate, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Anti-Poaching Victory

On one Indonesian beach, conservation efforts achieved a nearly unimaginable success: a 99% reduction in sea turtle egg poaching. This single achievement represents thousands of hatchlings reaching the ocean — a reminder that focused local action can have global impact.

The Era of the Mega-Sanctuaries

In March 2025, India launched Vantara, a massive animal welfare and rescue sanctuary spanning over 12 square kilometers and providing care for more than 150,000 animals. This groundbreaking facility represents a major step forward for rescued wildlife and sets a new global standard for large-scale animal rehabilitation.