Margot Raggett, inspired by Sir David Attenborough's sobering question about elephants disappearing from wild habitats, created the Remembering Wildlife book series to spotlight vulnerable species and raise money for their protection.
- Remembering Wildlife series raises funds and awareness for endangered species.
- Elephants and giraffes featured as urgent conservation priorities.
- Series unites top wildlife photographers worldwide to inspire change.
What happened
British wildlife photographer Margot Raggett launched the Remembering Wildlife series after hearing Sir David Attenborough question whether future generations would only see elephants in picture books. Beginning with Remembering Elephants, the project quickly gained global support and viral attention. Raggett collaborated with renowned wildlife photographers and used the sales proceeds to support conservation organizations around the world.
Since its inception, Remembering Wildlife has raised over $1.6 million for 85 conservation groups operating in 35 countries. Despite personal challenges such as breast cancer during the initial publishing phase, Raggett's commitment deepened, making elephants a symbolic focus. Her upcoming volume, Remembering Giraffes, set for release in October, continues to highlight species quietly facing population decline.
Why it feels good
Remembering Wildlife offers a powerful combination of art and activism, encouraging readers to pause and reflect on the very real risk of losing treasured animal species. The project’s thoughtful memorialization approach poses a vital question: what kind of legacy will we leave for future generations who may never witness these animals in their natural habitats?
The funds generated through the series directly support frontline conservation efforts worldwide, making each purchase a meaningful act of hope and preservation. Moreover, the series shines a spotlight on species often overlooked, like giraffes, whose populations have dropped by up to 40% since the 1980s yet remain underappreciated in many conservation conversations.
What to enjoy or watch next
Fans and supporters can look forward to the launch of Remembering Giraffes this October, which showcases the gentle giants in their natural environments while raising awareness about their fragile status. The book features contributions from acclaimed wildlife photographers and continues the series’ mission to give a voice to silent species.
Beyond the books themselves, engaging with the Remembering Wildlife nonprofit offers opportunities to connect with conservation initiatives and help protect endangered species worldwide. Exploring related podcasts like the Mongabay Newscast can deepen understanding of conservation challenges and successes, inspiring further action to preserve our planet’s precious wildlife.