We are not alone on this planet. As humans we have a unique gift and with that gift comes the responsibility to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. Whether it be one of the many endangered species, pets waiting to be adopted in the various shelters, or livestock living in substandard conditions, we need to be aware of the ways in which we can make their lives better. Our world is an ecosystem that depends on healthy diversity of species to make it function properly. Below you will find links to sites that are dedicated to bringing about and maintaining a more just interaction between humans and the animal world:

http://www.animalconcerns.org/ The Animal Concerns Community is a project of the EnviroLink Network, a non-profit organization which has been providing access to thousands of online environmental and animal rights/welfare resources since 1991. This community serves as a clearinghouse for information on the Internet related to animal rights and welfare.

http://animal.discovery.com/ This is the online home of The Discovery Channel’s affiliate channel Animal Planet. There is information about the television channel, ways you can participate in conservation, and much more.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kids/creature_feature/archive/ Get to know some of the most interesting and unusual members of the wild world—from cheetahs to crocodiles and whales to warthogs. Go here for photos, video, audio, postcards, fun facts, and more relating to the animal world.

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/index.html Animal Diversity Web is an online encyclopedia. ADW is a large searchable encyclopedia of the natural history of animals. Every day, thousands of classroom students and informal visitors use it to answer animal questions. Other sites specialize in local, endangered, or particular kinds of animals. They aim to be as comprehensive as possible.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/ On this page of the BBC-Online you will find a rather comprehensive site about the animal world with news articles, a children’s zone, conservation information, and much more.

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer The ASPCA was founded in 1866 as the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. The Society was formed to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and they continue to battle cruelty today. Whether it’s saving a pet whom has been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources with shelters across the country, we work toward the day in which no animal will live in pain or fear.

http://www.bestfriends.org/ Best Friends Animal Society envisions a day when there are no more homeless pets. The organization is based in Kanab, Utah and is home to the largest no-kill shelter for animals in the United States. They are leading the animal welfare charge in many ways such as their Humane Education programs or their lead role in rescuing the pets left behind in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.