Saving Threatened and Endangered Species

Monarch and other butterflies

Monarchs are the face of the wildlife extinction crisis, with a population decline of more than 80 percent in the past 20 years. We have hand-raised and released hundreds of Monarch caterpillars, as well other native butterfly species, in both Los Angeles and on Kauai.

Desert tortoises

The population of the desert tortoise in the Mojave Desert has declined by 90% since 1980, largely caused by destruction of their habitats by urban area expansion and off-road vehicles. At AWAKE, we have built backyard habitats for desert tortoises in Los Angeles and are exploring expanding this conservation effort to Kauai, inspired by Makauwahi Cave Reserve. George is a full time resident and gateway connection to curiosity and attachment to endangered species. George is the mascot of AWAKE. Children, community members and visitors meet George as they first enter the through the gates of the farm. Most fall in love with him immediately. George teaches us first hand about the dangers of urban development and how they’ve impacted his species. He was born and  raised near the ocean, outside his native desert environment, in an attempt to keep him healthy and safe from threats. George makes regular appearances in our environmental justice classes. George is the heartbeat of our organization.

Albatross

Albatross are the most threatened family of birds on earth, and the Laysan Albatross population is threatened due to ocean plastic pollution, trawling fish nets and human introduced predators on Kauai and the islands north of Hawaii. AWAKE protects these birds on the ground and through education with its program Heal the Gyre and the film it helped fund Albatross, by Chris Jordan. AWAKE is also actively involved in trapping and fixing feral cats on the North Shore of Kauai.