Chum Bites
At first glance, there may not seem to be a link between nutritious fruit gummies and the conservation of endangered species, but for Ben Bartley, the founder of Chum Fruit Bites, it all aligns perfectly. His commitment to crafting healthy snacks for his children parallels his mission to raise awareness about the threats facing endangered animals.
Chum Bites consist of 100% pure fruit with no additives—“100% Wild. No Fake Stuff.” However, their impact extends beyond taste: the biodegradable packaging provides crucial information on endangered species, and 15% of the company’s profits are directed towards supporting WildAid’s conservation efforts.
Chum Bites features illustrations of various endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, pangolins, pandas, and polar bears. “Did you know that every day, about 30 elephants, 5 rhinos, and countless sharks are killed?” Ben emphasizes. “We aim to highlight the importance of conservation, the protection of wildlife in their natural habitats, and the fight against illegal wildlife trade to ensure a better future for all species, including our own.”
Looking ahead, Ben envisions expanding the product range to include vegetables, superfoods, and more, thereby increasing support for WildAid. “WildAid is doing the real work. If we can shift public perception and reduce demand, we can put an end to illegal wildlife trade in our lifetime.”
WildAid
WildAid employs innovative and unconventional strategies to achieve its conservation goals. Unlike some organizations that focus primarily on scientific research and direct anti-poaching efforts, WildAid aims to inspire change in public attitudes and influence policymakers.
The organization focuses on reducing the demand for wildlife products like shark fin and pangolin meat. They collaborate with local partners and officials to help establish social norms that promote wildlife protection and environmental stewardship through positive, aspirational messaging. Their mission statement encapsulates this objective: “Be a force for change in protecting wildlife and vital habitats from imminent threats to realize a sustainable future.” With a remarkable roster of celebrity ambassadors and a global media network, WildAid leverages pro-bono publicity on various platforms to achieve its primary aim: When the buying stops, the killing can too.
As founder and CEO Peter Knights articulates, “We believe that altering social behaviors regarding wildlife products lays the groundwork for fostering environmental change. This can help protect millions of animals and endangered species, as well as contribute to the health and prosperity of numerous nations.”
