Press release 24th April 2007

Adoption - this year's must-have Mother's Day gift

This Mother's Day give your mum something really special – a dolphin.

The Adopt a Hector's package from WWF-New Zealand is the perfect present for the mum who has everything – while at the same time helping WWF-New Zealand protect our iconic and endangered dolphin – Hector's dolphin.

But get in quick: Adopt a Hector's is a limited edition gift, as there are now just 7,270 Hector's dolphins left in New Zealand waters.

WWF-New Zealand's senior marine campaigner Rebecca Bird says Hector's dolphins populations are threatened and their North Island close relative Maui's dolphin are now amongst the rarest marine dolphins in the world: "These amazing animals are only found in New Zealand waters, but their numbers have plummeted since 1970 from an estimated 26,000 Hector's to an estimated population of 7,270 today, and there are only around 110 surviving Maui's dolphin."

That's why WWF-New Zealand launched the Adopt a Hector's challenge - for New Zealanders to adopt all Hector's and Maui's dolphins so WWF-New Zealand can fund vital campaign initiatives to ensure their survival.

"Adopting a Hector's means you're helping fund our campaign to save New Zealand's iconic dolphins from extinction," says Rebecca Bird. "That's a very special gift, and adopting one of the few remaining dolphins to give them a chance of survival seems especially appropriate for Mother's Day."

For just NZ$30 (plus $5 postage and handling, each, in New Zealand) people concerned about the survival of the species have the chance to 'adopt' a dolphins for 12 months. They will receive a limited-edition 'Adopter's Pack' containing:

• Adopt a Hector's official certificate

• Hector's dolphin soft toy

• Poster and factsheet

• Optional ongoing updates and news about WWF-New Zealand's campaign to protect Hector's dolphin.

Adopting a Hector's will help by supporting WWF-New Zealand's campaign for better protection of Hectors dolphins by:

• Providing school and community education programmes to help people learn about Hector's and Maui's dolphins, the threats facing them and the action people can take to help reduce the threats

• Funding aerial surveys and other research to find out more about Hector's dolphins

• Maintaining advocacy work with the government to ensure the best possible legal protection for the species

• Bringing together organisations which are working to protect Hector's and Maui's dolphins.

Adopt a Hector's packs can be purchased on line at www.wwf.org.nz or by giving the team at WWF-New Zealand a call on 04 499 2930. They are also available at selected retailers throughout New Zealand.

ENDS

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