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The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was started in 1961 by biologist Sir Julian Huxley. The impetus for the WWF was a research trip to Africa where Huxley was greatly disturbed by the habitat destruction and uncontrolled hunting of endangered species that he saw there. Other scientists and prominent people shared is concerns, leading to the founding of the organization.

Today the WWF is the largest privately financed international conservation organization in the world. It has more than five million members, affiliates in over 30 countries, and has projects in more than 100 countries.

The organization's mission is to protect endangered species and their habitats. It also works on policy engagement, education, advocacy, and conservation science and finance.

Significant accomplishments include:

• The debt-for-nature swap and conservation trust fund
• Was a driving force behind the international ban on ivory trading
• Helped secure the international moratorium on commercial whaling
• Has helped to create more than 500 parks and protected areas around the world
• First conservation organization to work in China (has partnered with the Chinese government to help protect the giant panda since 1979)