Legacy Society Member Stories

I always knew I wanted to see as much of the world as I could and share what I experienced with others. I have been doing exactly that since 1978 when I left the United States for the first time. I have traveled to every continent to meet animals and people on their turf while studying and photographing animals in their world.

 I became interested in helping animals as a young child when I began walking into the woods where there were bogs and little streams and ponds full of life. I saw the little creatures, the tadpoles that turned into frogs, salamanders, spiders, mosquitoes—yes, mosquitoes!—which are food for many of nature’s creatures.  At the age of nine, I lived with my aunt and uncle and often came home with the tadpoles and spiders to watch them closely in buckets and jars before returning them to their habitat. Sadly, a house was built on one of the bogs that I used to explore. It was a defining moment in my childhood because nature was being taken away right before my eyes and I couldn’t understand why they would do that.  

Throughout my life, I have shared my love and respect for animals with others. If I saw abuse or neglect during my travels, I would kindly call attention to it and use it as an educational opportunity, especially with children. I never shied away from saying something when I saw an animal being mistreated.  

I have included World Animal Protection in my will because animals around the world need and deserve our help, and World Animal Protection is effective in their efforts. There is a great need to get the word out there that all animals deserve protection. I can’t imagine living without animals, birds, bees, seals, spiders, muskrats, and dogs. Just look around at the beauty, it’s all around us. I am thankful that I can help World Animal Protection in their work all over the world for animals and people in need.”

Recently, I met with World Animal Protection team members who provided insights into their current initiatives and strategic direction. Their commitment to transparency, reflected in their impressive 95% Charity Navigator rating, further solidified my trust and support.

As someone who cherishes travel, I decided several years ago to redirect my resources towards animal protection. By forgoing international travel and redirecting those funds, I find solace in knowing that I’m making a tangible difference in the lives of animals.  

My personal approach to philanthropy involves setting aside a fixed amount monthly, with a special focus on participating in Giving Tuesday match campaigns. This strategy ensures my donations have maximized impact, amplifying the reach of organizations like World Animal Protection. I know everyone has their own personal approach to philanthropy, so I wanted to share mine in case others are inspired to do the same.  

I founded an animal foundation, and when I pass away, all my worldly goods will go towards saving animals. I am proud to include World Animal Protection in my planned giving, knowing they will continue to have a big impact on the lives of animals around the world.”

 “I was raised in a family that is passionate about the environment and I have tried to live my life in a way that does as little harm as possible to the world around us. So, when I found out that World Animal Protection is involved in initiatives that strive to improve animal welfare while simultaneously reducing the destruction of the environment, I knew I had to do even more to support this organization. Because these goals are so important to me, upon learning about this, I immediately increased my monthly support and went a step further by adding World Animal Protection to my planned giving. This ensures that my support will continue for decades into the future.  

The idea, ‘think globally, act locally’ has been a driving force in keeping me involved in the welfare of animals within my community. However, when it comes to improving the welfare of animals around the world, I must think globally. By providing financial support for World Animal Protection’s activities in countries around the world, I am doing my part to ensure that while I am acting locally, other sare able to make an impact on the welfare of animals around the globe.”

“I was fortunate enough to encounter a wide variety of animals, including turtles, donkeys, eels, mongoose, sharks, whales, and stingrays. These experiences set the stage for a lifetime of motivation to support the protection of animals in the wild. When I became a lawyer, despite not being an environmental or animal rights lawyer, I knew I could still find ways to fulfill this goal of providing support to animals.

At the end of my first year of legal practice, it was the 15-year anniversary of my grandmother’s death, so I decided to make a donation in her memory to World Animal Protection. My grandmother loved animals and took me to visit a stingray conservancy and a snow leopard protection program when I was a child, so it felt like a significant way to honor her legacy. Even though I found my own way to do meaningful work in my legal career, as I am now a lawyer working as an in-house counsel for a nonprofit engaging in research and development in the public interest, I continue to find impactful ways to ensure that I can support animal protection. 

 I have spent time caring for stingrays in a conservancy, volunteering my time as an attorney to provide pro bono support to environmental law campaigns, fundraising for sea turtle sanctuaries, working for a wildlife crime prevention organization, and participating in environmental cleaning events to ensure ecologically safe areas for wildlife in rural habitats. Also, I am the proud parent of a shelter rescue dog and am a strong proponent of the fact that anyone looking to become a pet owner should pursue rescue pathways rather than purchasing (wherever possible).  

There are countless ways to get involved in supporting animal protection–it does not require a financial commitment. If you do not have the means to donate to a cause financially, there are options to donate your time and energy. Whether you choose to participate as a volunteer, join initiatives that leverage community resources for group action, sign an open letter or petition, or send a message to a key decision-maker to influence change, these are all significant ways to make a meaningful contribution to animal protection.” 

Richard is a business owner and passionate animal lover. He is the CEO of Niddam Inc., a chrome metal import company established by his mother, Sonia Drakkir. After his mother’s passing in 2016, Richard started the Drakkir Foundation to honor her legacy. This foundation supports animal welfare organizations, including World Animal Protection.  

“My family is from Cairo, Egypt. My mom was my idol, my superhero—my everything. She was a pioneer and brought the entire family over from Africa to North America.  

When Mom passed away, I wanted to have a tribute to her, and my good friend suggested, ‘Why not start a foundation?’ My mom was a super animal lover. In Cairo, she was raised with a German Shepherd who was really her bodyguard. She loved dogs and animals ever since then. So we started a foundation for animals.

When I post on Facebook or anyone asks, I always say the three same words: ‘Pay it forward.’ We are blessed and have more than what we need while others don’t—especially the animals. They don’t have voices to shout out. Pay it forward. If you can help, help.  Looking ahead, we would love to get involved in disaster response. I’m a pilot and want to offer my services. Definitely watch this space!”

 Jean dedicated her life to her family, friends, community, and business—and to the animals who she held so dearly in her heart. 

 In the 1950s, Jean moved to the beachfront neighborhood of Ogunquit, Maine, and discovered the storefront that she and her family would grow into a business that is now a staple of the community. Her parents, Lillian and George, opened the family-owned Harbor Candy Shop on Main Street, where Jean, along with her sisters Beverly and Marilyn, worked in all aspects of the business. 

Harbor Candy grew, and eventually, Jean became head of what is a cherished stop for both local community members and tourists on their summer trips in the region. Jean often serves sweet treats to multiple generations. Jean was also proud to share with us her line of plant-based chocolates and treats that Harbor Candy continues to offer each season. 

Jean was a passionate animal advocate and supporter. She traveled the world and shared stories of the side trips she had taken, seeking out little pockets of the world where animals were in need and where Jean would personally lend a hand. 

All of us here at World Animal Protection are grateful to Jean for her dedication and support over her many decades as part of our extended family. We celebrate her life and legacy and will forever be inspired by her commitment to ensuring animals everywhere are loved and protected.