WWF faces donor exodus and activist fury over trophy hunting stance

A growing backlash against WWF's stance on trophy hunting has intensified in recent months. Prominent activist Eduardo Gonçalves is leading a campaign to challenge the organisation's policies, while high-profile donors withdraw support in protest. The controversy comes as the UK government faces ongoing pressure to tighten laws on trophy imports.

WWF has long faced criticism for its position on trophy hunting. In 2016, the organisation opposed a proposal at the CITES conference to grant the highest level of protection to all African elephants. Activists, including Gonçalves, claim WWF has provided both practical and lobbying support to the trophy hunting industry.

The financial fallout has already begun. Sir Ranulph Fiennes, among other donors, has demanded refunds from WWF over its alleged backing of trophy hunting. Many others have cancelled direct debits and donations in protest. WWF-UK has since distanced itself, stating it does not support, fund, or encourage the killing of animals for trophies. Meanwhile, the UK government has yet to enforce a full ban on trophy imports as of March 2026. While parliamentary debates and public campaigns have pushed for stricter measures, existing regulations remain limited to wildlife trade rules under CITES. No dedicated law has been introduced to prohibit trophy imports outright. Critics argue that legal trophy hunting is accelerating wildlife decline in countries like Tanzania. Research also shows that only 3% of revenue from such hunts reaches local communities. In contrast, nature-based tourism contributes far more to GDP in nations such as Namibia.

The pressure on WWF continues to mount as activists and donors demand a clearer stance against trophy hunting. With the UK government still hesitant to impose a full import ban, the debate over wildlife conservation policies shows no signs of slowing down. The financial and reputational impact on WWF remains uncertain as the campaign gains momentum.