Dear World Heritage Species friends and supporters, It is not often that one can say that he or she has a message that may change history. This IS one of those messages. Please see these words by our own conservationist and photographer Mr. Brent Stapelkamp, the researcher who collared and tracked Cecil and in whose heart Cecil holds a very special place. "On the 2nd of July 2016 we will take a minute to remember the death of an individual animal that moved the entire world. An individual that has probably done more for his species, and many others, than any other individual animal in the past. What more fitting individual could we possibly find to be the ambassador or the flagship for an exciting concept, The World Heritage Species. Cecil's species is one that is not just familiar to us as people but arguably an important fiber in our human fabric! We have known lions since our very first dawn and have had a special relationship with them ever since. In a world of overstimulation we are so bombarded with information and images that often "the message" gets diluted and we find it hard to concentrate. By defining a species a World Heritage Species we clarify the message. Lions tick all the boxes as it were. Because of their Apex predator title, their flagship species definition and their umbrella species label, we can use them and the passions that they inspire, to generate interest and funding for all the species that come below them ecologically. In order to save lions we need to save prey and in order to save prey we need to save landscapes. Landscapes and cultures. So you see, Cecil is and should be the ambassador for the first World Heritage Species Program. Join us on July 2nd 2016 and let's make this the World Heritage Species Day. Many thanks Brent Stapelkamp - - - Please visit our Facebook Community page: for updates. https://www.facebook.com/World-Heritage-Species-1627895884140506/