The organization works to rescue individual animals, safeguard populations, preserve habitat, and advocate for greater protections.

[citation needed] In 1983 Europe banned all whitecoat harp seals products.

[3] The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) was founded in 1969, in initial efforts to stop the commercial hunt for seal pups on the east coast of Canada.

With offices in 15 countries, and projects in more than 40,[4] IFAW is one of the largest animal welfare organisations in the world.

[5][6][7] IFAW is best known for its leading role in the campaigns to end the commercial seal hunt in Canada[10] and end commercial whaling,[11] as well as its work to help dogs and cats in impoverished communities,[12] protect elephants,[13] end illegal ivory trade,[14] rescue and release of wild animals such as orphan rhinos[15] and rescue of animals in the wake of disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in the US.