Neisha LandersNeisha Landers Ecological Art : The Fight for the Texas Ocelot
Key Organizations Fighting for the Texas Ocelot
1. Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge What they do: This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization exists to protect, support, and enhance the refuge, which is home to one of the last remaining breeding populations of U.S. ocelots. They raise funds, administer grants, and sponsor educational outreach activities.
Website: flanwr.org
2. Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) What they do: Located at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, CKWRI has been a leading force in ocelot research for four decades. They are currently building a $20 million state-of-the-art Ocelot Conservation Facility dedicated to ocelot reproduction, behavioral research, and rewilding.
Website: ckwri.tamuk.edu
3. East Foundation & Recover Texas Ocelots What they do: The East Foundation partners with CKWRI and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE Ocelot program. Their primary goal is to propagate, rewild, and reintroduce ocelots onto historic natural habitats on Texas ranchlands.
- Website: recovertexasocelots.org
4. Texas Conservation Alliance (TCA)
- What they do: Founded in 1971, TCA advocates for the protection of Texas wildlife and wild habitats through grassroots outreach, policy advocacy, and on-the-ground conservation.
- Website: tcatexas.org
5. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) – Laguna Atascosa
What they do: This federal agency manages the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. They work closely with landowners, non-profits, and volunteers to restore habitats, manage the wild populations, and increase public education.
- Website: fws.gov/refuge/laguna-atascosa
Actionable Ways You Can Help
Make a Donation or Fund Land Acquisition
- The Friends of Laguna Atascosa have a fund specifically set up to help grow the refuge by purchasing key land to create a wildlife corridor in Cameron County. Donations ensure an ever-growing capacity to connect fragmented habitats. Donate to the Friends Here.
- You can also donate directly to CKWRI to support their new Ocelot Conservation Facility and their ongoing genetic, behavioral, and habitat research. Support CKWRI Here.
Volunteer Your Time
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Laguna Atascosa relies heavily on manpower from volunteers to keep operations running.
- Open positions range from general and trail maintenance to visitor services, gardening, and digital communications.
- Opportunities are flexible and available for both local residents and RV volunteers. Find Volunteer Opportunities Here.
Buy the “Save Texas Ocelots” License Plate (Texas Residents)
- If you live in Texas, you can spread the word and fund conservation by purchasing a specialty license plate for an additional fee of $30.
The Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge receives $22 from the sale of each plate, 100% of which goes directly to ocelot conservation.
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