America’s Favorite Pet Can Win $10,000

License Plate Purchases in Australia Donate $50k to Koala Conservation

Since their introduction, South Australian license plates have raised over $50,000 for koala preservation. Southern Australia was nicknamed the “Koala State” after the government reintroduced koalas to their native habitat due to being nearly extinct. The Department for Climate, Environment, and Water has sold more than 2,200 Koala State plates to support wildlife carers. Wildlife carers are essential to preserving Australia’s natural environment and benefit from the license plate initiative.

The Koala State plates cost around $150, including a $50 donation to koala conservation. Funds go toward supplies, animal healthcare, equipment, and training for wildlife organizations, mainly through the South Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Grants program. Some partners that received donations through the program include Save Our Wildlife and Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Centre. See the Koala State plate design here.

Cartel Tensions Lead to Increased Big Cat Rescues

Mexico’s largest animal sanctuary, Ostok, has seen a steady increase in big cat rescues due to increased cartel tensions. Mexican cartels are often involved in the illegal wildlife trade and the ownership of protected big cats. According to the president of Ostok, a recent turf war involving the Sinaloa Cartel has led to an increased number of big cat rescues.

In 2024, officials in Sinaloa, Mexico, rescued 17 big cats from cartel members, 11 of which happened within three months. Most of the rescues were tigers, followed by lion cubs. Big cat confiscation is vital to helping their welfare, as many cats are found in poor physical and psychological conditions at the time of rescue.

America’s Favorite Pet Contest Entries Now Open

Colossal Management, a fundraising firm, is organizing its annual America’s Favorite Pet contest in 2025. Last year’s event raised around $8.9 million for Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a wildlife and pet adoption center. During America’s Favorite Pet, one dog and one cat will each win $10,000. The victors will also be featured in two prominent pet magazines, Modern Dog and Modern Cat. The contest features guest star Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”) and his dog, Roscoe, as well as famous catfluencer Nala Cat. If you’re fur baby has what it takes to be America’s Favorite Pet, register them today at americasfavpet.com.