Perfect Pandas

I realize that I’ve never made a formal post explaining what I intend to do with the revenue generated by this site. Granted, at this moment, it’s not really much to worry about; the site just launched recently and I honestly didn’t think I’d generate any revenue from the site. I put a small explanation of my intentions on the Our Story page:

We’re not here to make money. We love pandas; it’s as simple as that. However, if we can share our love of pandas and raise money for them at the same time, why not? 100% of the proceeds made from advertisements will go to various panda charities including, but not limited to; the National Zoo, Pandas International, Pandas Unlimited, and the WWF.

We’re the new kids on the block, so we don’t expect to earn much right now. Because of this, we’re uncertain how long it will take to raise enough money to make a donation to our favorite charities. As soon as we’ve raised $25, we’ll donate it to one of the charities on the list. We’ll make sure to keep you up to date on how much we’ve raised and where we’re sending it. If you want to help, please make a donation directly to your favorite panda charity. If you can’t afford to donate cash, keep your eyes open for an ad on the left that interests you and click it. Every click counts, but please only click on the ads that you’re actually interested in. That way, we both win.

I’d like to take a moment to clarify. Hellen left a comment on the post regarding Pandas Unlimited and I understand her confusion. Upon first glance Pandas Unlimited looks nothing like a charity and started out as nothing more than a Flickr group. However, a community of strangers have come together to form an amazing blend of information and compassion. So, the following is my rationale for choosing the charities.

While I certainly believe saving and protecting giant pandas in the wild through research and preservation is of the utmost importance, I also believe that providing pandas in captivity a meaningful and happy existence is imperative. While Pandas Unlimited itself is not a charity, they have started enrichment funds for every giant panda in the US.

There is no question that science and research lead the way in preventing panda extinction, but without donations from the private sector none of it would be possible. Pandas in captivity are ambassadors of their species and help raise awareness of their plight. Visiting a panda as a child can spark a lifelong love of pandas. Or, as with me, seeing a panda baby grow and feeling a connection with them - if only through a webcam - can put into motion a whole new source for donations that may never have existed otherwise. Panda PR is just as important as scientific research.

Also, it has been shown that unhappy pandas do not reproduce as readily or effectively as emotionally fulfilled pandas do, and we all know how important it is to propagate the species.

Anyway, the point is: Though I can easily donate directly to a zoo through their donation page, I can also do it through Pandas Unlimited. The advantage being that they take absolutely no percentage of the money, and 100% of the money donated goes directly to the Giant Panda program instead of a general zoo fund. I have researched every charity/organization that I have listed as a possible recipient of proceeds from this website, and I firmly believe that they are all wonderful organizations that support the important task of saving the giant panda.

That being said, I am more than willing to take suggestions for other worthy organizations. In fact, we’ve been thinking of implement a polling option so you, the readers, can choose which charity gets the donations. That way you get the final say in where your money (which it ultimately is, because without your clicks and purchases, there wouldn’t be any revenue) goes.

As always suggestions are welcome! Suggestions@PerfectPandas.com