Renowned wildlife artist Danielle Tomlinson partners with WWF UK ahead of Earth Day

Her Hawksbill turtle will raise funds for wildlife conservation.

Danielle Tomlinson has partnered with WWF UK.

Danielle Tomlinson, an acclaimed wildlife artist and former Olympic level swimmer, is thrilled to announce her collaboration with WWF UK ahead of Earth Day.

Passionate about animal conservation and dedicated to leveraging her artistic talent for a meaningful cause, Danielle has teamed up with WWF to create a special piece of art featuring the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle to raise crucial funds for wildlife conservation.

In alignment with the Earth Day 2024 theme, "Planet vs Plastics", a commitment to reduce plastic production by 60% by 2040 for the health of both humanity and the planet, Danielle has created a stunning depiction of the Hawksbill turtle.

Painted in her signature vibrant and expressive style using acrylic paint, the life-sized artwork stands against a captivating pink backdrop.

Danielle's deep-rooted connection with the natural world and her unwavering commitment to animal welfare make this collaboration with WWF particularly poignant.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Danielle expressed her admiration for WWF's longstanding dedication to conservation efforts, stating: "Animal conservation has always been important to me, and I've admired the work of WWF for as long as I can remember.

"When the opportunity came up to collaborate creatively with them for Earth Day, I jumped at the chance."

Danielle works in her studio at Makers' Yard.

The critically endangered Hawksbill turtle is one of the animals listed in WWF’s 10 Most Endangered Animals and is emblematic of the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life.

In the last 30 years, it has been estimated that the worldwide population of Hawksbill turtles have reduced by at least 80% as a consequence of accidental capture in fishing gear, nesting habitat degradation, plastic pollution, climate change, coral reef damage and the illegal trade of hawksbill shells and products.

Though plastic pollution in the oceans poses significant threats to all marine life, including hawksbill turtles, they are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of plastic pollution due to their feeding habits and the characteristics of plastic debris.

A Hawksbill turtle in the wild. Photo by Nils Aukan for WWF.

Hawksbill turtles, primarily carnivorous marine animals, feed on sponges, jellyfish, and other invertebrates. However, they often mistake plastic debris for prey, leading to ingestion and potential digestive issues, malnutrition, and even death.

Additionally, plastic entanglement in abandoned fishing gear can restrict their movement, cause injuries, and even result in drowning. Chemical contamination from absorbed pollutants further weakens their health, disrupting reproductive processes and immune systems.

Habitat degradation due to plastic pollution on beaches and in coastal waters affects nesting sites and food availability, reducing reproductive success. Migration interference from plastic along their long-distance routes increases the risk of ingestion or entanglement, further endangering their populations.

Danielle says, “It's well known that plastic pollution poses multiple threats to marine life including the Hawksbill turtle from the impact on their health, habitat and populations.

"I couldn’t be more thrilled to join forces with WWF ahead of Earth Day to educate and highlight their efforts to reduce plastic waste and protect our marine ecosystems.”

Arabella Bramley, grant specialist at WWF, said: "Hawksbill turtles, along with the six other species of marine turtle in our oceans, are of vital importance when it comes to maintaining the health of our coral reefs and seagrass beds.

"Hawksbill turtle numbers are still declining and WWF is working to protect their habitats by influencing national policies and working with local communities to monitor and manage turtle nesting grounds.

"We at WWF are so grateful for the funds raised through Danielle’s beautiful artwork which will help us in our fight to bring our world back to life and continue saving species like the Hawksbill turtle.”

Danielle's 'Hawksbill turtle' painting, created in support of WWF UK, will be available for purchase online starting April 22, 2024. The original piece will be priced at £3995 with 50% of profits donated to WWF and limited edition A3 prints available for £120 with all profits donated.

Don't miss this opportunity to support wildlife conservation and join the fight against plastic pollution.