People took over B.C. Place for first-ever ‘Climb for Nature’ event raising money for wild animals

Hundreds of people climbed over three thousand steps on Sunday, May 26 to raise money for animals that are having a hard time surviving in our province.

The first-ever World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) Climb for Nature took place at BC Place, with participants having to complete a sweaty climb for wild animals.

Jason Burnett, a Canadian Olympic Athlete said this was a great cause.

“It’s a great cause and I would love to see a positive change to the different ecosystems and animals in B.C. and I would never want to lose that,” he said.

Burnett ran two laps about the lower bowl, that is 6000 steps in just over 40 minutes.

“I felt very tired first of all and needed a water and snack, but I felt very accomplished because I knew it was for a very good cause,” he said.

Megan Leslie, the president and CEO of WWF says climate change and habitat loss are impacting species.

“Here in B.C., southern killer whales aren’t finding enough salmon, so we are looking to restore the salmon habitat,” she said.

Leslie says ocean noise caused by a significant increase in vessels are affecting how whales hunt and communicate.

“We have a petition that we are sending to the Prime Minister about having an underwater noise strategy,” she said.

The WWF plans to make this event an annual tradition.