Remembering Congressman Raúl Grijalva: A Defender Of Wildlife & Devoted Conservationist

Arizona Congressman Raúl Grijalva, a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation and animal welfare, has passed away at the age of 77.

Throughout his more than two decades in the United States Congress, Grijalva was a formidable champion for wildlife protection and an avid defender of the Endangered Species Act, tirelessly safeguarding the legislation from repeated attacks.

As chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and co-chair of the ESA Caucus, he championed key conservation legislation, including the RESCUE Whales Act, the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act, and the Tribal Heritage and American Bison, Grizzly Bear, and Wolf Restoration and Coexistence Act.

“His compassion truly extended to all animals. He strongly supported protecting our nation’s wild horses and burros, championing the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Protection Act and other efforts to humanely manage herds. He also led the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act to end the use of wild animals in circuses,” said Susan Millward, executive director and chief executive officer of the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), in a statement.

Grijalva’s relentless advocacy extended to securing protections for the Grand Canyon, culminating in the establishment of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in 2023.

His legislative portfolio further included the Extinction Prevention Act, providing essential funding for some of the country’s most imperiled yet underfunded wildlife species, such as North American butterflies, Pacific Island plants, freshwater mussels, and Southwest desert fish.

“AWI has deeply valued our partnership with Rep. Grijalva on these crucial issues over the years, and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a principled and kind man. We send our condolences to his family and staff, and we will carry on his legacy of fierce and unyielding advocacy for all living beings,” concluded Millward.

Grijalva’s unwavering commitment to conservation and environmental justice has left an indelible mark on the nation’s natural heritage. His efforts have ensured the protection of countless species and natural landscapes for future generations to come.

Rest in Heaven, Congressman Raúl Grijalva.