A while back Oceana launched an Adopt a Creature fundraiser where anyone can adopt one of the assorted creatures they have listed for a modest donation. There are a small variety of creatures available but in this case, of course, I will choose to adopt a shark.

The Shark Adoption comes in two formats, the basic donation at $35 and the Shark Gift Pack for $75. In each case you will get a cool shark-shaped cookie-cutter that you and your little ones can use to make some cookies. Better yet, both gifts include a certificate of your adoption of a shark; which I would have loved as a kid!

You might be wondering… “So we can make cookies, okay, cool but what’s the big deal?”

Fair question! Well, I think half the problem that sharks are not being protected more fiercely is the lack of awareness of their plight. On that note, why don’t you have your child take a batch of cookies to school?! There are bound to be questions about a shark cookie and it will be a great opportunity for your little boy or girl to spread the passion and perhaps even get their teacher interested in the issue. Maybe the teacher will be interested enough to show some of the great videos online depicting the plight of sharks; that is, if Internet is accessible in the average classroom yet.

Anyway, it seems like a fun plan to me:

Time with Mom & Dad + Cookie Testing + Cookies at School = Happy Times!

If you go ahead and give this a shot please let me know. I would love to hear about it!

NOTE: There is also a $100 offer where you will get a pile of cookie cutters of endangered creatures which could make for a fun few months of educating the class; bring a new animal cookie and its story every week or month. Either that, or just toss in that extra $25 to help the cause if you are feeling generous and you will get the bonus of a few more cookie cutters

“I am so ecstatic to be a face for Oceana’s shark campaign and help make a difference for these magnificent creatures,” said Jones. “After interacting with sharks at such close proximity, I believe now, more than ever, that they carry a stigma with them that is so unnecessary.”

Second to the fact that this PSA should make significant strides bringing attention to the plight of sharks, I love that the PSAs are partly based on the fact that sharks are simply uninterested in humans – a real change in thought for most of us. Here is one of the PSAs with January Jones:

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you are not sure if this movement is important enough I urge you to try watching one more video.

If you would like to help Oceana represent our oceans please visit Oceana’s donation page. Note that Oceana is a 4-Star Charity – your money WILL be used properly.