Red Squirrel Emoji Petition Launched to Save Endangered Species

A campaign spearheaded by The Wildlife Trusts and Center Parcs is calling for the creation of a red squirrel emoji. The initiative aims to increase awareness for one of the UK's most endangered native mammals by making them visible in everyday digital conversations, particularly among younger audiences.

Recent survey data indicates a significant lack of awareness among UK children regarding red squirrels. Thirty-four percent of surveyed children aged eight to fifteen did not know red squirrels inhabit the UK, and 33% were unsure if the species was endangered here. Furthermore, 10% struggled to identify red squirrels from images, often mistaking them for the more common grey squirrels.

Red squirrels, once a symbol of British woodlands and immortalized in literature, have faced drastic population declines. Their numbers have shrunk from an estimated 3.5 million just 150 years ago to as few as 120,000 today. Habitat loss and the introduction of invasive grey squirrels carrying squirrelpox virus are the primary drivers of this decline.

The petition, directed towards the Unicode Consortium, seeks public support to ensure red squirrels remain in public consciousness and on Britain's landscapes. Conservation efforts, such as those managed by Center Parcs at their Whinfell Forest site, have shown positive results, with a 24% increase in sightings reported in 2025. The Wildlife Trust also highlights ongoing work in tree planting and habitat connection to safeguard the species for future generations.