Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts
The Born Free Foundation continued its commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals. Notably, lion brothers Tsar and Jamil, rescued from Ukraine, were relocated to a sanctuary in South Africa, providing them with a safe and natural habitat. Additionally, Simba, a young lion found abandoned in a Moscow garage, moved into a new, purpose-built enclosure at Animanatura Wild Sanctuary, offering him a larger and more enriching lifetime home.
Conservation Initiatives
Marking 20 years of its tiger program in India, the Foundation celebrated a 2.5-fold increase in tiger numbers since the program's inception. New initiatives included 'Safari Science,' encouraging tourists to monitor wild lions, and the development of 'conflict toolkits' to help Kenyan farmers humanely deter elephants, promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Advocacy and Campaigns
Born Free intensified efforts to end the exploitation of wild animals in captivity, focusing on stopping dolphin exploitation for entertainment in Europe and seeking tighter regulations on the exotic pet trade in the UK and Europe. The Foundation also worked towards securing a global agreement to combat the illegal wildlife trade, emphasising that animals are not commodities to be bought and sold.
Fundraising and Community Engagement
The 'Run Wild' team participated in the TCS London Marathon 2024, raising an impressive £27,500 to support the Foundation's initiatives. This event highlighted the active involvement of supporters in promoting wildlife conservation.
Educational Outreach
The Foundation planned major educational initiatives, including the introduction of a new Junior Ambassador and the development of a bespoke conservation curriculum in Cameroon, aiming to inspire the next generation of wildlife advocates.
Throughout 2024, the Born Free Foundation demonstrated tireless dedication to protecting wild animals and their habitats, reinforcing its mission to ensure that all wild animals are treated with compassion and respect.
