Wild Life - Winter 2023

Winter 2023 | bornfree.org.uk

ALL ABOUT ELEPHANTS – THIS IS THE BIG ONE!

WHY CAPTIVITY IS NEVER A GREY AREA FOR US

WE NEVER FORGET – OUR MAMMOTH HISTORY

WELCOME ONE AND ALL! Wild Life magazine is unstoppable – much like an elephant.

Which is just as well, as this edition is all about elephants!

Born Free may have told the story of a lion but, it was the death of the last African elephant at London Zoo, Pole Pole, that brought our foundation to life. The ongoing suffering endured by so many captive elephants is what drives us on today – there are nearly 600 in zoos and circuses across Europe alone. In the UK, the use of wild animals in circuses is illegal (a Born Free success after 25 years of campaigning), and the number of elephants in zoos is falling but, this institutional abuse is far from over.

And it’s not only captive elephants who get the raw end. Hundreds of thousands of wild elephants have been slaughtered to feed the bloody ivory trade. In 1989, driving a blue station wagon, I took a petition numbering over 600,000 names (one for every living elephant at the time) to Geneva, adding our voices to the global outcry against the, then legal, trade. Miraculously, we helped secure an international ivory trade ban that, despite the efforts of many, largely holds true today.

The result? While in some countries, elephants remain under pressure, in our heartland of Kenya, the population has more than doubled since 1989 – to over 36,000. By working together, with Kenya Wildlife Service and others such as the Amboseli Trust for Elephants (whom we have supported for more than 30 years), we can turn the tide.

Financially, last year was very tough for our charity, and this year is no different. The amazing generosity of supporters like you who make donations, adopt wild animals, leave us legacies, purchase products from our shop, sponsor challenges and attend events, makes a crucial difference. You enable us to champion wild animals, wherever they are in need.

IN THIS ISSUE

3 6

Have you heard the latest wild news?

8

We love elephants!

A whistlestop tour of 40 years of action

12

Advent calendar: who did you rescue over the last year or two?

14

Why we began: Dame Virginia and An Elephant Called Slowly

16

How Pole Pole’s story continues to inspire school children today

21

Outside view: Nicky Campbell has a passion for elephants

22

One last thing: a day in the life of a mammoth hero

So, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Read on – and be inspired!

Executive President will@bornfree.org.uk @willtravers

A VOICE FOR ELEPHANTS Forty years ago this October, the shocking death of a little elephant in London Zoo led to the start of our charity, in 1984. Over the years, our work has evolved and, with you, we fight to keep elephants safe in the wild, end the brutal trade in ivory and calves, and stop suffering in zoos and circuses.

Pole Pole in Kenya (see page 14) Cover photo © georgelogan.co.uk

The elephant in the room, our mission to confront captivity

Have You Heard?

ALL THE LATEST FROM BORN FREE

CHEETAH CUB SOS There’s no doubt Ramadan and Fasika are little fighters. Sick, hungry and afraid, the siblings were saved in the nick of time from the illegal wildlife trade in Ethiopia. “They’re far too young to be away from their mother,” explained Bereket Girma, Head of our rescue centre. “But, thanks to Born Free donors and adopters, we can give them the loving, lifetime care they need.”

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Narrated by our Founder Patron Dame Joanna Lumley and voiced by Kenyan actor Foi Wambui, our powerful new animation Enough is Enough was launched on 17th October, calling for an Elephant-Free UK. Poignantly, it was 40 years to the day since Pole Pole the elephant died at London Zoo, the little elephant who led to the start of our charity.

© NHC

© PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

“Pole Pole’s story is at the very heart of Born Free,” explained Joanna. “She is our history and heritage, but also guides our vision for a future where no wild animal is exploited in captivity.” Watch the film and sign our petition at bornfree.org.uk/elephant-free-uk

HAVE YOU MET TSAR & JAMIL? THE ELEPHANT & THE DAME On 17th October, hundreds of supporters worldwide joined us for our free online event, to pay tribute to our Co-Founder Dame Virginia McKenna and Pole Pole the elephant. Guests enjoyed fascinating films and updates on our elephant work, as we shared poignant memories and looked to the future. With special guests including Irish soprano Margaret Keys, the unforgettable evening raised over £13,000 for elephants.

In the summer, we asked you to help give these beautiful lion brothers a lifetime home and, you responded in your thousands! Thanks to your generosity, we have already raised nearly £70,000 and are are now preparing the paperwork and complex plans needed to move the young pair, rescued from Ukraine, to our big cat sanctuary in South Africa. We’ll be in touch soon with news!

Wild Life | Winter 2023

3

Have You Heard? © georgelogan.co.uk

LIVING IN HARMONY Many thanks for donating to our End Wildlife Conflict appeal in spring. With your help, we raised nearly £60,000 to develop humane, practical solutions to help wild elephants, lions and tigers peacefully co-exist with local people.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

© Lyndon Brandt

A select group of committed supporters joined Will Travers and Head of Policy Dr Mark Jones in London, for the inaugural gathering of our new Born Free Champions, in September. After drinks and canapés, the Champions enjoyed exclusive updates about our work, including a live link with our big cat rescue team in South Africa. Intrigued?

To find out more visit bornfree.org.uk/champions

TIGERS ON THE UP!

4

HAVE YOU HEARD

SET RUDOLPH FREE

© M Rosenkrantz

You’ve helped protect this rare species for nearly 20 years in India and, latest figures show, this conservation really works.

India is now home to 3,682 tigers, more than 2½ times the 1,411 recorded when our work began there, in 2004.

“India now has 75% of the world’s wild tiger population,” said our delighted consultant Yashvardhan Dalmia.

You’ve been there for us every step of our campaign and, thankfully, the UK Government has now pledged to make it illegal to sell ivory from hippos, walruses and narwhals, as well as elephants.

And that’s not all. “Our latest investigation into the UK ivory trade and the impact of last year’s ban revealed an encouraging reduction in online listings,” said our Policy Support Officer, Frankie Osuch.

© Southeastern Star, Flickr

© tigersintheforest.co.uk

UK IVORY ACTION

We don’t need to tell you that reindeer should be roaming free in the frozen Arctic, not captive in the UK for festive exploitation and seasonal suffering. “But, we do need your help persuading organisers not to use reindeer at yuletide events,” explained our Captivity Research Officer, Chris Lewis. Take action at: bornfree.org.uk/news/endreindeer-events

YOU CAN STOP SELFISH SELFIES Over 5,000 of you have already signed our pledge to never take a Selfish Selfie, since our headline-grabbing campaign to end cruel photo props went viral this summer. “Please speak out if you witness such exploitation,” said our Captivity Campaigns Information Coordinator Sarah Jefferson. “You can take action to help captive wild animals.” Visit bornfree.org.uk/ raise-the-red-flag

ONLINE CRUELTY With your help, a new Online Safety Bill passing into UK law will include animal cruelty. The important Act will help stop abuse such as badger baiting or monkey persecution from circulating online and compel social media platforms to remove such content. “I’d like to thank our supporters, who urged Ministers to include such cruel content as a ‘priority offence’ in the new law,” said our Head of Policy Dr Mark Jones.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Hundreds of you across the world, took to the streets to raise funds and awareness for elephant and lion conservation, in August.

People of all ages, not least our remarkable team in Kenya, put their best foot forward and walked or ran 20,000 steps on World Elephant Day or World Lion Day. Keep an eye out for details of our 2024 Walk on the Wild Side event – coming soon!

NEW LAW, BIG IMPACT!

© A Gekoski/Cater News

With you by our side and after months of hard work, we’re over the moon that the sale or advertising of cruel activities overseas, such as elephant riding and dolphin shows, will no longer be legal in the UK. “Our supporters and the wider British public consistently support measures to improve animal welfare and protect wildlife,” said our Head of Policy Dr Mark Jones. “It’s high time our politicians acknowledge this and act accordingly.”

In 1998, amidst Lake Victoria’s peaceful waters, you helped Born Free create a life-saving chimpanzee haven on Ngamba Island. Today, the Ugandan sanctuary is home to 52 chimp orphans – rescued from the horrific trade in ape meat and pets – who now enjoy 100 acres of rainforest. Ngamba’s activities have expanded to include chimp conservation and education work with local communities. So, let’s celebrate their silver anniversary in style! xx

© D Becker

25 YEARS OF CHIMP RESCUE

UPCOMING EVENTS 2023/24 We look forward to seeing you soon!

Beyond Zoos 29th November 2023 , Royal Geographical Society, London Chaired by Will Travers, join our panel of experts, Chris Packham, Greta Iori, Dr Winnie Kiiru and Damien Aspinall, to discuss a future ‘Beyond Zoos’. Will be live-streamed.

© IFAW

Footsteps to Freedom Ball 21st March 2024, Royal Lancaster Hotel, London Celebrate 40 years of Born Free action for animals at our gala event (see page 23).

Art Drawn From The Heart 1st - 5th October 2024, Mall Galleries, London Major new show by world acclaimed pencil artist Gary Hodges – private view and exhibition.

Find out more at bornfree.org.uk/events

5

WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU

© Aaron Gekoski/Caters News

In 2022, an opinion poll commissioned by Born Free revealed more than 75% of the British public believe keeping elephants in zoos should end.

Sarah Jefferson is still motivated by the destruction of a young elephant in 1983, who – surrounded by concrete – suffered then died alone, over 4,000 miles from her wild family.

It’s 40 years since the death of Pole Pole the elephant, at London Zoo (page 14). But, her legacy lives on and our mission to end keeping elephants in captivity is as strong as ever. Following years of our campaigning and the tragic killing of a keeper, London Zoo finally stopped keeping elephants in 2001, after a grotesque 170-year history. But, globally, there are still upwards of 1,000 elephants kept in zoos, around 580 of these in Europe, with 50 held in 11 UK zoos.

6

We will never forget you

Some zoos advertise themselves as centres for ‘conservation and education’ but, clever marketing can’t hide the suffering endured by captive elephants. The space provided for these intelligent, social, far-ranging animals is miniscule and lacks enrichment. The wild, multi-generational families, including females and offspring, meeting and interacting with herds for companionship, simply can’t be recreated in captivity. Many elephants are held in artificial pairs or groups of unrelated animals, and transferred between zoos. Eighteen currently live alone in Europe’s zoos, two in the UK. As highlighted in our 2022 report Elephants in Zoos – A Legacy of Shame, these unnatural conditions take their toll, with many individuals showing physical damage – such as foot and joint problems, and psychological – with ‘zoochotic’ behaviours such as repetitive swaying, head-bobbing, and pacing. Captive elephants experience low birth and high mortality rates. The average lifespan of those born in UK zoos is less than 20 years. Yet, wild elephants live between 40 and 50 years on average, many reaching 60 to 70. With double the number of deaths to births, zoos are net consumers of elephants. In recent years, dozens of wild elephants have been caught to restock dwindling zoo numbers.

There is much work to be done! Born Free continues to campaign for an Elephant-Free UK and you can speak out by signing our petition and forwarding to your family, friends and work colleagues. If you encounter captive elephant exploitation anywhere in the world, please send me a report via our Raise the Red Flag platform. Together, let’s seek a future where elephants no longer suffer for our outmoded ‘entertainment’.

We will always remember you Pole Pole

Sarah Jefferson Captivity Campaigns Information Coordinator sarahj@bornfree.org.uk

YOU CAN HELP

© Joanne McArthur/BFF

To sign our petition and support our Elephant-Free UK campaign visit bornfree.org.uk/ elephant-free-uk and report captive elephant suffering at bornfree.org.uk/raise-the-red-flag

I LIVE ALONE

Meet some of the solitary captive elephants held in zoos today, each one caught from the wild:

As if their plight in zoos wasn’t enough, thousands more elephants are cruelly trained and exploited worldwide for tourist entertainment such as rides, shows and as photographic props. Their mistreatment as part of religious festivals and in temples is still common, where they frequently endure terrible conditions. Thankfully, elephants in circuses are banned in many countries with more, including France and Spain, planning to bring in legislation. Some tour operators have stopped selling visits to venues offering elephant rides or shows but, wider industry reform is needed. In 2021, the UK government promised to prohibit the promotion of overseas activities involving such low animal welfare. Again, this Bill was scrapped but, was put forward with our support as an MP Private Members’ Bill, which thankfully passed in September 2023 (page 5).

Mondula Aged 52 Blair Drummond Safari Park, UK

Dora Aged 49 La Barben Zoo, France

Billy Aged 38 Los Angeles Zoo, USA

Lanka Aged 51 Brijuni Zoo Croatia

Wild Life | Winter 2023 * Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Images © BFF, Photos Rouguière. Flickr Creative Commons and Slices of Light, Flickr creative commons

Are changes on the horizon? In 2021, it was reported Defra* planned to ban elephants in UK zoos, under a proposed Kept Animals Bill. The government then assured it would instead reform the welfare of elephants in zoos. But, two years on, no further announcements have been made. Frustratingly, the Bill was withdrawn in June 2023, despite our efforts to reinstate it.

7

SPEAKING OUT FOR ELEPHANTS © georgelogan.co.uk

Since we began, Born Free has fought to end elephant exploitation.

Join us on our whistlestop tour of 40 years of action for these exceptional giants. Celia Nicholls reports.

It’s always been about elephants. We feature Elsa the lioness on our charity logo but, forever imprinted on our hearts is Pole Pole – the lonely, distraught elephant in London Zoo. A baby taken from her loving savannah family in Kenya, to the isolation of Brutalist concrete.

A sentient being given as a vanity gift between governments – an immoral act still taking place today.

Pole Pole should have been 57 this year – the same age as me. Today, she should be in her prime, guiding her own wild family, surrounded by children and grandchildren. All this was stolen from her. Yet, even in her anguish at London Zoo, she remembered Dame Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers MBE (page 14). No wonder her distressing death, forty years ago in October 1983, transformed our Co-Founders from animal-lovers, to activists. Will she do the same for you?

Pole Pole’s desolate demise made headline news and touched the nation’s heartstrings. Suddenly, for the first time, the ethics of keeping wild animals in captivity was on the agenda. “The remorse and sadness felt by Bill and myself was indescribable,” explains Virginia.

“We decided her untimely death must have a purpose. In fact, it laid the foundation stone for our charity.”

8

Speaking out for elephants

1984 Making headline news, Bill, Virginia and their eldest son, Will Travers, launch Zoo Check – a charity to challenge the multi-billionpound global zoo industry, with Founder Patron, Dame Joanna Lumley.

1988

Beyond the Bars: The Zoo Dilemma published: a collection of thoughtful essays by animal experts and philosophers, debating the role of zoos and including a devastating chapter by Bill Travers telling Pole Pole’s story.

European Survey of Zoos sets out to identify 340 zoos but finds 1,007. This led to the 1999 EU Zoos Directive, requiring the licencing of all EU zoos and minimum conservation, welfare and education criteria.

*Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

1991

Our charity is renamed the Born Free Foundation, incorporating Elefriends, Zoo Check and our growing range of wild animal projects under one dynamic banner.

1992

Helped establish Species Survival Network, the leading coalition of wildlife organisations working within CITES framework to reduce impact of global trade in ivory and all wild species.

Will Travers is SSN President.

1997 Nina the elephant is returned to the wild in Tanzania from a private zoo, supported by Martin Clunes and Tony Fitzjohn, her story watched by 13 million BBC viewers. Nina went on to live wild and free and have a calf.

Helped Kenya Wildlife Service move 29 threatened elephants to safety of Tsavo National Park.

Meanwhile, our ‘Stop the Clock’ report shows 30k elephants killed after CITES agreed ‘one off’ ivory sale to Japan in 1997.

2000

1990 We create an Ele-Truck mobile vehicle repair unit to maintain anti-poaching patrol unit vehicles in Tanzania.

1992 We offered support to world’s longest running wild elephant study by Dr Cynthia Moss and Amboseli Trust for Elephants, Kenya. Continues to date. CITES upholds global ivory ban after delivery of our 1.9 milion name petition.

1995 A specially designed elephant translocation vehicle, funded by band East 17, donated to Kenya Wildlife Service to move elephants from areas of conflict to safe havens within the country.

1998 A report into welfare of elephants in circuses and other wild animals in England and Wales, as part of Parliamentary Working Group, finds legislation inadequate. Born Free calls for ban.

2001 2002

Born Free Kenya office established to support conservation projects including elephant studies and conflict resolution, while our affiliated organisation Born Free USA is launched.

Our Elephant-Free London campaign successfully helped bring keeping elephants in London Zoo to an end – after a 170-year history which saw one birth (stillborn) and not one elephant returned to wild.

Wild Life | Winter 2023

Images © BFF and ATE

1989

We spearhead new Elefriends coalition, to confront decimation of wild elephants for ivory (1.3 million in 1979, 620k in 1989). Our 620k name petition – one per elephant – helps urge UN’s CITES* to ban international trade.

9

2003 2004

Our ‘Bad Sports Killing African Game’ campaign spurs support against ivory trade, and our Tip of the Tusk report provides evidence of elephant poaching.

2006 Our high-profile ‘It’s Time Parliament Changed Its Act’ report and campaign together with the RSPCA urges the government to end use of elephants and all wild animals in UK circuses.

2008 We organise an ‘Elephants in Sri Lanka: A 21st Century vision’ conference to help develop humane solutions to conflict between elephants and people.

2010

Our UK poster campaign with award-winning photographer George Logan and WCRS agency highlights impact of habitat loss.

We also funded elephant rangers in Tchad and helped Maasai elephant monitors in Kenya.

2012

Helped HSI* Australia prevent elephant crop-raiding in Benin.

Our EU Parliament exhibition and 21 ‘EU Zoo Inquiry’ country reports exposes suffering of elephants and other animals in zoos. *Humane Society International

10

Speaking out for elephants

Support for Sri Lanka’s Elephant Transit Home included new hospital and ambulance to help rescue orphan elephants and return them to the wild, plus projects to end human/elephant conflict.

2005 We help protect Mount Elgon’s world-famous ‘salt-mining’ underground elephants in Kenya and radio collar rare desert elephants in Nambia.

2007

We launch successful campaign to prevent restart of elephant culling in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

2009 Our Exploited in Captivity report catalogues plight of individual elephants in zoos and circuses worldwide, calling for a worldwide ban and republishing Bill Travers’ poignant telling of Pole Pole’s story.

2011 Supported Kenya Wildlife Service’s census in Tsavo National Park, cataloguing over 12,500 elephants. Helped develop EU Policy for Animal Welfare to improve standards for elephants and all captive wild animals.

2013 With the help of the Sunday Mirror, we provided vital funding for rangers protecting elephants in Burkina Faso. Our Innocent Prisoner report highlights solitary captive elephants in Europe.

2016 After long campaign by Born Free USA and others, Ringling Brothers agree to retire their performing elephants. Meanwhile Malawi, Kenya, China, USA, Republic of Congo and more burn stockpiles of confiscated ivory.

2018

We help Mali Elephant Project protect rare desert elephants – one of only two remaining populations in the world, helping recruit 674 eco-guardians from local communities.

2020 England and Wales at last ban use of elephants and all wild animals in circuses. Our Creature Discomforts film by Aardman Animations uses our shared experience of lockdown to highlight plight of captive wild animals.

Our high-profile Elephants in Zoos report exposes widespread suffering.

We help Liberia colleagues rescue a rare, baby orphan forest elephant. We use elephant puppets to help people stay safe in Kenya.

YOU CAN HELP

Thank you to everyone who supported our Hope for Elephants appeal.

You can still donate at bornfree.org.uk/hope

2022

2015 We support public outcry after Zimbabwe captures over 80 wild elephant calves for export to foreign zoos and call to make live trade illegal. We join tens of thousands of supporters for a global march for elephants.

2017 Author Michael Morpurgo’s new play Running Wild, featuring a life-size elephant puppet, goes on tour in aid of Born Free.

Our President Will Travers helps rescue a wounded elephant in Kenya.

2019

After our long campaign, the UK government bans trade in most elephant ivory products, while CITES agrees further restrictions on exports of wild-caught elephant calves. We also investigate the UK’s online ivory trade.

2021 Our conservation team launches Saving Meru’s Giants, a major project to protect rare elephants in our heartland of Meru National Park, in Kenya.

Images © BFF, M Daines, I Redmond, J McArthur, ELRECO, NYS Flickr, georgelogan.co.uk

2014

We launch a major appeal and campaign to provide vital equipment to help brave rangers protect elephants from poachers in Babile Elephant Sanctuary, eastern Ethiopia.

2023 After our long campaign, UK MPs vote to ban import of elephants as hunting trophies, but this stalls in House of Lords. Our independent poll reveals 75% of UK people want zoos to become elephant-free, we launch our Elephant-Free UK petition and Enough is Enough animation (page 3).

Wild Life | Winter 2023

11

BORN FREE’S ADVENT CALENDAR 1 2 Tiger: Sandro Rescued from a zoo, now living at Animanatura Wild Sanctuary, Italy

Meet some of the precious wild animals you have helped us rescue, rehome, rehabilitate, or return to the wild in the past couple of years!

3

Elephant: Savannah Rescued from a borehole, reunited with his wild mother in Meru, Kenya

Cheetah: Dehar Rescued from illegal trade, now living at our Ensessa Kotteh Rescue Centre, Ethiopia

4 Serval: Lekanya Rescued from illegal pet trade, now living at Panthera Africa’s Sanctuary, South Africa

Lions: Louga, Angela, Bellone and Saida Surrendered by a circus, now living at our sanctuary at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, South Africa

6 Cheetah: Dima Rescued from illegal trade, now living at our Ensessa Kotteh Rescue Centre, Ethiopia

8

7 Serval: Balozi Rescued from illegal pet trade, now living at Panthera Africa’s Sanctuary, South Africa

Lion: Moja A mighty male, rescued when found snared, now living wild in Meru, Kenya

10 11

9 Lioness: Chebby A young female, rescued when found injured, now wild in Meru, Kenya

12

5

Born Free’s advent calendar

Grey parrot: Erica Rescued by Limbe Wildlife Centre from pet trade, rehabbed in Born Free-funded aviary, now wild in Cameroon

Hedgehog: Timothy Underweight ‘autumn juvenile’, who was ‘overwintered’ before going wild in Sussex, UK

12 13 Cheetah: Fasika and Ramadan Rescued from illegal trade, now living at our Ensessa Kotteh Rescue Centre, Ethiopia

14

Pangolin: Nguindolo Rescued when orphaned, now living wild, Central African Republic

15

16

Fox: Bill Cared for by The Fox Project, in cub unit part-funded by Born Free, now wild in Kent, UK

Brown bear: Vesnushkin One of 24 rescued orphans, now living wild, Russia

17

Serval: Mahaba Rescued from illegal pet trade, now living at Panthera Africa’s Sanctuary, South Africa

19

18 Chimpanzee: Simao Rescued from the pet trade, now safe at Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection

Barn owl chicks: Stirling and Kane Found alone in a barn in West Sussex, UK but, after expert care, flew free

20

Lioness: Cheri Another young female, rescued when found injured, now living wild in Meru, Kenya

Serval: Kamagelo Rescued from illegal pet trade, now living at Panthera Africa’s Sanctuary, South Africa

Lion: Simba Rescued from the pet trade, now living at Animanatura Wild Sanctuary, Italy

21

22 Tortoise: Meskerem Rescued when found injured, now living at Ensessa Kotteh Rescue Centre, Ethiopia

23

24

Herring gull: Gary Orphan chick, rehabbed in aviary partfunded by Born Free, set free in Worthing, UK

Cheetah: Sisay Rescued from illegal trade, now living at our Ensessa Kotteh Rescue Centre, Ethiopia

FIND OUT MORE

Visit our website for each animal’s full story and to get involved – many are available for adoption! bornfree.org.uk/adopt

Wild Life | Winter 2023

13

POLE POLE’S

STORY Virginia McKenna recalls her unique friendship with a precious young elephant, whose untimely death at London Zoo led to the start of our charity.

My husband Bill and I were in Kenya to make a film about elephants – with our friend James Hill, who had so brilliantly directed Born Free. This little elephant was just what we needed to tell our story. The Kenya Government gave us permission, and, thanks to elephant experts Daphne and David Sheldrick, who spent a few days calming her and giving her love and attention, we named her Pole Pole (Slowly Slowly in Swahili). She became the star of our film, An Elephant Called Slowly.

When filming ended, we asked the Government if we could buy her, so she could join the little group of orphaned elephants who were being rehabilitated by David and Daphne, back to the wild. Our request was granted but, we were told another young elephant would have to be caught, as the gift to London Zoo was promised. The idea of another innocent little creature being torn from its family was unthinkable. It was one of the most terrible decisions we ever had to make and will always remain in my memory. I need not describe how we felt.

A decade or more passed. Then, in 1982, a letter from Daphne arrived. Pole Pole was in trouble and had become ‘difficult to manage’. There was talk of putting her down – could we investigate. We decided to see her for ourselves, accompanied by a journalist. There she was at the back of the elephant enclosure. We called her name – she remembered us. Our hands strained to touch her outstretched trunks. That image is burned into my mind.

14

Pole Pole’s story

© Daily Mail

It is almost impossible to believe that Pole Pole, the young elephant who first inspired our work for wild animals, died forty years ago. We had first met her in Kenya in 1968, when she had been caught from the wild as a little two-year-old – a gift from the Government of Kenya of the day to London Zoo. Torn from her family, we discovered her desperately pacing up and down in a small enclosure in Nairobi.

We resolved to act. We found a reserve in Africa which would give her a home but, the zoo refused to relinquish her. After endless lobbying, we were told they were prepared to move her to Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, where at least she would have elephant companions.

It never happened. They kept her standing for so many hours, in her travelling crate, she collapsed. Examining her under anaesthetic, they claimed she had lost the will to live and decided to put her down. She was just 17 years old, but her miserable death gave life and meaning to our work for wild animals in need.

Dame Virginia McKenna Co-Founder & Trustee

HOW WE BEGAN

Determined Pole Pole’s short life would not be in vain, Bill and Virginia launched Zoo Check on 19th March 1984 with their eldest son Will Travers, the charity that has evolved into the Born Free Foundation. Thanks to your support, our work continues to end the captive suffering of elephants and all wild animals. Together, let’s keep them safe in the wild, where they belong.

MAKE YOUR MARK Born Free has been defending wild animals since 1984. And, thanks to supporters like you leaving gifts in their Wills, we’ve had a lot of success.

-

We’ve helped: • Make the international ivory trade illegal • Stop the use of wild animals in UK circuses • Set up lifesaving anti-poaching teams • Rescue animals in need • Wildlife and people to peacefully co-exist Gifts in Wills fund a third of our life-changing work. But we’re not done yet.

Your support is vital, so we can be there for the wildlife you love, for generations to come.

Make your mark today, and tomorrow, by including a gift to Born Free in your Will.

How to get started – visit www.bornfree.org.uk/legacies email carina@bornfree.org.uk or phone Carina Hibbitt 01403 240170 Registered charity number 1070906

EDUCATION Pole Pole died in London Zoo 40 years ago but, thanks to our special workshops, her heartrending true story can still inspire school children today. Charlie Smith reports.

16

Elephants, empathy & education

&

It’s little wonder children love elephants. These easily recognised, charismatic and deeply fascinating animals are part of the fabric of growing up. From Elmer and Babar, to Have You Seen Elephant?, we are brought up with stories of elephants from an early age.

Born Free’s UK Education programme aims to build upon this love and fascination using another story – the real-life tale of Pole Pole (page 14). Our unique outreach workshop, ‘An Elephant Called Slowly’, teaches children how wonderful elephants are and encourages them to think critically about whether they belong in zoos.

Without knowing Pole Pole’s full history, pupils work together to discuss different sides of the argument: should this young elephant remain with her family in the wild in Kenya or, be sent as a gift to live at London Zoo? Putting themselves into the shoes of those affected by the outcome, including Pole Pole herself, enables children to empathise and better understand the consequences of their decision.

The workshop ends with children voting as a class, before we explain what actually did happen to Pole Pole. As you can imagine, this can be very emotive for the pupils but, is a valuable opportunity for them to reflect on the impact her story has had. The children can then come to their own conclusions as to whether elephants should be kept in zoos.

Back in the summer, Born Free and creative artists Haus of Conservation collaborated to deliver a series of educational events, Dreams of the Wild, for primary schools across Worthing, Crawley and Dorking, UK. A captivating dance performance delivered key conservation and welfare messages, followed by interactive workshops to help students understand how wild animals can struggle in captivity. A fabulous, final public performance of Dreams of the Wild then took place at Dorking Assembly Hall – see www.bornfree.org.uk/news/dotw to find out more.

Even before hearing her story, most pupils vote against the zoo, deciding Pole Pole should remain in the wild.

But, are children then able to translate these feelings into action? Our pilot evaluation programme, run alongside the workshop, suggests the exercise had a real impact on those who took part, positively changing their attitudes towards elephants and their welfare.

Assessing our activities is an important step to ensure Born Free is having a measurable impact. So, this year, our team will be rolling out this evaluation programme alongside Pole Pole’s workshop in primary schools across the UK. We will let you know how we get on!

Charlie Smith Education Officer charlie@bornfree.org.uk

FIND OUT MORE

If you’d like to book a free Born Free workshop for your class, please get in touch by emailing us: education@bornfree.org.uk

Wild Life | Winter 2023

17

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT From our very first field project to cutting edge innovation today, we’re devoted to impactful elephant conservation. But, it’s not just a numbers game, says Penny Banham.

The lives of elephants and humans have been closely intertwined for millennia. Our shared history is one of conflict and co-existence: where elephants were once the dominant species in their ecosystems, modern humans quickly changed the balance. People have wiped out populations of elephants across the globe, forever changing wild landscapes. Elsewhere, others have fought valiantly to secure the future of these giant mammals.

With your support, Born Free is dedicated to protecting elephants in their natural environment, where they belong.

From our very first field project in 1992 – supporting Amboseli Trust for Elephants (see page 9), to our conservation work today in Cameroon, Liberia and Kenya, our work is changing the future for elephants.

18

The future is bright

In 2021, aided by your donations, we launched Saving Meru’s Giants, an extensive programme based in the Meru Conservation Area, Kenya. We are dedicated to turning the tide for the critical savannah elephant population (as well as rare giraffes), which lives there. Once numbering in their thousands, the elephants of Meru were nearly wiped out by poachers in the 1970s-1980s. Concerted efforts to stop poaching and rebuild the population were made in the 90s and early 2000s and the population slowly began to rebuild, to around 1,000 today.

Today, human-elephant conflict, particularly crop raiding, is a deadly issue in Meru. Elephants can devastate entire fields of crops in a single night, destroying the livelihoods that farmers and their families rely on. In response, aggrieved farmers may retaliate – disturbing, injuring and even killing elephants. To tackle this mammoth issue, Born Free has initiated one of our most ambitious and holistic programmes, knowing the need to address multiple underlying issues: poverty, lack of education and bushmeat* hunting, as well as many other challenges.

© Peter Ndug’u

REMEMBER NOKU? We’re not just wild about savannah elephants… We also protect forest elephants in Cameroon and Liberia – not least two-year-old orphan Noku, rescued last year by our Elephant Research and Conservation colleagues, her mother no doubt killed by poachers. On her journey back to the wild, Noku enjoys daily forest walks plus plenty of fruit and veg – growing from 85 to 102cm tall!

A beehive fence deters elephants and generates income

You may notice all this outreach is centred around people.

This might be surprising but, until we create an environment where they can living alongside the world’s largest land mammal, we may be doomed to repeat our history, eradicating population after population. The story of people and elephants can go on for millennia but, only if we fight hard and with imagination. Together, we can be the agents of change and write a brighter future for elephants.

Penny Banham Conservation Manager penny@bornfree.org.uk

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? SAVANNAH ELEPHANT Loxodonta africana

LOCATION: EAST & SOUTHERN AFRICA TUSKS CAN CURVE OUT EARS SHAPED LIKE AFRICA HEIGHT: 3-4M WEIGHT: 2-7 TONNES STATUS: ENDANGERED

© ATE

Our community work is expanding like never before, with the launch of Village Savings and Loan Associations (helping people manage their own finance), extensive anti-poaching patrols carried out by our Twiga** Team, plus locally employed Conservation Ambassadors – who help prevent illegal wildlife activity and build relations with communities. We are increasing education activities, teaching people about Meru’s elephants and helping them feel empowered to co-exist.

© ELRECO

Our approach is multipronged, utilising human-elephant conflict mitigation strategies such as ‘beehive fences’ (elephants are afraid of bees!) and a conflict toolkit – full of low cost, simple ideas to deter elephants, from planting chillis to installing flashing lights. Our team has already identified 325 elephants for our database, telling the stories of individuals and families – it’s easier to protect a population if every elephant is known.

FOREST ELEPHANT Loxodonta cyclotis

© davecurrey.com

LOCATION: WEST & CENTRAL AFRICA TUSKS POINT DOWN EARS MORE OVAL HEIGHT: 2.5-3M WEIGHT: 2-6 TONNES STATUS: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED Wild Life | Winter 2023 *Meat from wild animals **Swahili for giraffe

19

Incredible supporters like you are raising vital funds and awareness.

I LOVE JAGUARS! Eight-year old Florence held a school lemonade stall, then ran 6K from Kingston Bridge to Hampton Court Bridge along the Thames in Surrey, UK, to raise £611 for wild jaguars.

SUPER SUPPORTER

TRIATHLON CHAMP

Val Hackett’s recent coffee morning raised over £1,010 for our Ukraine lion appeal (page 3). Over the years, Val and her husband Mike Carey have raised a mindblowing £551,000!

Peter Greaves took on the Ironman 70.3 Marbella in Spain to raise £5,861. “I decided to mark turning 50 by setting myself the biggest physical challenge of my life!”

Colossal cycle

Pupil power

We’re in awe. Mark Quince conquered the length of the UK from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise £5,000 for Born Free in an epic 1,000-mile cycle in just 10 days.

Every child at Tydd St Mary Primary School, Lincolnshire UK took part in an art show, chocolate raffle and non-uniform day, raising £536 to adopt Born Free animals.

No pressies please!

Lion-hearted Emma Leuw (seen here with husband Martin), raised hundreds of pounds for our Ukraine lion appeal, asking for donations instead of gifts for her 60th birthday.

Inspired?

20

Going wild for Born Free!

Visit bornfree.org.uk/fundraisers to hold your own event or activity in aid of wild animals, or email carina@bornfree.org.uk

“These sublime beings are greater than a Mozart symphony, finer than any poem.”

© Paul Nicholls

SOULFUL GIANTS Will Travers talks to Born Free Patron Nicky Campbell OBE, journalist and broadcaster, about his passion for elephants.

What inspires you about elephants?

Self-aware and wise, these extraordinary, intelligent animals are greater than a Mozart symphony, finer than any poem, more majestic than any piece of literature.

We should do everything within our power to save these beautiful, ancient beings, who have been here for millions of years. We do not deserve them.

What is your view about keeping elephants in zoos?

Shame on us. Future generations will look back in horror that we condemned these sublime beings, these soulful giants, to a miserable lifetime of concrete and bars. To be chained, beaten into submission, and exploited like slaves for our grotesque entertainment – trained by fear and aggression to perform degrading tricks in a circus ring, or to carry misguided tourists. Zoos have reached a dead end. All wild animals locked up for life deserve better. Enough is enough.

What do you think about ivory or sport hunting?

Ivory is barbaric, it fills me with revulsion. The only place it belongs is on an elephant’s face. Yet we hack off their tusks so people can make trinkets. And how anyone could shoot an elephant for fun is beyond me. Trophy hunting is monstrous, immoral and makes me sick to the stomach. Carried out by a wealthy, entitled, ignorant elite who believe we are here on earth to control, exploit and dominate. Ending the global ivory trade and the trophy hunting industry are vital steps in restoring our humanity.

There is no time to lose.

Do demonstrations have an impact?

Yes! Don’t feel powerless about exploitation.

Get active instead. Join together with people who feel the same way as you. We need to speak out for the voiceless and lobby decision-makers. We need to march and petition and protest. Elephants are nature’s masterpiece. There is no nobler mission than to save a species that has been on the planet far longer than us. For a start, please sign Born Free’s Elephant-Free UK petition (bornfree.org.uk/elephant-free-uk).

Why do you support Born Free?

Will, you’ve been on my show many times and each time your vision, the Born Free vision, gives me hope.

You show the world wild animals are not ‘things’ we can do what we like to, but individuals we must care about. Born Free works relentlessly to stop suffering and challenge those who want to hunt, kill and exploit wild animals. You fight oppression and senseless human greed. And every year, your determination and compassion becomes stronger. You work for the change we all want to see. I’m proud to be part of the Born Free Family.

Your long-term vision for elephants?

We will not forget you. We will not let you down. Thank you for teaching us about devotion, tenderness and loyalty. We won’t stop until you are safe.

Wild Life | Winter 2023

21

One more thing

A day in the life of Francis Kago, Project Officer for the Saving Meru’s Giants team, who protects rare animals in the heart of Kenya’s Meru Conservation Area – one elephant at a time.

© Will Burrard-Lucas

A lot of my work is all about people, not just elephants.

Local communities are often dependent on natural resources for sustenance, income and cultural practices.

By involving them in our conservation initiatives, their knowledge, insights, and traditions can be harnessed to create sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and people’s well-being.

Kago (left) hard at work with Moses Nyagah from our Pride of Meru lion team

I was born and raised just outside Lake Nakuru National Park, then studied wildlife management.

Today, the most rewarding aspect of being an elephant conservationist is the direct impact I have on protecting these magnificent creatures and their habitats from the threats they face – including poaching, habitat loss, and human-elephant conflict.

My day often starts as early as five in the morning, heading out into the field to track elephant herds, observe their behaviour, and collect data on movement patterns and social dynamics. I am proud that one of the 325 elephants who have been individually identified and added to our database has been named Kago, after me!

Having an elephant database is crucial to inform effective conservation strategies, but also tells us the story of every individual.

22

My most memorable moment was during a ‘dung survey’ in North Imenti Forest, Meru. We spotted an elephant lying down in a bushy area and presumed it was sadly dead. After getting close, to our surprise and delight, he suddenly stood up. We ran, as elephants can pose a danger to the team, but luckily he ran in a different direction – it was a close call!

One more thing

To all the wonderful Born Free supporters, I express my gratitude for your continued support. Your dedication and commitment to safeguarding these majestic animals, the health of their ecosystems, and the well-being of local communities is truly invaluable. Thank you for being a vital part of this important cause.

Getting to know you Meru is home to some 1,000 elephants and each has a unique ear pattern, tusk shape and body features, which helps us recognise them. This is Tortilis, a female in the Acacia family, who we identify by the distinctive notch on her ear. By knowing each one, we can monitor their health and movements, which makes conservation more effective.

You’re invited!

TICKETS: FROM £170

40 years of action for wild animals Thursday 21st March 2024 | 6.45pm | The Royal Lancaster, London Join Born Free, our Patrons and friends for a fabulous evening of fine food and wine, dancing and entertainment at our black tie gala ball.

Find out more and book your ticket at bornfree.org.uk/event/footsteps-to-freedom-ball, email joanne@bornfree.org.uk or call 01403 240170.

READY FOR A LIFE-CHANGING CHALLENGE?

Paddle the Zambezi, conquer Mount Kilimanjaro or trek other-worldly Iceland – all while fundraising for Born Free.

Explore our 2024 event calendar, from kid-friendly mud runs to wild walks and challenges across stunning locations. Release your inner hero AND help raise essential funds for Born Free.

Visit bornfree.org.uk/fundraising/challenges to find out more.

WANT TO DO GOOD THIS CHRISTMAS?

Sustainable, printed to order Less waste, more of your funds help wild animals!

Choose Born Free gifts & adoptions this year!

Our festive selection, including personalised range, is ideal for wild animal lovers of every age.

Shop now: shop.bornfree.org.uk Adopt now: bornfree.org.uk/adopt Adopt your favourite animal or species in need and help fund their care and protection. © georgelogan.co.uk

Personalised gift pack, regular updates, optional cuddly toy Or go green with a digital pack

Born Free Foundation, 2nd Floor, Frazer House, 14 Carfax, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1ER, UK bornfree.org.uk | +44 (0) 1403 240170 | info@bornfree.org.uk bornfreefoundation bornfreefoundation Can you go digital? Sign up to go green, save paper and reduce costs.

Email info@bornfree.org.uk

bornfreefdn

bornfreefoundation

bornfreefoundation

Printed on sustainably sourced paper | Registered Charity No: 1070906

The views expressed in Wild Life are not necessarily those of Born Free. If you have any comments or issues you would like to raise, please write to the Managing Editor. Will Travers - Managing Editor: will@bornfree.org.uk Celia Nicholls - Editor: celia@bornfree.org.uk, Claire Stanford - Graphics & Brand Manger: claire@bornfree.org.uk