WILD LIFE - WINTER 2020

WINTER 2020

bornfree.org.uk

A WARM

Welcome

BY WILL TRAVERS OBE

Darker nights don’t make me gloomy. Far from it! I’m always excited when the spirit of Elsa burns brightly.

So, as days draw in, look at these sparklers perfectly wrapped and presented to you in this issue of Wild Life.

Thanks to you, our amazing supporters, the Orphan Bear Rescue Centre can rescue, care for and release cubs back to the wild, where they belong! From bears in Russia to those in China, and the truly heart-warming and inspirational story of our dear friend Jill Robinson MBE, Founder of Animals Asia.

Born Free’s animal adoptions let you get to know the elephants, rhinos and lions of Kenya, the wolves of Ethiopia, orca of Canada, orangutans of Borneo, gorillas of Congo, tigers of India, pangolins of Central African Republic, jaguars of Argentina, bears of Russia, Greece and China and many more.

04 06

WE ARE FAMILY A personal plea from Virginia McKenna and Will Travers.

HAVE YOU HEARD? Latest on Born Free animals, projects and people.

10

REWARDING COMPASSION Who is this year’s worthy McKennaTravers Award winner?

12 ADOPT AND SURVIVE When you adopt an animal, you’ll save a species.

02

WELCOME

How much is a cup of coffee at any high street chain, about £3? That’s how much our adoptions cost per month – just £3. That’s a lot better than a handful of beans, don’t you think? A Born Free adoption is the perfect gift for someone you love this Christmas.

Each animal needs our help and protection. Each would

WE WANT A FUTURE WHERE ANIMALS THRIVE IN THE WILD. WE ARE BORN FREE.

say thank you if only they could. But, in their place, may I do so for them. Thank you so much!

Have a safe and joyous Christmas, and may 2021 bring new hope for all.

We have been working to protect wild animals since 1984. Working alongside local communities, we manage or fund conservation and animal welfare projects in more than 20 countries worldwide. We also rescue vulnerable wild animals from appalling captive conditions – releasing them back into the

Executive President,

wild, or giving them lifetime care at our sanctuaries.

will@bornfree.org.uk, @willtravers

To find out more about our work, see bornfree.org.uk

16

RAISING CUBS It’s no picnic for these bears.

22

24 20

ONE ON ONE Interview with Animals Asia Founder Jill Robinson MBE.

30

Charity No:1070906

EACH ANIMAL COUNTS Fascinating stories celebrating the significance of one.

CAGING THE EXPLORER How do bears, the ultimate opportunists, fare in captivity?

IT’S A WILD LIFE “Pollyanna’s work harmonised with Born Free.” Meet Anna-Louise Pickering.

Wild Life | Winter 2020

03

WE ARE FAMILY VIRGINIA MCKENNA AND WILL TRAVERS WRITE TO YOU FROM THE HEART. DURING THESE CHALLENGING TIMES, ANIMALS NEED YOU MORE THAN EVER. Dear Friends This is a very personal message. If we could write to each and every one of you by hand, we would. This is from the heart.

These are strange and disturbing times. We really don’t know what the future will hold. But, we know that doing nothing is not an option. Our charity, our precious Born Free, a central part of our lives for over three decades since we helped create it with Bill all those years ago, represents all we hold dear, all we strive for, all we hope to achieve – often against the odds.

A kinder, more compassionate world, where all life is respected and allowed to live as nature intended.

Throughout the challenges of 2020, we have held close to our hearts the kindness and generosity of so many people around the world – our Born Free Family – who have stood by us and the values that unite us through thick and thin. Since February, when the pandemic began to sweep across the planet, we have done what we can to make sure Born Free not only survives but, comes out the other side – whenever that comes – stronger and more effective than ever before.

We continue to make great strides. Our welfare work – for individual animals in our sanctuaries, the lions, leopards, cheetah, primates, and many other species that rely on us for their very survival – has continued without missing a beat. Our policy work – massively impacted as meeting after meeting was shelved or abandoned – has, nevertheless, risen to new heights.

Maybe COVID-19 has caused even our elected leaders to reflect on the need to try and make things better, pollute less, exploit less, and care more?

Our education work – potentially dealt such a blow as schools closed and face-to-face meetings ended – has pivoted and delivered outstanding educational resources to tens of thousands of students and teachers in the UK and around the world, online into the home. Our conservation work – threatened by lockdown and travel bans – has taken on board all the necessary precautions and returned to the field, and the animals, just as soon as it was safe to do so.

BY ADOPTING AN ANIMAL, PURCHASING A BORN FREE GIFT, © Land Rover

OR MAKING AN EXTRA DONATION,

YOU WILL HELP US NOT JUST SURVIVE, BUT THRIVE.

YOU CAN HELP To support our vision for a kinder, more compassionate world visit bornfree.org.uk/co-founders-personalmessage-2020 or call 01403 240170.

04

WE ARE FAMILY

We have cut costs at every opportunity. We have not authorised a flight since the end of February.

We have seamlessly left our office and moved to work from home, using technology to ensure we are in touch and contactable at all times. And, we are not going back. For some, including Born Free, the era of the office is over. Moving forward we shall be adaptive, cost-effective, light on our feet, meet when we can, harness Zoom and Skype and forge ahead – because there truly is no time to waste.

And, we mean that. No time to waste. When we started challenging zoos and circuses in 1984, we thought we could change the world in under 10 years. It has taken longer, the work is not over, but we still believe! Up until this point, we have been frugal but not cut corners, relentless with the resources at our disposal, committed to getting the most out of every pound we receive. We have not asked for help beyond the extraordinary generosity of our supporters because we are all in this together. We must make it – and we will.

But, we must be honest. Times are tight. Our budget is under pressure. The squeeze is well and truly on. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and, indeed, your love.

And so, with the greatest respect, we have a request. As the year moves towards its end, and as we all look forward with uncertainly but with hope to a brighter year ahead, one of peace, compassion, togetherness and a unity of purpose, if you have room for Born Free we would deeply appreciate it.

By adopting an animal, or purchasing a Born Free gift, or making an extra donation, you will help us not just survive, but thrive. It is your decision and we know, for many of you, it is not an easy one, with so many other pressures right now. Whatever you decide, we thank you on behalf of animals in need everywhere. For your time. For your kindness. And, for your generosity of spirit.

We are family.

Virginia McKenna OBE

Will Travers OBE

Co-Founder & Trustee

Executive President

Wild Life | Winter 2020

05

HAVE YOU

COMPANY FOR KING Fantastic news – Born Free’s adopted lion, King, has a companion. Rescued from France’s illegal

HEARD?

pet trade, King has lived at our big cat sanctuary at Shamwari Private Game Reserve since 2018.

We recently introduced the lonely lion to Thea, the youngest of the Lions of Lyon, who arrived at our sanctuary last year. The pair are now inseparable, playing and climbing on their jungle gym.

LONG-DISTANCE TRIUMPH Kudos to our indomitable team of London Marathon runners, including film actor and Born Free Advocate Ritchi Edwards, who ran the virtual event in October and raised thousands of pounds.

“I had Born Free in my heart

FREEDOM CALLS

and was determined to finish,” explained Ritchi.

With Born Free backing, our Zambia Primate Project colleagues have opened a state of the art pre-release facility in Kafue National Park. Here trade, will prepare for a life of freedom.

ANIMALS HAVE FEELINGS TOO

“It’s a dream come true,” said their

We need your help. From January 2021, UK law won’t

Founder Dr Cheryl Mvula. To date,

recognise EU requirements that animals can think and

750 rehabilitated baboons and vervets

feel. Born Free has launched a campaign to ensure animal

have been returned to the wild

sentience is legally enshrined before the EU transition period

in troops.

ends: bornfree.org.uk/animal-feelings-take-action

monkeys, rescued from the illegal pet

06

HAVE YOU HEARD?

YOU HALT THREAT IN EBO FOREST Following months of our campaigning, Cameroon has cancelled plans to allow logging in Ebo Forest, a haven for gorillas and other rare wildlife. We are so grateful to the hundreds of you who took action to keep this beautiful, unique habitat safe and seek to secure its future.

© georgelogan.co.uk

END CANNED HUNTING!

MEDAL OF HONOUR Huge congratulations to PC Peter Baker, a wildlife police officer in Northumbria supported by Born Free, for winning a prestigious British Citizen Award.

“Tackling UK wildlife crime doesn’t get the attention and resources it needs,” said our Head of Policy Born Free’s petition, urging an end to canned hunting

Dr Mark Jones. “This recognition of Peter’s mission

and signed by nearly quarter of a million people

to stop abuse is deeply significant.”

worldwide, has been sent to South African authorities.

Thousands of intensely bred lions are exploited for profit at every stage of their short lives. “Shooting neartame lions at close range for fun is shameful,” said our

TACKLING UK WILDLIFE CRIME DOESN’T GET THE ATTENTION AND RESOURCES IT NEEDS

Executive President, Will Travers OBE. “Time to end this vile industry.”

FRENCH CIRCUS BAN France is to ban the exploitation of wild animals in circuses. “This is a great step forward,” said Born Free’s Dr Chris Draper. “Our thanks to more than 13,000 of you who lobbied the French government.” A phasing-out of captive dolphins and orcas has also been confirmed.

Wild Life | Winter 2020

07

n o e f i L

Welfare EVERY ANIMAL MATTERS AT BORN FREE, WHICH IS WHY OUR MCKENNA-TRAVERS AWARD LAUDS CONSERVATION THAT CARES. PENNY BANHAM REPORTS.

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LIFE ON WELFARE

Congratulations to Dr Olivier Nsengimana, £10,000 winner of the McKenna-Travers Award for Compassionate Conservation 2020, for his passion to combat Rwanda’s illegal trade in grey crowned cranes. “Dr Nsengimana’s determination is totally inspirational,” said our Co-Founder Virginia McKenna OBE. “I am extremely happy this very special work has won the award.”

A facility cares for rescued cranes, with 167 birds successfully reintroduced to the wild. Rangers have been trained nationwide, local leaders engaged and over 20,000 school children reached thanks to environmental clubs and a tree-planting scheme.

A 2019 census showed wild cranes had increased in Rwanda to 748 birds and 881 birds in 2020.

A second grant of £5,000 was awarded to Jenny Desmond for her work rescuing orphan chimpanzees in Liberia.

Born Free’s McKenna-Travers Award for Compassionate Conservation is now in its eighth year and is named in honour of our charity’s Co-Founders – Virginia McKenna OBE, her late husband Bill Travers MBE and their son, Will Travers OBE. The grant recognises outstanding achievements of conservation leaders and helps implement their compassionate agenda. Over the years, the award has helped protect many species including orangutans, gorillas and even the slow loris – the world’s only venomous primate.

Dr Olivier Nsengimana

Found only in eastern and southern Africa and renowned for elaborate courtship displays, grey crowned cranes are officially Endangered, with an estimated 17,700-22,300 remaining. Five years ago, hundreds were suffering in captivity throughout Rwanda, from hotels to private houses, with birds stressed and malnourished. As few as 300 remained in the wild, threatened by poachers and loss of their marshland habitat to agriculture.

Dr Nsengimana, a young veterinarian and Founder & Executive Director of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, was determined to save the spectacular species and, thanks to these efforts, captive exploitation has now ended in Rwanda.

Gre

y

d e n w C ro

At the heart of Born Free is consideration for the individual. Our devotion to Compassionate Conservation puts the welfare of each animal and their wider community at the centre of effective action.

This approach is bold in its mission to bridge individual well-being with efforts to protect and restore whole ecosystems and entire species. People and animals can both suffer due to negative interactions, so much of our work focuses on collaboration with local communities to address challenges such as human-wildlife conflict and ensure conservation success.

GRIZZLY WINNER In 2019, Hereditary Chief Jason Moody, a member of the Nuxalk First Nation in British Columbia, Canada, received a grant for his indigenous-led, welfare-focused approaches to reducing conflict with grizzly bears and ending illegal sport-hunting.

Jason’s efforts to restore healthy human-bear relationships epitomise our approach of Compassionate Conservation.

Penny Banham Conservation Projects Officer

s e n Cra

penny@bornfree.org.uk

Wild Life | Winter 2020

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INTELLIGENT, INQUISITIVE AND OPPORTUNISTIC MAMMALS IN URSIDAE FAMILY EIGHT SPECIES VARY IN SIZE FROM 25kg SUN BEAR

TO 650kg POLAR BEAR FOUND ACROSS PARTS OF

MEET

THE

BEAR FAMILY

NORTH AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA, EUROPE AND ASIA

BEARS CAN

SPRINT 3 5

UP TO

MPH

POLAR BEARS ARE CARNIVOROUS,

PANDAS EAT BAMBOO, OTHER SPECIES ARE OMNIVORES

HOW MANY BEARS? SPECIES

POPULATION

IUCN* STATUS

SUN BEAR

DECREASING

VULNERABLE

SLOTH BEAR

UP TO 20,000

VULNERABLE

MOON BEAR

UP TO 61,000

VULNERABLE

AMERICAN BLACK BEAR

UP TO 950,000

LEAST CONCERN

GIANT PANDA

UP TO 1,000

VULNERABLE

SPECTACLED BEAR

2,500-10,000

VULNERABLE

BROWN BEAR

110,000

LEAST CONCERN

POLAR BEAR

26,000

VULNERABLE

*International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List

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MEET THE BEAR FAMILY

FIND OUT MORE

Wildlife crime is the world’s fourth-largest illegal

Visit bornfree.org.uk/wildlife-trade or sign

Highly organised criminals exploit wild animals for

up for updates on our #EndWildlifeCrime

profit, causing immeasurable suffering and driving

initiative at endwildlifecrime.org

species to extinction. Using sophisticated equipment,

activity, worth an estimated £153bn every year.

their transnational actions undermine livelihoods, destabilise economies, foster corruption and increase the risk of pandemics.

CRIMES

AGAINST

Bears are often overlooked when it comes to crime but, many thousands fall victim to criminals each year.

Already under threat from habitat loss, demand for their skin, fur, claws, skulls, and gall bladders – used in traditional medicines in the Far East – puts many populations firmly in poachers’ sights. Cubs are taken from the wild for captive exploitation, including farming and circus-style shows.

BEARS

In many countries, hunting bears is illegal, but there

WILDLIFE CRIME IS A CRITICAL THREAT TO BEARS WORLDWIDE. TIME FOR GLOBAL ACTION AND CAST-IRON LEGISLATION SAYS DR MARK JONES.

targeted because of fears for the safety of people

#ENDWILDLIFECRIME

is little enforcement and high levels of poaching.

Although brown bears, American black bears and even polar bears can be hunted legally for trophies, thousands more individuals are illegally killed. Bears also frequently come into conflict with people as we increasingly encroach on their habitat, and many are or domestic animals.

With your support, Born Free’s efforts to end wildlife crime and mitigate human-wildlife conflict will continue.

Together, we can help reduce the suffering of bears and countless other species.

Dr Mark Jones Head of Policy & Veterinarian markj@bornfree.org.uk

In 2020, Born Free co-founded the #EndWildlifeCrime initiative, aiming to secure a United Nations’ agreement to commit all governments to take all wildlife crime seriously. Former head of the UN Wildlife Trade Convention John Scanlon, who chairs the initiative, said: “The current system for combating crime is inadequate and there is urgent need for a comprehensive regime.”

Wild Life | Winter 2020

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ADOPT AND SURVIVE

WHEN YOU ADOPT, YOU’LL TRANSFORM THE LIFE OF AN INDIVIDUAL ANIMAL AND HELP ENSURE THE SURVIVAL OF AN ENTIRE SPECIES. CELIA NICHOLLS REPORTS.

Every animal matters here at Born Free. We are so inspired by Elsa the lioness and her journey to freedom, we feature her on our logo and named a family of lions, living in Kenya’s Meru National Park, in her honour. Thanks to Elsa’s Pride adopters, Born Free works with Kenya Wildlife Service to protect all the lions who live in the 340 square mile park, 220 miles north east of Nairobi, and study their complex behaviour. This helps us develop effective conservation measures, find humane solutions when lions come into conflict with local people and even rescue lions caught in wire snares.

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ADOPT AND SURVIVE

ELSA'S PRIDE

Liz (in front) with her two cubs and the cubs of Makena and Elsa

KENYA’S MERU NATIONAL PARK 340 SQUARE MILE PARK

“I’m fascinated by the adventures of Elsa’s Pride,” explains Research Officer Newton Simiyu, from our Kenya team.

“They spend a lot of time around Elsa’s Kopje in the heart of the park, once the campsite of George and Joy Adamson.

This was where, in 1958, they taught Elsa to be free and wild.”

Today, led by the young males Solio and Mang’erete, the pride has 14 members, including four cubs. The three adult females are fearsome predators who target Meru’s abundant zebra, gazelles, buffalo and water buck, and have even been seen to take down a giraffe. Interestingly, these lionesses have a unique love of tree climbing, with an old tamarind by River Rojawero their favourite perch.

Kenya recently announced a 25% increase in lion numbers to 2,489 and we are delighted our nationwide efforts seem to be having an impact. But, this conservation success is only possible thanks to your generous support. More than 26,000 of you adopt with Born Free and, whether you care

ADOPTERS FUND

AN INCREDIBLE

20 OUR LIFE-CHANGING %

OF ALL

for an individual in a sanctuary or safeguard an entire family in the wild, your adoption is priceless. You help our dedicated team of carers and rangers look after and protect a myriad of awesome animals. But, that’s just for starters. Adopters fund an incredible 20% of all our life-changing work for wildlife, and help us promote compassion and oppose exploitation worldwide.

WORK FOR WILDLIFE Wild Life | Winter 2020

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FIND OUT MORE Visit bornfree.org.uk/adopt for our full range of animal adoptions.

WE HAVE JUST HIT A MILESTONE WITH A RECORD 203 BIRTHS THIS YEAR, INCLUDING TWO SETS OF RARE TWINS.

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

150 SQUARE MILE PARK

Ewok (centre) getting his groove back

ELEPHANT FAMILY © ATE

Just 300 miles south of Meru, at the foot

the world seems so fragile but, when I sit among the

of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro,

elephants of Amboseli, I forget our problems. There

is Amboseli National Park. The 150 square mile

is nothing more enchanting than a baby elephant,”

park is renowned for one of Africa’s most notable

Moss explains. Born Free supporters adopt the

elephant populations and, funded by our Elephant

famous EBs, stars of the BBC’s popular Echo of the

Family adopters, Born Free has supported

Elephants TV series. But, this charismatic, extended

Dr Cynthia Moss and her Amboseli Trust for

family also helps protect their species. Thanks

Elephants since 1992. The world’s longest-running

to adopters, Born Free can support brave rangers,

study of wild elephants, this work has transformed

combat poachers, apprehend traffickers and campaign

our understanding of this sensitive, social colossus.

to end the despicable global ivory trade. This has had a mammoth impact, not least in Kenya, with Kenya

“We have just hit a milestone with a record 203 births

Wildlife Service reporting a countrywide increase

this year, including two sets of rare twins. Right now,

in elephants and the population doubling from around 16,000 in 1989, to at least 34,800 in 2019.

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ADOPT AND SURVIVE

THE WORLD’S RAREST CANID BALE MOUNTAINS

ETHIOPIAN WOLF Meanwhile, high in Ethiopia’s spectacular

When you adopt, you become part of a global

highlands, lives the world’s rarest canid. The

movement of optimistic people who care about the

copper-coated Ethiopian wolf is found nowhere

wild world and want to make a realistic difference.

else in the world but, aided by adopters since

By working together and focusing on practical

1995, our Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme

solutions, we create success stories and inspire

colleagues help ensure their safekeeping. A few

change so wildlife can win. All for just £3 a month.

months ago, they rescued a wolf called Terefe,

Don’t forget, your adoption includes a personalised

which means ‘lucky survivor’ in Amharic. With an

gift pack, plus a cuddly toy and regular updates.

open wound and shattered femur, the team feared

So, why don’t you have conservation confidence

the worst but, thanks to expert care, Terefe was

and give the gift of hope this Christmas?

well enough to return to the wild two months later.

With fewer than 500 remaining, every Ethiopian wolf

Celia Nicholls

matters, so we were delighted when a thriving pack

Publications Manager

were recently discovered in an area they had been

celia@bornfree.org.uk

presumed extinct. Keeping a close eye, the team are in contact with local shepherds and farmers to resolve any conflict. This is essential outreach, not least because domestic dogs can transmit rabies and canine distemper. But, supported by adopters, an effective oral vaccine has now been developed for wolves. Critical work for this charismatic flagship species.

ORCA STORY Springer was just two years old when her mother died and she became lost near Seattle, USA in 2002.

As you can see, when you adopt with Born Free you

Our OrcaLab friends could identify her unique calls

will have a tangible positive impact on conservation.

and, with our help, took her back to her wild family

Given half a chance, nature can repair itself and

near Vancouver, Canada. 18 years on, Springer has

species spring back from the brink of extinction.

two calves of her own. Adopters help us keep their

Born Free projects ensure the safety and recovery

community safe and end captive dolphin exploitation.

of many other rare species from rhinos to tigers, gorillas to pangolins. Co-existence and coalitions are

Suzie Hall recently volunteered at OrcaLab. “I remember

key and, with your help, Born Free and our partner

opening my Springer adoption pack on my 11th

organisations meet the needs of people and wildlife,

birthday, 2004, but could never imagine our futures

so both can thrive.

would be so intertwined and lead me to cetacean research. 16 years later, I saw Springer and her babies from the deck at OrcaLab. Watching this once orphan, now matriarch, lead her family was precious.”

Wild Life | Winter 2020

15

Raising

Cubs

Going Above and Beyond the Bare Necessities, our Comrades in Russia Give Orphan Cubs a Second Chance at Life in the Wild. Maggie Balaskas Reports.

For 25 years, the Orphan Bear Rescue Centre has been rescuing, raising and releasing brown bear cubs at their facility 280 miles north west of Moscow.

Run by the Pazhetnova family, a team of biologists, they can rehabilitate even the smallest orphan. Cubs start arriving thick and fast from January and it’s all hands on deck to nurse them. Without their mother’s warmth, they stand no chance, so rescue can be a race against time.

Perhaps just days’ old and emaciated, injured or suffering from pneumonia, the helpless cubs need intensive care and feeding every two hours.

This is painstaking, highly-skilled work – bottles need sterilising, milk formula measured, each cub gently persuaded to feed, their progress recorded. They are also massaged after every feed, to simulate their mothers’ care. But, by three months, the youngsters should start to feed independently, devouring porridge with eggs.

Human contact is reduced, for the cubs must learn to be bears. Together in an indoor enclosure, climbing structures aid their physical development. By early April,

“For us all, work is more than a job – it’s our way of life.”

when a mother bear naturally leads her cubs from their den, they are ready to move to a woodland enclosure filled with trees, climbing platforms and sleeping dens.

As they begin to forage for berries and grasses, the team reduces feeding, providing just fruit and vegetables.

16

RAISING CUBS

By July, the seven-month-olds are free to explore adjacent areas of forest and enjoy grass shoots, roots and insect larvae, building fat reserves to hibernate through a long, harsh winter. At 10 months old, having learnt skills needed to survive, most are ready for release. After vet checks and a rabies vaccine, bears are fitted with ear tags and some with tracking collars, then released in pairs or small groups, ideally where they were originally found. Post-release monitoring in the first few weeks ensures they are adapting well to life in the wild.

This year, our remarkable Orphan Bear Rescue Centre colleagues have rehabilitated 18 bears, one being overwintered, and are now preparing for the imminent arrival of next year’s cubs. As Ekaterina Pazhetnova explains: “For us all, work is more than a job – it’s our way of life.”

To date, the centre has reintroduced 263 orphans to the wild, many going on to have cubs and grandcubs of their own.

So, with your help, the remarkable centre is helping protect brown bear populations in the wild, one cub at a time!

What About

Kuzya & Karel?

Many of you have followed the bear brothers’ progress since their rescue in January – just a week old and 700g on arrival. The fragile orphans fought back to grow robust and adventurous, and have now successfully gone wild.

Maggie Balaskas Animal Rescue & Care Manager maggie@bornfree.org.uk

© OBRC

Wild Life | Winter 2020

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"Wild bears in Russia face many threats including logging, conflict with people and hunting. Terrified mothers are forced to flee for their lives, leaving their newborn cubs alone."

Raising Cubs It’s No Picnic

for These Bears

These helpless cubs are taken to the Born Free-supported Orphan Bear Rescue Centre, which rescues, rehabilitates and prepares bear cubs for release back to the wild.

With your support, we can help every single bear cub live a wild life.

To find out more, donate and adopt, visit

bornfree.org.uk

Lives Transformed – Thanks to You

Have you heard of the mighty Kyriakos? Just 40cm high and four months old when rescued with twin brother Manolis in 2004, this huge brown bear now towers over the other orphans at Arcturus Sanctuary in Greece.

What about moon bear Bodo? Less than two years old when saved from a cruel bile farm in 2003, he now enjoys an enriched life at Animals Asia’s Bear Sanctuary in China, despite only having three legs.

Kyriakos and Bodo might be different species, living poles apart with such distinct stories but, they have one big thing in common, you! Your support ensures life is a teddy bears’ picnic for them both.

Major food lovers, the two burly bears enjoy a smorgasbord of fruits, vegetables, honey, eggs, roots, shoots and berries. In spacious, plant filled enclosures, there is space to run, romp, and climb.

With trees to scratch, platforms to snooze on and dens to hide in – Bobo even has his own hammock while Kyriakos takes a dip in his personal pool.

Not to mention an array of daily extra enrichment – lovingly prepared by expert carers.

Kyriakos © Arcturos

Both bears could have faced a very different future.

Kyriakos could have ended up in a zoo, living out his years in a small, barren, cage – rocking or pacing due to boredom and frustration. Bodo would likely have died in the bile farm, having endured years of pain and torment – confined to a metal crate.

Thankfully, this horror couldn’t be further from the pair today, enjoying healthy, happy lives in Born Free-supported sanctuaries.

When you adopt, you’ll help Born Free fund care – for life. And, help us rescue more animals in need.

We can’t wait to welcome you on board!

Bodo © Animals Asia

Wild Life | Winter 2020

19

n o e n O

e n O

MAGGIE BALASKAS CHATS TO JILL ROBINSON MBE, FOUNDER OF ANIMALS ASIA. How did your work begin?

I made a call to my friend and mentor, Born Free

What challenges do you face?

Always two things – political and financial. With the Vietnam government agreement to end bile farming by 2022, our new challenge is to raise funds to build another sanctuary to rescue the remaining 438 bears on illegal farms there.

Co-Founder Virginia McKenna, in 1998. I had long been thinking of starting an organisation to help the bears I'd seen on an undercover visit to a bile farm.

"Just do it," said Virginia and I knew there was no turning back. Animals Asia pledged to end bear bile farming and consumption of dogs and cats, and help captive animals.

Why do bears need help?

Over 10,000 bears in Asia are confined for life in tiny wire cages and cruelly extracted of bile, despite so many herbal and synthetic alternatives. 10, 20, 30 years of miserable existence… their suffering can only end through support of our sanctuaries and education programmes, which have seen over 600 bears rescued.

Why do you love moon bears?

Their forgiveness, their intelligence, their propensity to put past suffering aside and enjoy happy fulfilling lives.

As much as we rescue them, they rescue us. We learn new things about this remarkable species almost every day.

© Animals Asia

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ONE ON ONE

Over 10,000 bears in Asia are confined for life in tiny wire cages and cruelly extracted of bile, despite so many herbal and synthetic alternatives.

How does Born Free help?

We have been blessed with your generous support since we began, especially since Virginia visited our sanctuaries in China and Vietnam. You contribute to staff salaries to ensure bears can be managed,

© Animals Asia

medicated and fed.

What impact has this had?

Years ago when eviction from our Vietnam sanctuary was likely due to a corrupt official, Born Free helped

How is our adopted bear?

lobby the Prime Minister, who eventually decided we

Bodo the beautiful is gorgeous! Our gentle, peacemaker

could stay. You always join our campaigns to bring

three-legged bear is still the happiest, charismatic bear

us closer to ending bile farming. I think of us as sister

with, we hope, years of playing and mischief making

organisations, we share so many goals.

to go.

ALL CENTRES SUPPORTED BY BORN FREE

BR

BEAR ORPH

A

Rescued as fragile cubs needing round the clock care and milk feeds, at the Orphan Bear Rescue Centre in Russia, bears undergo an incredible journey preparing for life back in the wild.

Includes gift pack

HE BROW OS T N K A

AR BE

Rescued from a bear bile farm, he was missing a front paw, but this doesn’t stop Bodo! He enjoys lifetime care in a bamboo forest enclosure at Animals Asia’s Bear Sanctuary in China.

N OW

PER MONTH

KYR I

THE MOON BE

NS

DO

bear

AR

BO

adopta

JUST £3

Wild-born in northern Greece, Kyriakos was just a cub when his mother was killed. Fortunately, he was looked after by a shepherd, then given a spacious home for life at Arcturos Sanctuary.

FIND OUT MORE AT BORNFREE.ORG.UK/ADOPT Wild Life | Winter 2020

21

EACH ANIMAL COUNTS

EVERY ANIMAL IS UNIQUE AND DESERVES A LIFE FREE FROM HARM. COULD YOU HELP PROVIDE LIFETIME CARE FOR THESE FASCINATING INDIVIDUALS, RESCUED BY BORN FREE?

SCREAMER THE HYENA Six-year-old Screamer was just a cub when his mother came into conflict with people in Ethiopia. Tragically, she was shot before we could rescue her, but we rescued her cubs, Screamer and sister Shylo, and took them to Ensessa Kotteh, our Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre.

Spotted hyenas live in large close-knit families, with a clear hierarchy. The siblings form part of our rescued pack, led by alpha female Tigeste – rescued from a zoo in Ethiopia. Born Free works to encourage appreciation for this complex, social species, and humanely resolve conflict between people and wildlife.

© Blake McGrow

MOWGLI THE LEOPARD In March, working with Bloemfontein SPCA and Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, we rescued Mowgli after Bloemfontein Zoo, South Africa closed and animals left to starve. A rare, melanistic leopard, two-year-old Mowgli now lives at our sanctuary at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

He is gradually becoming more confident but will always rely on our care. His enriched new life, amidst shady shrubs and dense undergrowth, is in stark contrast to deprivation at the zoo. Born Free continues to challenge the global zoo industry and lead a movement away from the exploitation of wild animals in captivity.

22

EACH ANIMAL COUNTS

YOU CAN HELP To help provide lifetime care for Mowgli, Coro, Elsa or Screamer, contact Joanne Bartholomew on joanne@bornfree.org.uk or 01403 240170

ELSA THE LIONESS Elsa was six years old when she rescued from a travelling circus in Sardinia, with our Italian colleagues at Lega Anti Vivisezione, in 2014. We took her to a wildlife refuge in Semproniano, Tuscany, while the court decided her future.

We planned to give Elsa a home at our big cat sanctuary in South Africa but, by the time she was officially given to our care, she was happily settled and we didn’t want to disturb her. She now shares an enclosure with another rescued lion, Madiba.

CORO THE CHEETAH Coro was just three months old when he was seized from the illegal wildlife trade by Somali State authorities. Our team at Ensessa Kotteh Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre, in Ethiopia, collected him with his sister Pollyanna, in March.

No doubt taken from the wild to be sold as prestige pets in the Middle East, the undernourished cubs recovered after a great deal of care. Never apart, they play together and groom each other. We continue to expose the illegal pet trade, apprehend dealers and campaign for tighter regulations.

Wild Life | Winter 2020

23

CAGING THE

explorer Wild Bears Are Perhaps the Ultimate Opportunists, Active For Up To 20 Hours A Day. So, How Do They Fare In Captivity? Sarah Jefferson Reports.

Varying in shape, size and colour, each bear species is uniquely adapted to their specific wild habitat. With widely differing diets, their complex hunting or foraging regimes occupy the vast majority of their daily life, whilst roaming many miles.

Yet, tens of thousands are held in artificial captive environments with little resemblance to anything remotely natural.

Deprived of wild lives, these versatile animals suffer badly in zoos and frequently display repetitive, stereotypic behaviours such as pacing, swaying, headbobbing and neck-twisting.

In 1986, Born Free’s damning report on captive polar bears in the UK and Ireland, exposed extensive psychological problems. Attracting significant media attention, our campaign shone a light on such suffering for the first time and many zoos committed to no longer keep polar bears. Today, all 20 facilities in our report are polar bear-free but, two other UK zoos keep eight bears between them. Recently built, we hoped these larger, more naturalistic enclosures would offer much needed sanctuary for rescued bears. However, both zoos continue breeding programmes – adding to the number of captive individuals. Whilst polar bears face considerable threats in the wild, keeping individuals in zoos has no role in genuine conservation.

24

CAGING THE EXPLORER

© Aaron Gekoski/BF

YOU CAN HELP Contact bornfree.org.uk/raise-the-red-flag

Countless bears of several species are also exploited in circus shows worldwide, forced to perform degrading acts. Spinning hoops in Indonesia, riding bikes in China, playing football in Spain and even ice-skating in Russia are just a few sickening examples of outmoded entertainment. But, thankfully, the cruel tradition of dancing bears has largely been abolished.

Sanctuaries, such as Born Free-supported Arcturos in Greece, played a major role in ending this disgusting activity, offering ex-dancing bears a caring home for life. In large forest enclosures, rescued bears spend a peaceful life at Arcturos, safe from harm.

We continue to highlight the plight of bears in captivity and campaign to end their global exploitation. If you are concerned about bears or other wild animals you encounter in captivity, please send us your reports.

Thank you.

Sarah Jefferson Captivity Programme Information Officer sarahj@bornfree.org.uk

Wild Life | Winter 2020

25

Virginia McKenna Encourages Us to Learn From Lockdown And Keep Active For Animals, Wherever We Are Based.

Is there a chance, from our months of lockdown, we might experience a moment of understanding about the lifelong captivity of animals in zoos?

Not, like us, free living beings but, incarcerated in a kind of prison.

I already anticipate the outrage that may greet my description. After all, not every animal is in a concrete pen, some have

enclosures with room to walk around, trees to climb, rocks to hide behind. But, if it was the same enclosure for months and years on end, feelings of interest in that well-trodden path may have disappeared long ago.

It reminds me of a visit to London Zoo over 35 years ago. I recall standing in front of the Mappin Terraces, a concrete area where polar bears paced and re-traced their miniscule space. It was closed in 1985, the remaining bear sent to Poland where he died in 1990.

Polar bear, London Zoo 26

DON’T GIVE UP

'T

N O D E V R I I A F G UN E P

© georgelogan.co.uk

Elephants, captive

U

It is possible my thoughts about the future will echo those in my age group. Already, we are limited in our activities – observers rather than doers. That does not mean we are unhappy. On the contrary, it gives increased time to appreciate nature, the kindness of family, friends and neighbours. Of course, limited physical ability does not necessarily spill over into one’s mind. We can still think and talk about injustice, raise our voices against cruelty, arrogance, selfishness, indifference and rejoice in the beauty of trees and the changing character of nature as winter approaches.

GAM

You mean – hunting lions?

Elephants? Deer? Foxes?

Shooting migrating birds From hill-top hides?

Yes, that’s right – How did you guess?

Well, that’s what man does.

Isn’t it? Kills for fun.

Macho man in macho gear.

Oh, good shot! Clean shot!

It will look great on the wall, On the floor, draped on the chair.

Eyes seeing no more. Heart arrested.

But the man, of course, is free.

Will it haunt him in the night?

Don’t be crazy. As I write He is dreaming of the next Life he can steal. Broad daylight too.

© J McArthur/BF

Wild animals, small enclosures For 36 years, Born Free has followed that path

Oh man, how small you are How tiny in the scheme of things.

You are not rare and beautiful Like the lion, the elephant, the deer, The soaring birds. It is not you Who fills our hearts with wonder and with joy.

And when you’ve killed them all – What then?

and, inevitably, made enemies. So? I could never pretend to be a friend of someone who kills animals for fun. Some years ago, I wrote a poem which says, in a different way, what I have been trying to say here:

Virginia McKenna OBE Co-Founder & Trustee

Wild Life | Winter 2020

27

THE CHIMPANZEE ISLISTED AS

ENDANGERED THE BY

INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR THE

Sara's Shoulders CONSERVATION OF NATURE

On

When You Adopt One Chimp, You Help Protect Thousands More. Rescue Leads To Education And Conservation, Explains Laura Gosset.

Sara is an orphan cared for by the Chimpanzee Trust on Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria, Uganda. When you adopt Sara, you help provide her food and care, but also support a raft of activities to protect wild populations.

THEY LIVE IN

COMPLEX,

HIERARCHICAL COMMUNITIES

OF UP TO

100

INDIVIDUALS 28

ON SARA’S SHOULDERS

© CSWCT

THERE IS ONE SPECIES,

PAN TROGLODYTES,

WITH FOUR SUB-SPECIES

To encourage public support, Chimpanzee Trust provides local villages with school, health and sanitation facilities. This year, Born Free is helping Chimpanzee Trust air a multi-episode conservation-themed radio drama, Ekiija Omanyire, broadcast to 50,000 people across Uganda.

Born Free also supports the dynamic Bulindi

Set up with Born Free’s help in 1998 amidst

Chimpanzee Project, working in a crucial wildlife

100 acres of rainforest, the island sanctuary

corridor in western Uganda. Through a programme

cares for nearly 50 chimpanzees rescued from

of research, community support and habitat

the illegal pet trade. Another threat is retaliation

restoration, the project protects a fragile population

from farmers, when their crops are raided by

of chimpanzees and the forests they depend on.

chimps. Chimpanzee Trust works to minimise conflict and refund losses.

Laura Gosset Education is crucial to ensure future generations

Head of Education

of rural residents recognise, respect and understand

laura@bornfree.org.uk

the importance of wildlife. Chimpanzee Trust delivers conservation messages to children through dance, music, drama, debates and quizzes, as well as school-based enterprises such as beekeeping and mushroom growing.

MAIN THREATS INCLUDE

HABITAT LOSS, POACHING

DEEPLY INTELLIGENT

PEOPLE & DISEASE

USE TOOLS AND SOLVE PROBLEMS

FOR TRADE IN BUSHMEAT AND PETS, CONFLICT WITH

AND SELF-AWARE, CHIMPS

WITH DIFFERING

BEHAVIOURS AND SOCIAL INTERACTIONS, GROUPS FORM UNIQUE CULTURES

CHIMPANZEE TRUST ON NGAMBA ISLAND IN LAKE VICTORIA, UGANDA Wild Life | Winter 2020

29

Anna-Louise Pickering Is An Award-Winning Writer And Photographer. A Cherished Patron, She Partners With Born Free Through The Pollyanna Pickering Foundation.

Anne-Louise Pickering co-founded the Pollyanna Pickering Foundation with her mother Pollyanna, a celebrated artist, who died in 2018. “I am dedicated to continuing her remarkable legacy. She always encouraged me to care for animals. We used to run a wildlife sanctuary and I helped look after birds and animals, feeding orphaned fox cubs and leverets through the night.”

Pollyanna was one of Europe's foremost wildlife artists. “Her paintings sell in over 80 countries. She was renowned for painting endangered species in their natural habitats. Her work harmonised with Born Free as she only painted real animals, sketched in the wild.”

In February, Anna-Louise travelled to Kenya to build a lion-proof boma for livestock with our President Will Travers. “Pollyanna learnt of this initiative in 2015 – and the 50th anniversary of the film Born Free. She created a painting of lioness Elsa, the centrepiece of an exhibition and we were proud to contribute £25,000. It was incredibly special to see the fruition of our fundraising.”

30

IT’S A WILD LIFE

Pollyanna and Anna-Louise worked together for almost 30 years. “I liaised with galleries, organised exhibitions and arranged her expeditions – incredibly challenging when she decided to find Amur tigers in Siberia or snow leopards in the Himalayas! I documented these journeys photographically and wrote books about our travels.”

Our beloved Patron for many years, Pollyanna first travelled to India in 1990 to paint five tigers rescued from a UK circus. “I wanted to do something in her memory and, when I heard about two rescued cheetah cubs at your Ethiopia rescue centre, naming the little female after her was the perfect tribute. Our foundation has pledged to fund her lifetime care and I would love to visit her one day.

“Meanwhile, I have a collection of Pollyanna’s original artwork inspired by visits to Born Free projects and plan a fundraising exhibition.” Details will be announced on bornfree.org.uk/events.

Anna-Louise is a member of Virginia’s Circle of Compassion, an exclusive group dedicated to wild animals – bornfree.org.uk/circle-of-compassion

Anna-Louise was talking to Celia Nicholls

t f i g a e v of lo TOGETHER WE CAN GIVE WILDLIFE A FUTURE One of the most touching moments for me, over the past years, is when I read letters telling me that a relative or friend has passed away and, in their Will, was a gift to Born Free.

It can be a person at the natural end of their life, or someone younger – taken too soon. All these people united by their feelings for wild animals, and moved by the stories we have told about their rescue from intolerable existences.

Sometimes we also receive a gift in memory of a relative or friend. Never has the saying ‘It’s the thought that counts’ had more poignancy.

At this present moment, there is unexpected time to reflect on such things. There are so many ways in which we feel helpless but now – as 2020 draws to a close – is a perfect moment to think of the future and make plans. I hope, very much, that the animals we try and help will be a part of them.

My gratitude, as always, for your loyalty and generosity.

Virginia McKenna OBE, Co-Founder & Trustee

To find out more about leaving a legacy of love, visit:

bornfree.org.uk/leave-born-free-a-legacy

LION

PRIDE BEFORE THE FALL “There are many wonderful wildlife photographers, but George’s images are amongst the most intriguing, thought-provoking and original.”

Born Free Co-Founder & Trustee Virginia McKenna OBE

A captivating collection of spectacular lion photography by critically-acclaimed photographer George Logan.

In collaboration with Born Free, this remarkable large format hardback book celebrates the dramatic lifecycle of the lion. All proceeds support our work to protect lions in Meru National Park, Kenya.

To buy yours today visit shop.bornfree.org.uk

© georgelogan.co.uk

Born Free Foundation, Broadlands Business Campus, Langhurstwood Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4QP, UK bornfree.org.uk | +44 (0) 1403 240170 | info@bornfree.org.uk bornfreefoundation

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green, save paper and reduce costs.

you would like to raise, please write to the Managing Editor. Will Travers - Managing Editor: will@bornfree.org.uk

Email info@bornfree.org.uk

Celia Nicholls - Publications Manager: celia@bornfree.org.uk, Claire Stanford - Graphics & Brand Manger: claire@bornfree.org.uk