Born Free - Wildlife Times - Summer 2019

The magazine for people who care about wild animals

WILDLIFE TIMES

Magazine

SUMMER 2019

WE NEED YOUR HELP small lIons, bIg challenge

ELEPHANT-FREE UK IT’s TIme for a mammoTh change

STOLEN FROM THE WILD lIve anImal Trade and TraffIckIng

PLUS • In memory of elsa • TIger Tragedy vs TrIumph • Jenny seagrove’s vIsIon • IT’s a wIld lIfe – new

KEEP WILDLIFE IN THE WILD

WELCOME From Will Travers OBE

The individual lies at the heart of Born Free. From our six founders, who began this journey from our family kitchen in 1984, to the four little lion cubs we are raising funds to rehome to a new life in Shamwari, South Africa (p4).

This Wildlife Times is packed with outstanding individuals.

Our new Elephant-Free UK campaign calls for an end to the keeping of elephants in UK zoos – inspired by the death in 1983 of an individual called Pole Pole in London Zoo (p22).

We report on the individual animals caught from the wild and exploited by the captive industry (p18).

Inspirational individuals like Jenny Seagrove, our long-term Trustee, who shares her vision for a better future for all (p29).

And extraordinary artist Gary Hodges who explains how he uses his creativity to help wild animals in need (p34).

To the individuals I hope to meet at my In Conversation about Compassionate Conservation evenings in Edinburgh and Newcastle in June. To the loyal people who will join Virginia, myself and Born Free at London’s Landmark Hotel in September for our Wind of Change event (p33).

And last, but never least, YOU – our amazing supporters. Without you, none of this would be possible.

I am so proud that each of us is a member of the Born Free Family.

Best wishes

COVER STORY

in zoos – do you agree? © G Roberts

President & Co-Founder will@bornfree.org.uk @willtravers

PS A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to our Living With Tigers campaign (p36).

Meet the Lions of Lyon Taken from their mothers before they were weaned, Horus, Kuuma, Dadou and ‘Girl’ were found in shocking conditions. Just a few months old, they are victims of Europe’s trade in wild animals as pets. Can you help give them a new home and better future at our sanctuary in South Africa? This would be our biggest-ever lion relocation, for our smallest-ever lions (p4).

Cover photo © www.georgelogan.co.uk

© J McArthur/BFF

Elephants don’t belong

CONTENTS

4

11 WILD NEWS

LIONS OF LYON

18

22

STOLEN FROM THE WILD

ELEPHANT-FREE UK

25

DON’T FORGET

29 WILD VISION

28

26

IN MEMORY OF ELSA

TRAGEDY VS TRIUMPH

34

IT’S A WILD LIFE Images © www.georgelogan.co.uk, LWC, Animal Equality, Marina & Enrique

The Born Free Foundation is an international wildlife charity devoted to wild animal welfare and compassionate conservation. Born Free works to end captive exploitation and Keep Wildlife in the Wild, where it belongs!

Wildlife Times is published quarterly by Born Free each year iSSn 1351_9212 Managing editor: Will Travers, will@bornfree.org.uk editor: Celia nicholls, celia@bornfree.org.uk Designed by: Claire Stanford, claire@bornfree.org.uk Printed by: 4 Print Ltd, Tel 0208 941 0144.

This publication is printed on Satimatt green supplied by ebbs Tel: 0208 893 1144 The views expressed in Wildlife Times 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 at the address right.

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FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/bornfreefoundation SuMMeR 2018 | coNTENTs 3

PLEASE SEND US HOME! United by suffering, this captive pride have had the worst possible start to life.

But you could give them the best possible future.

Maggie Balaskas reports.

Dadou His back legs are now stronger, he is relaxed and seems to be the peace-keeper.

Horus The largest cub, he is boisterous, confident and doesn’t know his own strength.

‘Girl’ A little trooper and improving fast, making up in determination what she lacks in size.

4 REscUE & cARE | SuMMeR 2019

RESCUE & CARE

L

ast October Born Free heard about a lion cub confiscated by the French authorities. Found on a child’s bed, Horus was being kept illegally in an apartment in the suburbs of Paris. Sound familiar? That’s not surprising. It’s almost exactly a year since we told you about lion cub King, also kept illegally in a flat on the outskirts of Paris and now flourishing at our sanctuary in South Africa (p12).

There seems to be an alarming fashion for ‘les fauves’, or wild animals, kept as dangerous status symbol pets in France. They are exploited for social media selfies, or hired out for photo shoots and parties. Tragically the four cubs are just the tip of the iceberg, part of Europe’s devastating trade in wild pets – bred in captivity, traded as surplus from zoos and circuses, or caught from the wild (p18).

Sadly, the story doesn’t end with Horus.

On the very same day a second lion cub, Kuuma, was found in someone’s garage in Marseilles. Then in November, a third, Dadou, was spotted by police in a Lamborghini on the Champs-Élysées, and a fourth cub ‘Girl’, the smallest and youngest, was surrendered by her owner this January.

Like you, we were shocked to hear of four helpless cubs discovered in such a short space of time. All four lions were barely two months old when found, forcedly taken from their mothers, and kept illegally in completely inadequate conditions.

Although stressed, Horus was in reasonable health, whereas Kuuma was worryingly underweight, her skin sore and irritated, and she was suffering from gastrointestinal problems and corneal ulcers. Dadou was missing the tip of his tail and incredibly unsteady on his hind legs due to muscle weakness. ‘Girl’ was malnourished, her belly nearly bald. She was afflicted by glaucoma and had serious gastric problems. Poor diets had no doubt contributed to their ill-health – lion cubs aren’t naturally weaned until around eight months old.

In the wild, male cubs stay with their mother for at least two years, while

females remain with their mother and stay in their family pride for life.

Thankfully, after a great deal of expert care at their halfway home in Lyon, the cubs are doing much better. Little ‘Girl’ has some way to go before she is 100%, but the team are confident she’ll get there. As the youngsters gain strength, weight and confidence, Born Free is now planning to undertake our most ambitious lion move to date. We want to take this fantastic four to our big cat sanctuary in South Africa. With your help, the quartet will have a lifechanging journey ahead of them. Please help us give these cubs the future they deserve – living peacefully, in a spacious, safe and natural environment, amongst the beautiful sights and sounds of Africa, their ancestral homeland.

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

Kuuma Recovering from illness, she now likes to play and is becoming cheeky and rumbustious.

“This is the biggest lion relocation in our 35-year history, but these four cubs are probably the smallest we have helped. I am always humbled by your generosity and hope you will be able to give this urban pride a life worth living.”

Virginia McKenna OBE Co-Founder & Trustee

Images © www.georgelogan.co.uk, A Gotts

SUMMER 2019 | RESCUE & CARE 5

RESCUE & CARE

LURE OF THE EXOTIC

The desire to keep dangerous pets is fuelled by social media.

6 RESCUE & CARE | SUMMER 2019

PRESTIGE PET THREAT Why are people prepared to break the law to keep a lion or other dangerous species, and where do they get them from? Dr Chris Draper considers the disturbing draw of status symbol pets.

S

ince 2015, Born Free has been asked to rescue six young lions from France – Ciam and King, now at our sanctuary in South Africa, and new cubs Horus, Kuuma, Dadou and ‘Girl’ (p4). Each of these lions had been kept privately as a pet before being confiscated or surrendered; and each bore the physical and behavioural scars of their unfortunate start in life.

Keeping lions and other dangerous wild animals without the necessary licence is illegal in France, yet it is clear some people are willing to break the law to have these animals in their houses, apartments or even drive them around in their cars. What motivates these individuals to risk arrest, fines or prison, let alone injury from their ‘pet’? And where are they able to obtain these animals from?

Born Free is very concerned that the desire to keep dangerous wild animals as pets is being fuelled by social media and celebrities. In this instant and global world, people seem keen to emulate rich kids who have an unfortunate habit of posting pictures of themselves with their pet big cats. Or to copy celebrities who use exotic animals in their music videos, or participate in big cat petting experiences at zoos or unethical sanctuaries, either unknowing or uncaring about the impact of their actions.

Fuelled by this seemingly glamorous association with exotic pets, some people are inevitably determined to get a similar pet of their own. Unfortunately, the travelling circus industry remains a feature across several countries in Europe, including France, and it is from here, alongside the illegal private trade and unscrupulous zoos, that big cat cubs can be obtained with only a modicum of effort. While the welfare of these animals in captivity may be woefully poor, one need only consider the despicable tiger farms in the Far

East to realise that big cats can continue to breed even in the worst of circumstances – and there is thus no shortage of cubs for sale.

Not only are we working to rehome these cubs when possible, Born Free is also undertaking an investigation into the extent of the trade across Europe.

We will use this information to inform policymakers and enforcement agencies, and educate the wider public about the risks of keeping wild animals as pets.

All the while, the trade in wild animals continues here in the UK. While we rarely encounter lion cubs, there are at least 5,000 dangerous wild animals kept privately under licence in Great Britain, and those kept legally are vastly outnumbered by those kept illegally.

Wild cats such as servals, venomous snakes, primates and more are regularly discovered kept in the UK without a licence. However, licensed or not, the fact remains the domestic environment is completely inappropriate for any wild animal. We are working to ensure the law governing the keeping of dangerous wild animals in particular is made as restrictive as possible while also calling for improvements in enforcement.

Tigers are kept as pets

As are servals

Deadly rattlesnakes

Wild animals – whether lion cubs or reptiles, monkeys or sugar gliders – have no place as pets, despite what social media might have us believe.

Find out more To find out which dangerous pets live next door to you visit www.bornfree.org.uk/exotic-pet-trade

Even komodo dragons As well as crocodiles

Dr Chris Draper Head of Welfare & Captivity chris@bornfree.org.uk Images © www.georgelogan.co.uk, S Pauen ,C Davey

SUMMER 2019 | RESCUE & CARE 7

LIONS

Text LIONS to 70577 to give £10*

OF LYON THIS CAPTIVE PRIDE NEEDS YOUR HELP

Four lion cubs, just a few weeks old ,were recently rescued from appalling captive conditions and saved from life as pets.

Kept in a car, a garage and an apartment, these lions deserve a better future.

You can help give them a lifetime home in Africa.

ILLEGALLY KEPT AS PETS SEPARATED FROM THEIR FAMILIES DEPRIVED OF A LIFE IN THE WILD

The four cubs are currently being cared for in Lyon, France. With your help, we can give them a life free from harm at our big cat sanctuary in South Africa.

SAVE THESE LIONS TODAY

www.bornfree.org.uk/lions-of-lyon Image www.georgelogan.co.uk Image ©©www.georgelogan.co.uk

Charity No:1070906 Charity No:1070906

*By texting, you are agreeing for Born Free to phone or text you to tell you about our work and how you can help. You will be charged £10, plus your standard network rate. 100% of your donation will go to Born Free. If you wish to donate and not hear from us again, text LIONS NO to 70577. For more information call 01403 240170. The Born Free Foundation is a registered charity 1070906

6 coNsERVATIoN | SPRing 2019

MY

Bo and Bella explore their new home

VIEW

Since I’ve worked at Born Free, we have rescued and cared for countless animals. Obviously, we shouldn’t have favourites – however, in my first year we rescued Achee the lioness from a freezing car park in Romania. Back in 2004, a few of us met the team on their journey to our sanctuary in Shamwari, South Africa.

With foreshortened legs due to a poor early diet, Achee was the first lioness I had ever seen up close. Seeing her in her travelling crate on the tarmac at

UPDATE ON

BO, BELLA AND SIMON

© Ol Pejeta Conservancy / Sweetwaters

Gatwick, and knowing she would receive the care, space and privacy she deserved and needed, I knew I had chosen the right job. We work to ensure all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect.

Sadly, we recently lost Achee, but her 15 years at Shamwari were such a far cry from her cage in a snowy car park.

Luckily, with the support of Born Free and assistance of researcher Maria Joana Da Silva and other partners, the two young chimps were flown from the small West African country to the safety of Sweetwaters, a sanctuary in Kenya.

They are now successfully integrated with five other females and two males.

A third chimp orphan, Simon, was also taken from the wild to be sold as a pet in Guinea-Bissau. Working with the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, we are now in the process of securing documentation to also take him to Sweetwaters.

Whilst these rescues are so vital for the individual, the underlying cause is harder to tackle. The illegal trade in pets and bushmeat is pushing all great ape species to the brink. For every live chimpanzee captured and sold, up to 10 others have died. This has a devastating impact, not least on the Critically Endangered, as classified by the International Union for Conservation, western chimpanzee, whose total population could be as low as 18,000.

Bo and Bella are safe in their new home.

But they will never return to the wild, where they belong. Our work continues with decision-makers and local communities to tackle this deadly and unscrupulous trade.

Most of my days are spent looking at data, and it always amazes me how generous our supporters are. We really could not do it without you.

Rachel Tilley Data & Insight Manager rachel@bornfree.org.uk

Penny Barnham Conservation Project Officer penny@bornfree.org.uk

© www.georgelogan.co.uk

Do you remember these young orphans?

Among so many threats, chimpanzees often fall victim to the illegal pet trade.

Bushmeat hunters kill adults and capture their young to sell them as pets (p18). Bo and Bella were seized from hunters in Guinea-Bissau who likely killed their mothers. Attempts to reintroduce Bo, the older of the two, back to the wild, unfortunately failed.

Born Free rescues individual animals from appalling conditions We rehabilitate each one, giving expert, loving care | We release individuals to the wild whenever possible | We give lifetime care in world-class spacious sanctuaries

SUMMER 2019 | RESCUE & CARE 9

RESCUE & CARE

FACE TO FACE

Our rescued chimp Chinoise was caught from the wild to be sold as a pet

I first started working with wildlife in 1986, when Limbe Wildlife Centre was still called Limbe Zoo. When Pandrillus Foundation arrived in 1993, there were many changes and we started to rescue wildlife. There were many chimpanzees in terrible conditions in Cameroon homes, hotels and other places. In partnership with the government, Limbe Zoo was turned into a wildlife rehabilitation centre, Cameroon’s first such facility. Since then we’ve grown a lot and worked hard to get to the level we are at today.

Over the years, I’ve worked in different animal sections, but chimpanzees are

one of the more difficult species – they are just so smart! As a carer you need to understand each individual and always be alert to foresee what they are going to do. I know who gets on with whom, who could cause trouble, and how to be patient – a crucial trait for an animal carer. I’ve never had a favourite, I treat them all as equals, but some are more challenging than others.

in the wild. I hope in my lifetime to see humans live in peace with chimpanzees and other threatened wildlife. Last year, Limbe Wildlife Centre celebrated 25 years of rescue, educating the next generation of Cameroonians to protect our wildlife, and supporting alternative livelihoods to hunting. To have had Born Free’s support for 15 years is quite something – just think how many rescued chimpanzees have had a better life because of our partnership. On behalf of your adopted chimp Chinoise, all our chimpanzees, other wildlife and staff, thank you.

Chimpanzees might be cute as babies, but they grow into incredibly strong and clever adults. Chimpanzees never make good pets. A domestic home is no place for one, but neither should they be in zoos or rehabilitation centres. They belong

Victor was talking to Maggie Balaskas.

© Animals Asia

RESCUE & CARE nEwS in bRiEf

The smallest cub

Welcome to Bodo

Queen meets Brutus

Just 10 days old and 120g when rescued in London, Rose was the first orphan at the Fox Project’s new cub unit in Kent, UK, part-funded by Born Free. She took straight to the bottle and will soon be released with other rescued cubs.

Rescued from a cruel bile farm, our new adopted moon bear is missing his front right paw – no doubt due to being trapped in the wild. But he doesn’t let his disability stop him exploring Animal Asia’s spacious sanctuary in China.

After months of being separated by a fence, our two older lions have been happily introduced at our Shamwari sanctuary in South Africa. Brutus was rescued from a French circus, while Queen had been used for breeding.

10 RESCUE & CARE | SUMMER 2019

© LWC

Meet Victor Veseke, Assistant Head Keeper at Limbe Wildlife Centre.

BILL TO BAN It’s been a long time coming but, after years of our campaigning, the UK government has introduced a Bill to ban wild animals in circuses in England. “I’m elated!” exclaimed Dr Chris Draper, our Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity.

“Finally this archaic, inhumane and unpopular exploitation will at last end.”

Good news for the Ethiopian wolf – one of the world’s rarest species with just 500 surviving. Every single wolf counts in the highlands of Ethiopia, so we celebrate reports of at least 35 new pups this season, and the rolling out of an oral vaccination campaign to fight deadly outbreaks of rabies amongst the wolves.

© Burrard-Lucas.com

The latest news on Born Free animals, projects and people.

BREEDING SPREE

LOCATING LIONS Fantastic findings in the forests of south Cameroon. For the first time, lions have been discovered in Mpem and Djim National Park, 300km away from the nearest lion range. The Born Free-supported Oxford University expedition was led by Dr Hans Bauer. “We set up camera traps, found lion tracks and, on day 10 of our mission, met two males thriving in the area.”

© I Kirsten

WILD NEWS

Corky at SeaWorld

26 countries have already banned

2019 is a big year for orca and marks 25 years of our support for Orcalab.

Thanks to their research, the area around their Hanson Island base, near Canada’s Vancouver Island, is now classed ‘critical habitat’. But that’s not all. “It’s 50 years since Corky the orca was captured as a baby from her wild family,” explains Founder Dr Paul Spong. “We want her to return home, from SeaWorld San Diego, and retire here in a bay.”

SUMMER 2019 | nEwS 11

© R Bradford

© R Purdue

THE HOMECOMING

WILD NEWS The latest news on Born Free animals, projects and people.

IN MEMORY OF HARRY With a first prize of £5,000, the Harry Percy Award is Born Free’s new annual competition for young filmmakers, looking to break into the world of conservation. “This is a unique opportunity to support people starting out in the wildlife film industry,” said acclaimed filmmaker and presenter Gordon Buchannan, who is on our judges’ panel.

HELPING HOGLETS Last year Folly Wildlife Rescue in Kent, UK cared for an astounding 4,000 animals, from hedgehogs to barn owls, bats to badgers. “We’re delighted to support this remarkable work,” said Born Free’s own Wildlife Rescuer Tarnya Knight. “Thanks to the generosity of HGI Generators Ltd, a new generator will power their hospital, including vital vet equipment.”

KING IS THRIVING

© D Larson

The young lion, rescued from a flat in Paris, France last year is thriving at our big cat sanctuary in South Africa. “King’s just had his second birthday and is so inquisitive,” said our Animal Care Manager, Glen Vena. “The other day he got plastered in red mud, trying to remove the water pipes from his drinking trough.”

COUNTER CULTURE © C Gillson/BFF

Chimpanzees do things in different ways, how they eat termites, use tools for hunting, or dig for tubers. But a new scientific paper, co-authored by two members of Born Free’s conservation team in Science magazine, has revealed this range of behaviours is reduced by a shocking 88% in areas of high human impact.

12 NEWS | SUMMER 2019

STOP THIS ‘SPORT’

CARING FOR BOBGA Just a baby, this western lowland gorilla has already known a lifetime of loss. His family killed by poachers and sold as a pet, Bobga was caged and alone in Cameroon. Happily, he was rescued by our Limbe Wildlife Centre partners (p10) and, now confident and playful, will soon join a new family of orphan gorillas at Ape Action Africa.

In April, Born Free joined the London march to Downing Street to call for a ban on trophy hunting imports to the UK. Our Head of Policy, Dr Mark Jones, addressed the crowd. “Thousands of body parts from elephants, lions, hippos and more are brought home by British hunters,” he said. “It’s time to end this barbaric practice.”

© P Nicholls

© LWC

Will Travers with our Youth Ambassador Bella Lack

BUSHBABY BASICS

© LWC

How do you give an orphan gorilla, chimp or even a bushbaby the best possible care? Delegates at a recent Pan African Sanctuary Alliance workshop in Cameroon discussed enhanced primate welfare techniques for vets.

A unique collaboration of sanctuaries, communities and global experts, PASA was co-founded by Born Free in 2000 and works to secure a future for Africa’s primates and stop illegal trade.

POLICY PLATFORM In May, Born Free attended the United Nation’s IPBES* conference to support science-based policy development in Paris, France. “We were there to promote our compassionate agenda,” explains Born Free’s International Policy Specialist, Adeline Lerambert. “Biodiversity has to become a global priority.” *Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

SUMMER 2019 | nEwS 13

THE BIG PICTURE

BIG CAT

BIG VISION

14 THE BIG PICTURE | SUMMER 2019

While cubs proliferate in captivity, in the wild lions are under deadly threat. Dr Nikki Tagg reports on our mission to save the symbol of Born Free from extinction.

P

eople are fundamental to conservation but, across the world, we can have very different relationships with wildlife.

Take the lion – emblem of Africa, a familiar, well-loved species here in the UK. But to the people living within its reach, this spectacular predator is a dangerous wild animal that can pose a lethal threat. What a lion represents to a person can be radically different.

Despite being known as the king of the jungle, the lion is found in almost all habitats across Africa except tropical rainforests, as well as the innermost parts of the Sahara desert. Classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, there has been a 43% decline in their population in the last three generations.

As few as 20,000 individuals remain in the wild today. Lions roam over just 8% of their historic range, with the species now extinct in almost half of all African countries, and lost from at least 12 former range states in recent years.

It is in West Africa that lions are at greatest threat. Recognised as belonging to a separate subpopulation, these lions are geographically and genetically distinct from those in east

and southern Africa. Estimated at about 400 individuals, and occurring in the forests, grasslands and savanna of only five countries, the West African lion is officially Critically Endangered.

Less-familiar, the Asiatic lion is a separate sub-species from their African cousins (see pic p16). Once found across eastern Europe and through south west Asia, it now only occurs in the deciduous forests of Gir National Park, in the Gujurat state of western India. This landscape covers less than 1,300km2 and is surrounded by development. Approximately 350 individuals survive here and, although numbers are stable, their isolation makes them very vulnerable, should circumstances change.

LION DECLINE 20,000 survive today

43% drop in two decades

92% historical range lost

SUMMER 2019 | THE biG PiCTURE 15

THE BIG PICTURE

A boma owner’s story

The Endangered Asiatic lion

Our charity has a unique, life long relationship with lions, inspired by the successful release of the orphan lioness Elsa in Kenya’s Meru National Park, in the 1960s. Born Free believes lions belong in the wild and that every individual counts, so we have initiated two important conservation programmes in Kenya – Pride of Meru and Pride of Amboseli. We pledge to help increase the country’s lion population in coming years.

Here in Born Free’s heartland, there are an estimated 2,000 lions, 10% of Africa’s remaining wild population. Compared to many nations, Kenya is deeply committed to conserving wildlife, and maintains several significant wilderness spaces.

However, even the biggest and bestmanaged landscapes are under increasing pressure from all directions.

As human populations burgeon, settlements push at the boundaries of wild lands, encroaching bit by bit into the

lions’ territories. Lions struggle to find big enough spaces and sufficient prey to survive – with range sizes of up to 400km2, each individual can consume up to 7kg a day. In their search for resources, they come into more and more contact with local communities.

Almost invariably, people are behind the threats these big cats face. Like many species struggling to survive in this human-dominated world, lions lose out to large-scale habitat loss and fragmentation due to expansion of agriculture and infrastructural development.

At the same time, demand for lion meat, bones or other body parts fuels an illegal local and international trade. But lions suffer more personal persecution too.

Because of the risk they can pose to pastoralist communities and their livestock, they are subject to retaliatory or pre-emptive killing and may be shot, speared, snared or poisoned.

WHY IS KENYA KEY? 10% of Africa’s lions

16 THE biG PiCTURE | SUMMER 2019

2,000 lions live in Meru

60 lions live in Meru

Kapaito Osukud and his wife Kepencho live in Amboseli in their recently fortified boma. Before our team came to help, Kapaito lost several cattle, sheep and goats to lions. “Now I can sleep happily at night,” explains Kapaito. “I know my livestock and my livelihood is safe.”

Conservation starts and ends with people. Each of us has a part to play.

Humans have already taken so much, and there appears to be no end in sight to the pressures we exert on wildlife in wild places. But we are also the key to finding a way to give back to these species. Given the means and the motivation, people can also provide the answer. Born Free believes the future of lions in the wild can be secured, but only if we can create a culture of co-existence. First, it’s about building a future for lions as part of national development strategies – creating and maintaining protected areas and allowing prey species to recover. Kenya welcomed almost two million tourists last year, including many safari-goers. The £1.17bn revenue they brought is a strong incentive to protect wildlife and wild habitat, as part of a mosaic of land-use types that also serves the nation’s people.

Second, we need to achieve day-to-day co-existence between lions and people sharing the same resources. Maasai pastoralists keep cattle, goats and sheep in the grasslands where lions live.

During the day, people may venture into lion territory when taking livestock to graze, while lions may venture close to

Smart bomas

By reinforcing bomas we protect livestock and save lions

pastoralists’ homes overnight in search of prey. Encounters can be deadly and overcoming this conflict is a tough challenge. But Born Free’s Pride of Amboseli programme, in south east Kenya, has risen to the task. Key to this is understanding the needs of the 27,000 local people who live in the area. Our team at Born Free Kenya conducts social surveys to make sure we fully appreciate the situation and communities’ traditional ways of life. We also need to understand local lion ecology, so we can develop initiatives that work for people and lions. For example, pastoralists traditionally corral livestock into‘bomas overnight, gathering them within a ring of thorny acacia shrubs. However, lions easily break through such basic fortifications, and livestock is frequently injured or killed. So Born Free now reinforces traditional bomas by adding chain-link fences, held up on sturdy, recycled plastic poles, around which pastoralists weave acacia bushes to complete a predator-proof boma.

We fit these bomas with doors made out of old metal drums and hinges fashioned from discarded flip-flops – making them easy for families to maintain. By talking to local people, the Pride of Amboseli team has developed a cost-effective solution to their conflict with lions and, to date, has reinforced 275 enclosures.

This simple approach has stopped livestock from being killed by lions. Born Free’s Pride of Meru team is taking a similar social approach, as we work to monitor lions, address threats and identify solutions.

A flip-flop hinge

Surveys also allow us to measure whether our work has a positive impact on people’s perceptions. As lions begin to pose less of a threat for the Maasai, communities start to think differently and tolerate lion presence. They begin to see lions – as we in the UK have the luxury to do – as magnificent animals and essential apex species helping maintain their habitat, rather than a dangerous pest.

Once people’s needs are taken into account, they can feel a sense of stewardship for their natural resources and their country’s wildlife. Then, and only then, can they become real partners in meaningful conservation.

There is hope for lions. On a landscape scale, threats are now well understood and realistic solutions have been identified. With wildlife tourism booming there is a real incentive for many lion range states to protect their wild spaces into the future. On a local scale, the key is to engage local people, to know their stories, to appreciate their knowledge and attitudes, and to recognise and fulfil their needs too. Born Free is working hard to do this. And you can help as well, by continuing to support our important work in Africa. Conservation starts and ends with people. Every single one of us has a part to play.

Simple but smart household tech helps families in our Amboseli boma programme. Energy-saving jiko stoves (see pic) use less firewood, large barrels collect water in the rainy season, while solar units power lighting so children can study in the evening.

Maasai Olympics Young Kenyan warriors no longer need to hunt lions to show off physical prowess and bravery. Instead they jump, throw spears and run at the Maasai Olympics to gain rite of passage. Born Free supports Big Life Foundation’s biennial sporting initiative.

Lost lions found!

Dr Nikki Tagg Conservation Programmes Manager nikkit@bornfree.org.uk

Images © www.georgelogan.co.uk, Vaidyahrupal, E Vere, M1key.me, H Bauer/WildCRU

Born Free works in partnership with Oxford University’s WildCRU* team to monitor lions and mitigate conflict, funding Dr Hans Bauer and Prof Hans de Iongh. In 2018, a survey led by Dr Bauer found as many as 180 undiscovered lions in a remote Sudanese park (and see p11). *Wildlife Conservation Research Unit

SUMMER 2019 | THE biG PiCTURE 17

CONSERVATION

STOLEN FROM

THE WILD Dr Mark Jones reports on our mission to challenge the trade in live animals, caught from the wild for zoos, circuses, tourism and the pet trade.

T

his edition of Wildlife Times features our efforts to give four lion cubs a new home at our big cat sanctuary in South Africa (p4). Over the years, thanks to your generosity, Born Free has rescued many wild animals from terrible captive conditions, and given them a new life in the wild or, where that isn’t possible, the best lifetime care. Although some of these animals were bred in captivity, many more were captured from the wild – from chimpanzees and gorillas, to cheetahs and giant tortoises.

Born Free’s ultimate goal is to prevent the need for rescues, and bring an end to the cruel capture – both legal and illegal – of wild animals for zoos, circuses, the tourism industry, or the pet trade.

According to official figures, in 2016 alone there were over 20,000 international transactions involving more than eight million live animals from threatened species, the majority taken from the wild. This included more than 2.2 million reptiles, 650,000 birds, and 50,000 mammals. And this is just the legal trade – the true figure is far, far higher.

This complex issue has far-reaching impacts. The removal of key individuals from the wild can damage efforts to conserve populations and affect entire species. They can carry diseases,

18 COnSERVATiOn | SUMMER 2019

which can affect other animals and people. If animals escape once they reach their destination, they can harm native wildlife. The organised criminal groups that engage in illegal wildlife trafficking can threaten social and economic stability among vulnerable human populations.

But the impacts on the welfare of the individual animals themselves are also devastating. Many do not survive the stress of capture and transport. It’s estimated, for example, that for every chimpanzee infant captured from the wild and sold, another 10 perish en route to market. And those animals that make it to their captive destinations are all too often condemned to live short, miserable, lonely lives.

The international trade in wild-caught elephants provides a sobering example of the cruelty of the industry. Since 1990, at least 1,150 individual elephant calves have been ripped from their wild families and shipped overseas, with more than half destined for zoos and circuses. Hundreds more have been exported without a source being specified. In recent years, at least 108 infants have come from Zimbabwe and sent to China, with a further 35 reportedly now held in enclosures awaiting shipment.

Elephants are highly intelligent and social. Calves stay with mothers and natal herds for years, sometimes for life. It’s hard to imagine the distress they all experience when forcibly separated.

Many infants don’t survive. And shockingly, this trade is perfectly legal.

Born Free has long campaigned for an end to this travesty, and will continue to fight to keep elephants in the wild.

Sadly, elephants are just one of the many hundreds of species targeted by traders and traffickers. At Born Free we believe passionately that every animal counts. We must consider the welfare needs of each individual when considering how best to protect wildlife populations. Captivity can never be a substitute for the natural world. The capture of live wild animals for commercial trade must end.

CAPTURED Scores of wild-caught baby elephants have been sold to zoos in recent years.

Poachers kill a family to seize a baby gorilla

Ten baby chimps die for every one sold

Cheetahs are sold as luxury, prestige pets in Gulf states

At least 2.2 million wild-caught lizards are sold annually

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

Hundreds of wild dolphins are seized each year

You can help Help end the keeping of elephants in zoos. Our first target is the UK – see p22 and visit www.bornfree.org.uk/ elephant-take-action Images Š www.georgelogan.co.uk, LWC

SUMMER 2019 | COnSERVATiOn 19

MY

VIEW

A few years ago, before working at Born Free, I presented about invasive species to an Animal Ethics Society.

Conservationists like myself learnt that control of such species was often necessary, as they could overrun ecosystems and even drive native species to extinction. I upon, so imagine my surprise when I was met by a flurry of angry accusations.

I learnt a surprising lesson: conservation and animal welfare are often deeply polarised. I had

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT

ASIAN ELEPHANTS

seen things from the conservation perspective – focusing on populations and species – whereas the Animal Ethics Society focused on the welfare of the individual animal.

It’s exceedingly rare for these two fields to work together.

This is why Born Free is unique.

We believe it’s possible for conservationists to draw knowledge from animal welfare and vice versa, an approach we call Compassionate Conservation. This does not mean abandoning conservation science, but instead refining it to deliver more welfare-friendly methods. This can even lead to better conservation outcomes. Shifting to Compassionate Conservation can take time, but

© IFAW

brings lasting benefits for all.

Emily Neil Field Conservation Assistant emilyn@bornfree.org.uk 20 CONSERVATION | SUMMER 2019

The African elephant is an instantly recognised ambassador of conservation, fronting global wildlife campaigns. But the plight of their Asian cousins – at 35,000, their population is barely 10% of African pachyderms – is often overlooked. Found across 13 countries, from India to Indonesia, populations are under threat and they are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Yet the species is not protected under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species and, despite being listed as Appendix I under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, some trade is still allowed. From 2007-2017, at least 69 individuals were taken from the wild, almost entirely for zoos and circuses.

And this is just the legal, recorded trade.

Though habitat loss and fragmentation remain their biggest threats, live trade, conflict with people, poaching for meat and ivory, and a worrying growth in the illegal trade of their skin – both the hide and as a powder for Asian medicine – are additional pressures. But Asian elephants don’t yet have an official action plan for their protection and their predicament goes relatively unheeded.

A cruel trade in wild-caught juveniles across the Myanmar to Thailand border continues to fuel the abuse of elephants for tourism. Exhibits and rides remain popular, even though the brutality of their training is well-documented. There is also a long history of their exploitation for cultural traditions and religious festivals, and many people do not consider the suffering still endured by thousands of elephants at events every year. While respecting other cultures, Born Free believes such cruel ceremonial practices have no place in today’s world.

Asia’s largest land animal • Up to 6.4m from trunk to tail and five tonnes in weight • Male tusks are usually small, many females have no tusks • Three sub-species – Indian, Sri Lankan and Sumatran • Family herds of two or three adult females and calves, males are solitary or form temporary groups.

Sarah Locke Assistant to President sarahl@bornfree.org.uk

Born Free promotes Compassion Conservation – every animal counts!

We protect threatened species in their natural habitat | We oppose the global wildlife trade and ‘sport’ hunting | We reduce conflict so people and wild animals can co-exist

© Reji

assumed this was widely agreed

CONSERVATION

POLITICAL ANIMALS

HUNTING HIPPOS The hippos of Luangwa Valley could be targets for trophy hunters, as Zambia’s authorities authorise a highly controversial cull. Hippos have resided in Africa’s rivers and lakes for millennia but, like so many wild species, numbers are now in steep decline. Less than 130,000 are thought to remain across the continent.

The Luangwa Valley is home to one of Africa’s few remaining healthy hippo populations. Yet the Zambian government seems determined to auction as many as 1,250 animals to paying trophy hunters, through a backroom deal with outfitters in Zambia

and South Africa. This arrangement did not follow government contract tendering rules, and is not supported by local people.

And research published by the Zambian authorities themselves indicates that culling is an ineffective long-term population control measure.

The government has tried to justify this so-called cull claiming there are too many hippos, that low rainfall has resulted in them damaging river banks, and that a possible anthrax outbreak among the animals threatens other wildlife and local people. However, none of these claims stand up to even cursory scrutiny. There is no evidence of overpopulation, nor any significant anthrax risk. Rainfall levels have been close to or above the seasonal average.

The real reason behind the cull may be financial gain. Trophy fees could generate millions for trophy outfitters and officials. Whether any of this money would benefit local people or effective wildlife conservation is highly questionable.

Born Free is doing all it can to prevent this cruel, pointless slaughter. MJ You can help Find out more and take action at www.bornfree.org.uk/zambia-hippo-cull

© M Vickers

© ICCN

© J Potgieter

CONSERVATION NEwS IN bRIEf

Tolerating gorillas

Pangolin programme

Resolving cattle conflict

Local people don’t mind Mugaruka, the one-handed gorilla, foraging in their tea plantations. They now help ICCN* to track him, reinforcing community spirit to protect this critically endangered species in DR Congo. *Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature

Welfare can lead to conservation. Having rescued orphan pangolins since 2014, our Central African Republic colleagues have just launched the Sangha Pangolin Project, to study and protect these rare forest animals, the only scaly mammal.

Born Free now helps Jaguars in the Fringe protect Argentina’s vanishing jaguars. By encouraging ranchers not to graze livestock in the vast Yungas forests, this helps stop jaguar predation and encourages co-existence.

SUMMER 2019 | CONSERVATION 21

CAPTIVITY

BORN TO LIVE FREE UK zoos have exploited elephants since 1255, but have never returned one to the wild despite their multimillion pound budgets. Time for a mammoth change, says Tricia Holford.

We want an Elephant-Free UK It’s time to end: • All wild captures • Imports to the UK • Use of bullhook • Elephants kept alone • Breeding attempts If you agree please support our campaign and lobby the UK government.

22 CAPTiViTY | SUMMER 2019

Back in 1984, 20 zoos in the UK kept around 50 elephants. Today, 35 years later, this figure is much the same – 52 individuals, many taken from their families in the wild – while the number of elephant-keeping zoos has decreased to 12. Undoubtedly we have helped raise awareness of the woefully impoverished lives to which elephants in zoos are subjected and, thanks in part to our efforts, there are now no more elephants at London Zoo. However, we now call for more than incremental change: we want an Elephant-Free UK.

UK zoo elephants live short lives and suffer behavioural problems, obesity and illness.

The complex needs of this exceptionally intelligent, sensitive and highly-social species can never be adequately met in a zoo. In the wild, individuals walk for tens of miles a day, all the while engaged in active foraging and communal interactions with their close-knit family. Meanwhile in zoos, despite some multi-million pound facilities, elephants still languish in relatively small enclosures, the inadequacies of their captive life often leading to lameness, obesity and behavioural problems. Kept alone or in small unnatural groups, which can be further broken up by transfer of individuals to other zoos, let’s not forget the grief and loss resulting from high infant mortality in captivity.

As if this wasn’t sad enough, some UK zoos continue to permit keepers to handle elephants using a sharp ankus, or bullhook. This hook-ended tool is

often referred to as a guide but, to be effective, elephants will be fully aware of its ability to cause pain. In a public survey carried out by Ipsos MORI on our behalf, 78% of people considered its use unacceptable. The survey also showed 56% of those polled thought elephants should not be kept in UK zoos, compared to only 28% who thought they should.

Elephants face enormous problems in the wild, but these will not be solved by subjecting continued generations to a lifetime of captivity, just so zoo visitors can look at them. Elephants face different, but still mammoth, problems in captivity. Zoos are net consumers rather than producers and a costly distraction from the real issues facing elephants. And no zoo-bred individual has ever returned to the wild.

We are proud to have helped achieve a dolphinaria-free UK, and there are no cetaceans in captivity here in the UK today. Now we want to see an Elephant-Free UK too. The species needs to be phased out – no more imports from other zoos, and definitely never from the wild. We must look at attempts to breed elephants in zoos for what they are – condemning another generation to a miserable life in captivity, or an early death from herpesvirus, which seems to kill so many young elephants in zoos.

We call on the UK government to take action, but we need your help.

Together, let’s make Pole Pole’s legacy an Elephant-Free UK. You can help To find out more and to help lobby the UK government visit www.bornfree.org.uk/ elephant-free-uk

Tricia Holford Captive Animals Officer tricia@bornfree.org.uk SUMMER 2019 | CAPTIVITY 23

© www.georgelogan.co.uk

I

n 1983, a lonely young elephant called Pole Pole died in London Zoo, UK, having been taken from her wild family in Kenya in 1969. The sad circumstances of her short life and untimely death prompted the formation of Zoo Check in 1984, the charity which has evolved into Born Free. This was the year I began working at our charity – we believed every animal mattered and set out to challenge exploitation and promote compassion.

MY

CAPTIVITY

VIEW

I’m just about to enter my 21st year of working for Will Travers, Born Free’s President and Co-Founder.

What an inspiration he and the team have been over the years. I’ve been lucky enough to see wildlife in the wild in Kenya, and in captive circumstances – there’s no comparison.

I was aware from an early age that animals should live wild and free. I remember a visit to London Zoo, the dreadful sound of metal doors shutting, lions pacing up and down.

Poor Guy the gorilla sitting in his metal cage, staring at people staring at him. The dreadful demeaning chimpanzee tea parties… It all made a huge impression deep inside. I knew this was and still is wrong.

Thankfully attitudes are changing, but there are so many animals still kept alone in inappropriate circumstances, given no choice to be inside or outside, no choice of companion. They eat what they are given, moved from zoo to zoo for breeding purposes, kept there to entertain audiences. These individuals are my inspiration. I will do all I can to help Born Free change animal lives forever.

Mandy ford PA to President mandy@bornfree.org.uk 24 CAPTiViTY | SUMMER 2019

ZOOS

WHAT CAN WE DO INSTEAD? My seven-year-old son is extremely interested in wildlife, but I’ve never felt the need to take him to a zoo. Zoos make me feel sad for the animals.

There is no sense of achievement in spotting an animal that has no choice to be there. But when I spot freeroaming wildlife with my son, we get genuinely excited. It could be a deer in the woods or a fox on the prowl. Be quiet, tiptoe, develop your senses to see and hear animals, to identify species. We can all spend time in nature, it needn’t cost money. Helping children to find enjoyment in the everyday, even watching ants, can lead to a great discussion.

I encourage you to go outdoors and explore this summer. Visit a nature reserve, build a den, list the animals you spot, check out minibeasts in the park, try to photograph a butterfly, a ladybird or a nimble squirrel. In some parts of the UK you can even spot seals, dolphins and whales – in the wild as they should be. Time in nature is

good for our mental and physical health.

Or on a bad weather day watch a David Attenborough programme or even visit the cinema to see a wildlife film in 3D. Do we really need to see how big a tiger is in a zoo? In my experience, visiting zoos for Born Free in recent months, in every case I saw animals suffering. If we want to learn about lions, let’s read about them, watch webcams, write about them and draw them. We have access to so much information these days, compared to when zoos were first built.

Times have changed and we can too.

Find out more Sign your child up to our free kids club including monthly Crew News – www.bornfree.org.uk/kids-club

Ellie Henderson Captivity Campaigns Manager ellie@bornfree.org.uk

Born Free is the voice for captive animals worldwide We challenge exploitation and cruelty | We expose suffering and neglect | We seek an end to zoos, circuses and dolphinaria

DOLPHINARIA

DON’T FORGET

YOUR REPORTS There are myriad worldwide opportunities to see or interact with wild animals in captivity. From zoos and wildlife parks to elephant camps and marine parks, the general public can find it difficult to know which places to avoid.

In many of the reports you send Born Free, you explain you would never have visited a facility or taken part in an activity had you known how animals were being treated.

To help the public make informed choices and provide tools to help people like you highlight concerns, Born Free will soon launch Raise the Red Flag. Our new online tool will combine our current reporting function with an interactive map, providing useful information and advice, and highlighting reports about exploitation, to help you take action.

Help flag up animal exploitation

Your reports provide vital information about captive wild animals in the UK and overseas, helping us target relevant decision-makers and authorities. It is a massive undertaking and we need your help as much as ever to stop cruelty and end suffering.

You can help Send me your reports via our online form at www.bornfree.org.uk/report, call 01403 240170 or send me a letter.

Thousands of dolphins are kept in small tanks in marine parks around the world, many wild-caught. With so much focus on calls to end keeping orcas in captivity, there is a risk that other cetacean species can be over looked.

For example, while SeaWorld has stopped breeding orcas in the wake of the Blackfish documentary, it has made no such pledge for beluga whales or bottlenose dolphins. They will continue to be bred, and suffer a miserable existence in barren, restricted tanks.

Bottlenose dolphins, in particular, are used in theatrical-style shows. These highly intelligent animals must jump through hoops, do somersaults, carry staff, or even pull a child in an inflatable boat. This is obvious exploitation of a complex species and begs the question; why is there still an appetite to see dolphins in captivity? Here at Born Free, it’s not just about orca – we believe all species of cetaceans deserve the same consideration. Do you agree?

You can help Pledge never to visit a dolphin show and help spread the word – visit www.bornfree.org.uk/ marine-captivity

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

YOU SPEAK OUT

Monkey misery in

Marrakesh

"Macaques used as photo props in a Marrakesh market square were dragged by chains and dressed in clothes in 37°C heat.

It’s so cruel.” Born Free is calling on Moroccan authorities to end this abuse.

Iguanas abus ed

as photo prop

s

“Monkeys, iguanas and parrots used as photo props on Bavaro Beach in the Dominican Republic were being roughly handled.” We are calling on local hotel companies to take action to stop this.

Images © www.georgelogan.co.uk, A Gekoski/BFF, S Hoyer, J McArthur/BFF

Samantha Goddard Captivity Campaigns Officer samantha@bornfree.org.uk SUMMER 2019 | CAPTIVITY 25

VIRGINIA McKENNA

IN MEMORY OF ELSA

Where elephants belong – no concrete, no bars

Virginia McKenna takes some of her grandchildren to see wild animals where nature intended and where the Born Free story began.

I

n the last three Wildlife Times I have written about my visits to zoos in France and the UK. I suddenly felt a longing to write about the ‘other side of the coin’, about some of these animals in the wild, where they have evolved to live. To take some of my grandchildren to see these animals, to share the uplifting joy of watching them live their real lives in Kenya. To show them where the Born Free story really began, 60 years ago. So I did – it was my Christmas present to them.

First I took my son Justin and his family, his wife Charlotte and their three children, Jack, Emily and Ben. Crossing the Equator, we had an hour’s drive to a lovely safari lodge called El Korama, and then to Meru where the lioness

Elsa was returned to the wild, had her cubs, and is now buried. We stood by her grave in the quiet morning – this tiny fragment of Africa to which so many people have come over the years on a kind of pilgrimage.

We went to George’s Pool on top of a huge rock, where George Adamson used to come with three of the lions we had saved from being sold to zoos after the filming of Born Free. The view over Meru Park was as glorious as ever and, in the far distance, the hill called Elsa’s Kopje was silhouetted against the clear sky. We stayed at Rhino River Camp and were joined by Jonny Baxendale (George’s godson) and his brother Mickey – they came armed with crackers for Christmas Day! Jonny had

worked with George to build the little camp below Elsa’s Kopje where George had taught the lions to go free.

We went one morning to Kanjoo School, which has over 450 children, some of whom walk several kilometres to school. All are neatly dressed, smiling and have exemplary handwriting! A credit to their teachers. We had, as always, a warm welcome from the Deputy Head, Richard Kanake Kimathi and Madam Mary Matua – the previous Head Teacher. We were taken around the classrooms, planted trees in the Born Free forest with the children, then joined in the dancing (as best we could!). And gave the children the gifts we had brought. It was a very happy and touching occasion.

Images © J Travers

We stood at Elsa’s grave

26 VIRgINIA McKENNA | SUMMER 2019

Tree-planting at Kanjoo School

Jack, Ben, Charlotte, Emily and Justin enjoy Meru

The week flew by and it was time for Justin and his family to leave and for my son Dan and his family – Adnana and the children Luca and Bee to arrive. We drove to the airstrip to greet them and to say goodbye to the others. Always a wrench. But the excitement of the new arrivals was infectious and we slowly drove to camp, looking out for animals.

Of course, no two days were the same, and we felt so lucky to see such a variety of wild animals. I took the family to lunch at the beautiful camp on Elsa’s Kopje. So different from Rhino River Camp, which is in a wonderful forest, alive with chattering birds and monkeys and the sound of the little river flowing past. Here you look out over the whole of Meru and sense how small we are in the scheme of things.

The highlight was a pride of lions, from granny to little cubs.

Bee and I meet Petersen

Buffalo and egret commune

Remains of George’s camp - how poignant

Bee and Luca

Adnana and Daniel

We drove to El Korama and were greeted warmly. Perhaps the highlight was seeing a pride of 17 lions – from granny to little cubs. We watched for a long time and then, suddenly, one stood up, looked into the distance and walked off – followed slowly by all the rest.

I feel sure the memories of our family Christmas will always remain. And already there are amazing follow ups – not least Andy and Lorraine Dixon, friends of Charlotte’s, donating money to build a school kitchen at Kanjoo (many children have no meal, so this is deeply appreciated).

I end with my family’s words: “I loved every second, the animals were so special”.

“It was an amazing experience, especially the school”.

“I loved all the animals especially the bushbabies”.

“I left part of my heart in that beautiful red earth; not a day passes when I don’t think how blessed we are to have experienced the magic of the wild”.

Precious rhino with egrets

Virginia McKenna ObE Co-Founder & Trustee Images © A Istratescu

SUMMER 2019 | VIRgINIA McKENNA 27

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

© www.tigersintheforest.co.uk

TRAGEDY VS TRIUMPH Despite vast budgets, zoos don’t return tigers to the wild. Yet in India, wild numbers are on the up, thanks to our cost-effective initiative. Will Travers reports.

W

e all love tigers don’t we?

There’s the Tiger Who Came to Tea, A A Milne’s Tigger and, in every child’s alphabet book, T is for Tiger. Yet, when it comes to these supreme hunters, we should be saying T is for Trouble.

Just look what’s going on: • In the wild five remaining sub-species cling to existence, whether in Siberia, Indonesia, Sumatra or the Indian subcontinent • Threatened by habitat loss, conflict with people and killed for body parts, as few as 4,000 wild tigers remain – it’s a big cat catastrophe • There are more pet tigers than any where in the wild – in the USA alone some 7,000 languish in back yards, apartments or as roadside attractions • Endless Instagram #selfishselfies of people cuddling and kissing tigers fool us it’s ok to get up close and personal with a tiger. Let’s be clear: it’s not.

We have our priorities entirely wrong.

Consider the plight of captive individuals.

The recent death of Melati the tigress at London Zoo, UK, killed by her prospective mate, quite rightly grabbed headlines. This debacle was swiftly followed by a second tigress, Shouri, killed by another tiger at Longleat Safari Park, UK. Captivity leads to tragedy!

Imagine what a fraction of the hundreds 28 PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE | SUMMER 2019

of millions of pounds spent on keeping tigers locked up could do for the conservation of the species in the wild?

London Zoo’s one-acre Tiger Territory cost £3.6m, but such prestige projects have little conservation or education benefit. To my knowledge, no zoo-bred tiger has ever been successfully returned to the wild.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom for a creature that inspires awe, amazement and a healthy dose of trepidation. In the central highlands of India, Born Free and our Living with Tigers partners have worked for 15 years to connect protected areas, work with local people and organisations, and provide opportunities through employment, education, healthcare and amenities. Tiger numbers are on the up, and there is growing consensus that this apex species is good for the environment, biodiversity and people, not least tourism.

The vital stronghold now holds around 500 tigers – about 12% of the world’s wild population. And all done on a very modest budget. Imagine if the titanic budget used to keep tigers behind bars could be deployed to protect wild populations... And not just in Satpuda, but in other parts of India, as well as Malaysia, Sumatra and the Chinese and Russian far east.

More ‘pet’ tigers than wild – it’s madness!

I personally focus a lot of my energy on the plight of African lions – a species that has tumbled from some 100,000 when the film Born Free was made in 1966, to as few as 20,000 today. But, if we can start to turn it around for tigers then, if we act now, we can prevent a similar disaster happening to lions. Let’s work together to ensure this other big cat crisis does not become a catastrophe.

Will Travers OBE President will@bornfree.org.uk

MY VISION

FOR WILDLIFE I

was born in Malaysia and my mother had a passion for animals, so our house was filled with a love of all things fur and feathered. When I was seven, a friend of my parents asked us over to meet a couple of orphans he had been entrusted to look after – he also was passionate about all things four-legged. I was entranced by the baby orangutan and brown bear cub, and have never forgotten the privilege of being so close, but also the feeling of intense vulnerability and sadness they both had. Sadly they both went off to zoos, which broke my heart, but who listens to a seven-year-old? Maybe they do now…

I don’t really have a single favourite species today, but if forced to choose I would say that orangutans still hold a special place in my heart. They are under such threat at the moment and are the most extraordinary creatures.

They deserve more from us humans than to be chased out of their habitat.

But then all wildlife does. It breaks my heart to see wild animals all over the world – and I include our small island – being pushed out of their home spaces and squeezed into ever smaller and inappropriate environments. And those are the ‘lucky ones’ that live in the wild… Don’t get me going on zoos, theme parks, circuses, exotic ‘pets’ and so on.

It was because of the anger and despair I have felt most of my life at how wildlife is disrespected, that when my friend and inspiration Virginia McKenna invited me to lunch to ask if I would be a Trustee of Born Free, I readily accepted. It’s a huge privilege to

© M Slough

Jenny Seagrove’s career as an acclaimed actor spans theatre, film and television. But she’s also a passionate animal campaigner and has been a Born Free trustee since 2002. serve on the Board and feel our philosophy of ‘fighting captive suffering’ and ‘individual wild animal welfare meets Compassionate Conservation’ is actually making a difference. Helplessness can be so depressing – the enormity of the task before us and the scale of the abuse. So to be part of an organisation like Born Free, who really do make a difference on all fronts, is life affirming.

It is also hugely important to remain hopeful because, out of that hope, energy springs and changes happen. And things are happening. Born Free leads from the front with action and, hugely importantly, through education. Ignorance and greed are terrible bedfellows and the right kind of information sharing at least throws the first one out of bed!

My dream is for a world where there are no captive animals and where humans and wild creatures live in harmony, sharing our resources and sustaining each other’s souls. It’s not much to ask for is it?! So, if you share my dream, then tell everyone about Born Free and the work we do. And get fundraising – to coin a well-known phrase – every little helps! And look after the animals who share the spaces around you. Wonder at them all and love them.

They bring such magic into our lives.

Look after the animals who share the spaces around you. Wonder at them and love them. They bring such magic into our lives.

SUMMER 2019 | MY VISION fOR wIlDlIfE 29

EDUCATION Ciam’s transformation at our sanctuary is an inspiration.

LION’S

TALE 30 EDUCATiOn | SUMMER 2019

By telling the stories of the animals we rescue, each individual can become an ambassador for their species. They help us draw attention to important issues and seek positive change.

s

ince our beginning, 35 years ago, the individual has been central to our work and our mission at Born Free. This is reflected both through our welfare projects and our conservation work. By promoting Compassionate Conservation, our methods ensure the well-being of individuals while protecting species.

Rescuing individual, vulnerable animals from appalling conditions where they have been confined, exploited or abused is a cornerstone of our work.

Giving each animal a second chance at our world-class sanctuaries, we offer space, peace, care and respect.

visited some of the more underprivileged schools in the area.

It was such a rewarding experience. We spoke with the pupils and teachers about Born Free’s global work to protect wildlife, creating awareness of the plight of wild animals in circuses and zoos. We invited schools to visit our sanctuaries and education centres at Shamwari to see Ciam and understand his story, and the feedback has been so positive.

Do you remember Maggie and Sonja?

These lion sisters were confiscated from a circus in Germany, and arrived at our big cat sanctuary in South Africa on 15th January 2015. Then in 2017 the young lion Ciam was also given a new life at Shamwari, having been kept illegally in a cage in a back garden.

Born in a French circus he was surplus to requirements and taken from his mother to be sold as a pet. As you can see, these rescues don’t just transform the life of the individual but, by telling their stories, we can help other animals too. Through education and by encouraging policy change, we can gradually help prevent individuals like Ciam, Maggie and Sonja needing our help in the first place.

When a circus with a lion, a Bengal tiger and a number of domestic animals recently visited towns in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, there was an outcry from local animal welfare campaigners. They asked if the Born Free team at Shamwari could help educate young people to why such cruel and outdated entertainment should be banned. Our education team journeyed to the town of Port Alfred, 73 miles (118km) from Shamwari, and

Sold as a pet, Ciam was caged in a garden

Ciam, Maggie and Sonja, along with the other lions and leopards that call Shamwari home, have become ambassadors for their species. Their stories help local students, communities and visitors to really appreciate the true meaning and significance of Keep Wildlife in the Wild.

Sonja performed at a circus in Germany

Laura Gosset Head of education laura@bornfree.org.uk

Sonja now has peace and respect at Shamwari

Sidney Clay education Officer Born Free south Africa

Coming soon Hear the Roar is Born Free’s new kids’ magazine, featuring articles, animal facts, games and competitions. A really wild way for kids to learn about our work and the amazing animal kingdom. Email info@bornfree.org.uk to find out more.

Dambuza Primary pupils learn about circus suffering

Images © www.georgelogan.co.uk, Paul Nicholls Photography

summer 2019 | EDUCATION 31

PARTNER WITH BORN FREE Would your company like to increase their Corporate Social Responsibility impact, perhaps in line with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development goals?

Do your products, services or values align with wildlife, conservation or education? Born Free welcomes your ideas! We’re forging exciting relationships with businesses who want to make a real difference. Look out for updates on our new UK schools project, generously sponsored by Allen & Overy, the Green People, SMART technologies and Pimco to name a few.

Born Free’s Corporate Partnerships Manager, Hitesh Patel, says: “Corporate partnerships are relationships forged and nurtured over time for mutual benefit. There are opportunities for joint marketing and for your company employees to feel a true sense of pride and benevolence.”

If your organisation believes in contributing towards a better planet, please get in touch. We offer opportunities to partner on projects in local and global education, conservation technology, animal rescues and many more. Contact Hitesh Patel to talk about how your company could benefit from a partnership with Born Free: hitesh@bornfree.org.uk

Be THE ONE to put your business forward!

“Everything we do is about one. One animal, One animal suffering, One animal we can help, One species, One person, One community, One leader – and that becomes one more.”

Virginia McKenna OBE, Co-Founder & Trustee

© www.georgelogan.co.uk

SPECIAL THANKS

Romy and Steve Hinde’s glorious masked ball at Wryside Hall, near Lancaster raised at least £4,200.

See bornfree.org.uk/past-events for other recent events.

32 EnTERPRiSE | SUMMER 2019

Kudos to our 20-strong London Marathon squad in April including Holly Piper, who raised £13,000 and counting towards a Dragon autogyro, to help rangers protect wildlife.

17th-29th June 2019 The WILD Collection La Galleria, Pall Mall, London, UK ex-army helicopter pilot Hannah shergold has dedicated her forthcoming two-week exhibition to Born Free. she will auction two paintings in aid of us and donate 20% of all proceeds from the remaining collection. “It is such an exciting venture to be working with Born Free,” Hannah says. “We hope to raise a significant amount towards your incredible projects.” The WILD Collection features original oil paintings of endangered species including lions, elephants and rhino, with prices ranging from £6,000 to £18,000.

NEW RANGE

To find out more visit www.hannahshergold.com and subscribe to Hannah’s mailing list.

Sleeve design

Women’s fitted short sleeve t-shirt £15

Friday 6th September 2019 35th Anniversary Gala Evening The Landmark Hotel, London, UK

Men’s long sleeve t-shirt £16

Born Free is hosting a special gala evening. We’d love you to join our Co-Founders, Virginia McKenna OBE and Will Travers OBE, together with special guests, as we remember our heritage, update you on our work and share future plans. The evening includes a drinks reception on the garden terrace of this spectacular venue, three-course vegetarian or vegan dinner with wine in the main ballroom, live entertainment and celebrity auction.

Tickets £185

Visit www.bornfree.org.uk/events/the-wind-of-change

Animal photo mugs £11.99 each

To order visit give.bornfree.org.uk/shop or call 01403 240170. summer 2019 | ENTERPRISE 33

IT’S A WILD LIFE Celebrating individuals who use their creative gifts to support wildlife.

© N Wray

in Costa rica. But over the last four decades, my mind has focused very much on black and white.”

With James Lewis and Rula Lenska

The uK’s best-selling pencil artist, Gary Hodges has been a loyal Born Free friend for 30 years. “I've always loved animals,” Gary explains. “I was encouraged by my parents and favourite teachers at school to follow my passion for both animals and art. But I never thought the two blended together would turn into my life's career, enabling me to travel the world and help protect animals at the same time.”

Gary’s exquisite portraits include lions, rhinos and sea turtles. “I love all wildlife, but my partner Dave and I never tire of being around elephants... we can sit for hours enthralled by their sounds, smell, antics... I've been on two fantastic elephant related trips to Nepal and Kenya with my great friend and huge Born Free supporter, rula Lenska.”

It is important to Gary to support Born Free, as well as a host of other charities.

“I couldn't imagine making any sort of living from drawing animals without giving back to help protect them. recently I have begun embellishing prints, adding thousands of new pencil strokes to make each print unique and personal. They have proved popular with my loyal collectors. most were auctioned by the brilliant James Lewis.”

Gary first started working with Born Free in 1989, the year George Adamson was killed. Gary created a picture of George with two lions he had returned to the wild. “Back in 1966, my parents had surprised me with a special day out to a screening of Born Free at Leicester square. Wind on many years and at one of my first exhibitions, Virginia (mcKenna) and Bill (Travers) bought one of my drawings

“I love the control using pencils offers me,” Gary adds. “By concentrating on subtle monochromatic tones rather than wild colours, I can focus on capturing each animal’s individual character.

Occasionally I'll see an animal and I’ll think using colour would enhance what I want to portray, such as scarlet macaws bursting out from vivid green mango trees and flying across intense blue skies

22nd June Out of Africa Holme Hall, Bakewell, UK Gary’s embellished print of this elephant portrait ‘The Charge’ will be auctioned during James Lewis’ record-breaking 24-hour auction. See www.bornfree.org.uk/events

34 WILD LIFE | summer 2019

of elephants. months later, they commissioned me to do the George Adamson portrait.” Virginia loved the drawing: “The living spirit of the animals shines, their beauty leaps from the paper.

An artist who understands,” she said.

A unique relationship has developed over the years with Born Free. “I'm proud to have joined Born Free on your inspirational journey,” says Gary. “But there's still a long way to go. I'll support you as long as I'm needed. I’ve enjoyed every Born Free event. And more importantly, you raise lots of money to protect wildlife.There will be a couple of exciting events this year, and we’re discussing another solo show.

Please subscribe to my website www.garyhodges-wildlife-art.com and we'll keep you up to date.”

Gary was talking to Celia Nicholls.

YOUR LEGACY IS HER FUTURE Would you like to make a lasting impact for wild animals? When you leave Born Free a gift in your Will, you’ll help keep rare species safe, protect habitats, fight exploitation and stop suffering. Your love for wildlife will live on.

Over a quarter of our income is funded by people who left us a gift in their Will. By remembering our charity, you can help care for wild animals into the future.

Keep the future wild with Born Free!

To find out more about leaving wild animals a gift in your Will email Rachel Tilley at rachel@bornfree.org.uk Image Š www.georgelogan.co.uk

Charity No:1070906

TIGER FEAT

You are amazing! When we told you the shocking facts about wild tigers, 97% wiped out in 100 years and just 4,000 clinging to survival, you responded in your thousands.

Each of you who donated to our Living with Tigers appeal and supported our campaign with a like, share, comment, retweet or regram played a vital part. Thanks for sharing our vision to save tigers from extinction.

“Our campaign had an incredible response, raising vital funds and grabbing extensive media headlines. With you by our side, we can work long term with local communities in India to protect habitats, stop poaching, resolve conflict and secure a future for wild tigers. Thank you so much!”

Chris Barnden Support Care Manager chrisb@bornfree.org.uk 01403 240170

This is what happens when you stand up for wildlife. Thank you for your unstinting support!

Image © www.tigersintheforest.co.uk

Charity No:1070906