Wildlife Times Magazine - Winter 2018

The magazine for people who care about wild animals

WILDLIFE TIMES

Magazine

WINTER 2018

ADOPT AN ANIMAL save a life and protect a species

APES ARE US! look out for your cousins

MAMMOTH APPEAL it’s time to stop killinG elephants

PLUS

• Wildlife hero Joanna lumley • little lion Wins BiG aWard • the Berlin Wall effect • sooty and sWeep rescue

KEEP WILDLIFE IN THE WILD

WELCOME From Will Travers OBE

Wildlife Times from your Born Free family – you’ll find regular favourites and new offerings to inspire, challenge, make you laugh… and maybe shed a tear or two.

Life-saving – thanks to you! With your support, our Elephants in Crisis appeal has been an immense success. We’re working hard to stop the killing and keep the world’s biggest land mammal safe (p14). Awardwinning – thanks to you! Our young lion King won The Animal Rescue Award at the Daily Mirror and RSPCA Animal Hero Awards. A huge well done to everyone who helped give him a life worth living (p12).

What’s the Berlin Wall got to do with wild animals? Find out what’s going on in my head (p28). My mother, Virginia, shares her reflections on Birdworld (p24); fabulous Joanna Lumley has fire in her heart (p34); and Bella Lack considers the challenges faced by the natural world from her teenage vantage point (p19).

To coincide with the publication of Remembering Great Apes, the third in the amazing Remembering Wildlife photo book series inspired by Margot Raggett, The Big Picture takes an in-depth look at the plight of great apes (p20). Plus we’ve got your Christmas all wrapped up, with a range of animal adoptions (p4) and our new seasonal gifts (p35). So, what are you waiting for?

Turn the page!

COVER STORY

Choose from our new range and show your family and friends how much you really care this year! See p35 to find out more or visit give.bornfree.org.uk/Christmas

Adopt an animal – Save a life Chimanuka the silverback gorilla lives in Democratic Republic of Congo’s mountain rainforests with his large family, including this adorable youngster. Chimanuka might be eight times stronger than a man, but he’s an intelligent vegetarian. Help keep this rare ape safe and adopt him today (p7).

Cover photo © www. christophermichel.com

© www.christophermichel.com

President will@bornfree.org.uk @willtravers

© G Roberts

THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFTS

CONTENTS

FREE digital copy For your free e-edition of Wildlife Times visit www.bornfree.org.uk/wlt – you won’t believe your eyes! Then forward on for family and friends to enjoy.

In this issue of Wildlife Times 4 Rescue & Care Cover story Save a life – who will YOu adopt?

Cover story

11 Wild News A round-up of Born Free news

14 Conservation Cover story How you are keeping elephants safe 19 My Vision Bella Lack shares her dreams

24 Captivity Virginia McKenna visits Birdworld 28 President’s Perspective Cover story 30 Education 32 Over to you Your letters, photos, poems and more!

34 Wildlife Heroes Cover story Meet Founder Patron Joanna Lumley

20 The Big Picture Cover story Apes are us – four-page special

35 Seasonal gifts 36 Adopt for Christmas

4 Who will

you adopt?

24 Despair at Birdworld

© S Brigden

18 Good dog Buba!

© LWT

© Tom Stables Photography

16 Meet the lions of Meru

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!

34 Joanna loves giraffes

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 Born Free Foundation, Broadlands Business Campus, Langhurstwood Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4QP. 01403 240170 info@bornfree.org.uk www.bornfree.org.uk Born Free Foundation is a Registered Charity No. 1070906 Printed by 4 Print Ltd, Tel 020 8941 0144 This publication is printed on Satimatt Green supplied by ebbs Tel: 020 8893 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 above.

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KING THE LION

RESCUE & CARE

SAVE A LIFE adopt an animal this christmas. a Born free adoption is the perfect gift for everyone who cares about wild animals.

rescued from a flat in paris where he was kept as a pet

you can help provide his lifetime care

B

orn Free’s animal adoptions make a real difference, helping care for rescued individuals and protecting threatened species in the wild. Our adoptions have helped change the lives of countless animals around the world.

Without your help they simply wouldn’t be here today. This Christmas will you help our vital work to continue – will you help save a life?

LEOPARD FAMILY

Just £3 a month, or a one-off payment of £36 for the year, a wild animal adoption makes a unique gift for family and friends of every age. adopters receive a personalised gift pack, cuddly toy and our exclusive Adopt magazine, with updates on all our adopted animals.

You can adopt an individual animal rescued from a life in captivity and help provide their lifetime care in a sanctuary. Or you can adopt a species living in the wild and help provide the protection they desperately need (p6). With over 20 animals to adopt, this is a great way to fund our vital work.

4 REscUE & cARE | WinTeR 2018

rescued from a run-down zoo in cyprus

CHEETAH FAMILY

stolen from the wild, victims of the exotic pet trade

SARA THE CHIMPANZEE

TIMTOM THE ORANGUTAN

lost her mother at a young age and kept as a pet

help prepare her for life back in the wild

DOLO THE LION

orphaned and terrified when rescued from the pet trade

KYRIAKOS THE BROWN BEAR

rescued as a cub when his mother was killed

photos © f30ma, f fortuna/Bff, l st John, www.georgelogan.co.uk, csWct, arcturos, orangutan foundation, s taye

starving and kept on a chain when found

now dolo deserves a life worth living

Just £3 per month To adopt visit www.bornfree.org.uk/ save-a-life or call 01403 240170.

WinTeR 2018 | REscUE & cARE 5

ADOPTION PLUS There’s a serious side to adoption… When you adopt you won’t just keep an animal safe, you’ll help save an incredible species and stop their exploitation.

A

t Born Free, we are extremely lucky to have some super cute animals in our adoption scheme.

Animals like Timtom the orangutan (p5), Pangi the pangolin or Sara the little chimpanzee (p5). But behind the irresistible eyes and cheeky grins, there’s a serious story – of conservation, protection and compassion. That’s

Adopt and help save rare species from extinction 6 RescUe & cARe | WINTeR 2018

because our adoptions make a real difference, helping to protect and preserve real animals in the wild, or to care for rescued wild animals in sanctuaries.

Over the years, Born Free’s adoptions have helped save and care for hundreds of wild animals around the world. Take the Ethiopian Wolf Family, for example.

These incredibly rare animals live in small packs high in the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia. There are thought to be just 500 living in the wild (there are none in captivity) and they are at risk from habitat loss, disease and persecution. Funding for the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation

RESCUE & CARE Programme (EWCP) through Born Free’s adoption scheme has helped monitor and protect this endangered species since 1995. This funding recently helped EWCP launch a programme to vaccinate these precious animals against rabies (p13).

And then there’s the Giraffe Family. Born Free works with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation to safeguard the West African giraffe – the rarest subspecies of giraffe in the world. In 1995, there were just 49 individuals left, but with the help of funding through Born Free’s adoption scheme, there are now more than 600 West African giraffe living in Niger – a real conservation success story!

But it’s not just wild animals. Our adoptions also help care for and protect animals rescued from appalling captive conditions.

Animals like King – the young

lion who was rescued from an apartment on the outskirts of Paris where he was being kept illegally as an ‘exotic pet’. King now lives at our big cat rescue centre in South Africa where he enjoys a life free from harm in a natural, safe and spacious enclosure. His adopters help fund his lifetime care (p10).

Or Dolo the lion. He was kept on a one metre chain in a wooden shack (p5). But thankfully he was rescued and now lives a happy life at our Ensessa Kotteh rescue centre, in Ethiopia. Dolo’s adopters help fund his lifetime care, including food, veterinary support and enclosure upkeep.

Help care for Pangi the pangolin

Yes, our animals are cute. But they’ve also got an important story to tell, and each one is backed by an amazing project that works tirelessly to protect and preserve the species for generations to come.

You adopt, together we protect

Keep the close-knit Elephant Family safe

Beth Brooks Communications Manager beth@bornfree.org.uk

Protect Chimanuka and family from poachers

You can help To adopt visit www.bornfree.org.uk/ save-a-life or call 01403 240170. Just £3 per month per animal, includes gift pack and cuddly toy.

Photos © Roland, Sangha Lodge, A Harrington, www.georgelogan.co.uk, R Griffiths/The Mirror

WINTeR 2018 | RescUe & cARe 7

ADOPT AN ANIMAL

SAVE A LIFE Born Free’s adoptions have helped save and care for hundreds of wild animals around the world. Your adoption today will make a real difference.

KING THE LION A young lion rescued from an apartment on the outskirts of Paris, where he was kept illegally as an exotic pet. Now enjoying a life free from harm at Born Free’s big cat rescue centre in South Africa. Help fund his lifetime care, including food, veterinary checks and enclosure upkeep.

£3 a month or one-off payment of £36 for the year

Gift Pack

ELEPHANT FAMILY

GOPAL THE TIGER

GIRAFFE FAMILY

TIMTOM THE ORANGUTAN

A close-knit herd of elephants who live in the wilds of Amboseli National Park, Kenya.

Rescued when he came in to conflict with people, he now lives at Bannerghatta Tiger Sanctuary, India.

Roaming wild in Niger, the West African giraffe is the rarest subspecies of giraffe in the world.

Rescued when only nine months old, Timtom is now being rehabilitated at a reserve in Borneo.

See the full range and adopt at www.bornfree.org.uk/save-a-life Photos © C Radloff, ATE, Wildlife SOS, H Roland, Orangutan Foundation

MY

RESCUE & CARE

VIEW

FACE TO FACE Maggie Balaskas talks to Alma van Dorenmalen, Head of Animal Rehabilitation and Captive Care at Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT), Malawi.

When designing Born Free’s

publications and literature I have the

privilege of using images, donated by world-class photographers, of stunning landscapes and wild

Tell us about LWT In 2007, Born Free helped set up our first project, the Wildlife Centre – Malawi’s only wild animal sanctuary. Today, we are the country’s leading wildlife charity, with projects ranging from our emergency Response unit to combating trafficking.

What’s special about your job?

Being on the ‘frontline’ helping wild animals. We strive for the highest standards – reflected in many awards – rescuing hundreds of animals each year, releasing most back to the wild. It’s great to be part of a bigger picture and I love hearing about the success of our other projects, whether educating communities on human-wildlife conflict, helping change legislation, or welcoming Ian Redmond (p14) to host our primate course.

the sad reality is that this is just a

small part of my role. Many of the photos I view on a daily basis –

creating appeals for individuals in Photos © LWT

What brought you to Malawi?

I joined the Wildlife Centre team as a volunteer in 2013 to do my dissertation, but stayed on. When the post of Rehabilitation Co-ordinator opened up I applied, and haven’t looked back.

animals in their natural habitat. But

Most memorable rescue?

A yellow baboon called Aruby was kept illegally as a pet. It took over a year to integrate her into a troop, but she has now established herself. Then there’s three orphaned jackals who we eventually released and have spotted doing well.

Can readers get involved?

Anyone with a passion for wildlife can volunteer and you can mix sanctuary work with a stint on our elephant research project. We offer externships for vet and vet nurse students or graduates and research placements for BSc, MSc, MRes or PhD students. Please visit www.lilongwewildlife.org/join-us.

need – are of animals kept in

shocking captive conditions, or exploited for entertainment.

Earlier this year I was lucky enough

to travel to South Africa for the first time, to visit Born Free’s big cat

sanctuaries at Shamwari. I got to see some of our rescued lions and

leopards in real life, having previously only seen their images in appeals.

Big cats like Maggie and Sonja (pictured), the lioness sisters,

rescued from a circus in Germany. It was wonderful to see how they’ve

been given the chance of a new life in the African sunshine, thanks to

generous donations from supporters responding to their plight.

I hope that by highlighting these

stories we can help other individuals, and end the outdated practice of

exploiting wild animals for human

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

claire stanford Graphics & Brand Manager claire@bornfree.org.uk WINTeR 2018 | RescUe & cARe 9

© www.georgelogan.co.uk

entertainment.

RESCUE & CARE

UPDATE ON

THE LITTLE KING growing!” says Glen Vena, Animal Care Manager at Shamwari. “He is curious, full of energy and intrigued by his neighbours Jora and Black – the lion brothers rescued from a Bulgarian circus, as well as passing impala and warthog who roam freely around.”

Last October, little lion cub King was discovered in an apartment on the outskirts of Paris, France. He was being kept illegally as an exotic pet in terrible conditions. Fortunately, the four-monthold was taken in and cared for by our good friends at Natuurhulpcentrum rescue centre, in Belgium. A perfect shortterm solution, but he needed a lifetime home and we knew the perfect place.

None of this would have been possible without your generous support. Thank you for helping to give King the new start in life he deserves.

In July, thanks to your overwhelming support, King made a life-changing journey to our big cat sanctuary at Shamwari Reserve, South Africa, home to rescued lions and leopards, where he has been thriving ever since. Here King has become bolder and braver by the day, gradually exploring all of his spacious enclosure and enjoying the new sights, sounds and smells around him.

He seems particularly fascinated by the insects, especially the moths when they come out at night.

Thanks everyone who nominated King for the recent Daily Mirror RSPCA awards. And the winner is… see p12!

You can help Could you look after King for us?

See p8 to adopt this irresistible youngster, just £3 per month.

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

Hasn’t he grown, and look at that mane!

© Shamwari

King is quite the early bird, awake at dawn and very active in the morning. He is often seen rambunctiously playing with sticks, leaves and anything he can find amongst the vegetation. “King is

Animal Hero Award

© LWT

© Sangha Lodge

ReSCue & CARe neWs in BRieF

Pangolin hospital

Sooty and Sweep

Thanks to Born Free funding, our friends at Sangha Lodge have built a rescue facility in the tropical rainforests of The Central African Republic. It’s the perfect place for orphans to be looked after before being returned to the wild.

These little hoglets arrived at our offices in Horsham, uK, having been found on a main road. They were taken in by Born Free’s own rescuer Tarnya Knight and, after her expert care, were ready to be released back to the wild.

10 RescUe & cARe | WINTeR 2018

Saving zebras With our support, Lilongwe Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife emergency Response unit has rescued TWO snared zebra. under a quick anaesthetic, the team safely removed the deadly wire at Malawi’s Kuti Wildlife Reserve.

ONE CUB, TWO CUB, THREE CUB MORE Meru National Park has had a lion birth boom. With a population as low as 2,000 in Kenya, every single new cub counts. And this isn’t just ‘any’ park. Meru is Born Free’s heartland, where Elsa the lioness returned to the wild and where we now protect ‘her pride’ (p16).

© www.georgelogan.co.uk

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

DON’T FORGET APES

Carved from an elephant’s tusk

DEADLY TRADE “Action is required now,” declared Prince William at the launch of London’s Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in October. “This crime threatens some of the world’s most iconic species.”

The prince made time to chat to our Youth Ambassador Bella Lack (p19), while Born Free urged world leaders to commit to eradicate the £15.5bn a year illegal trade.

THERE’S A NEW HERO IN TOWN!

© www.whitehat-seo.co.uk

One elephant is killed for ivory every 25 minutes.

Born Free’s shocking social campaign, created by our friends George Logan and WCRS, raised funds and awareness for our elephants in Crisis appeal (p14).

Our Help Stop Their March to Extinction posters also ran across London, Leeds and Manchester.

© P Patel

TIME IS RUNNING OUT

Our thanks to Margot Raggett, who masterminded the spectacular Remembering Great Apes book, featuring images donated by top photographers. Launched at London’s Royal Geographical Society in October, with an exhibition at La Galleria Pall Mall, visit buyrememberingbooks.com to order yours. The Remembering Wildlife series has raised £330,000 to date.

Ape expert Ian Redmond (left) with Margot Raggett and EAGLE hero Ofir Drori

Keep me safe

© www.georgelogan.co.uk

Could James Bond’s famous gadget be the secret new weapon in Born Free’s battle to save rhinos and elephants? We want to deploy high-flying autogyros – as flown by 007 in You Only Live Twice – against poachers in the Africa bush.

These light aircraft would give brave rangers an aerial advantage and monitor vast areas as they battle the brutal wildlife trade (p32).

WINTeR 2018 | neWs 11

WILD NEWS

MARATHON 35 The London Marathon public ballot is now closed, but Born Free has some coveted charity places up for grabs.

We want to raise £35,000 to commemorate 35 years of our wildlife charity in the April 2019 road race. Could you join our team? Visit www.bornfree.org.uk/running

ON THE RUN

© Natural England

Wildlife crime is a BIG national problem – from hare coursing to badger baiting (p17).

But after years of Born Free pressure the lawbreakers have now got something to worry about, with the publication of a new UK Wildlife Crime Policing Strategy.

LITTLE LION WINS BIG

ALFRED FLIES FREE A tawny owl was found by the roadside in West Sussex, most likely clipped by a car. Thankfully, Alfred made a full recovery, thanks to Born Free’s rescuer Tarnya Knight, and was released back to the wild.

© J Kennelly/Shamwari

Rescued from a Paris flat and given a new home at our sanctuary in South Africa, young King has now won the Animal Rescue Award at the Daily Mirror Animal Hero Awards. “We’re honoured to accept on his behalf,” said Born Free’s Chris Draper.

“King’s story highlights the plight of all wild animals kept as exotic pets.”

WHY WE BEGAN “It is wonderful to see London Zoo’s elephant enclosure now empty of elephants – that is her legacy.” In a poignant new film, our Co-Founder Virginia McKenna remembers Pole Pole, the young elephant whose untimely death at London zoo led to the start of our charity. Watch at vimeo.com/291953363

GO WILD GOLF The sun came out for the 68 golfers taking part in Born Free’s sixth annual Golf Day, held at Slinfold Golf and Country Club, West Sussex, in October. Congratulations to winning team Gallagher Insurance Brokers, and overall individual winner Howard Catford (pictured here second left).

The chimps at the Born Freesupported Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, in uganda, have undergone their annual health check. With 49 orphans being checked from head to toe, it was a huge undertaking, but thankfully all the chimps, including our own Sara (p5), passed with flying colours.

12 neWs | WINTeR 2018

© Ngamba Island

CHIMP CHECK

Making headlines

ROAR OF DISAPPROVAL

A few press highlights

© W Burrard-Lucas

Born Free has a passion for Ethiopian wolves, working to protect the world’s rarest canid since 1995. So you can imagine our delight that, following intensive research and field trials, the first-ever oral vaccine is now preventing deadly outbreaks of rabies in the Bale Mountains.

DID YOU SPOT SUFFERING?

© I Barbour

Were you heartbroken on holiday by cruel elephant rides, swim-with dolphins or orangutan shows? Now you can send your reports and take action against captive exploitation via our NEW online system. Just visit www.bornfree.org.uk/report.

Born Free spoke out against lion farming after two cubs were artificially conceived in South Africa.

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, in aid of Born Free, featured in the Telegraph, Guardian and Daily Mail.

Be inspired today by our stunning, interactive website – just visit www.bornfree.org.uk for the latest news and to take action for wildlife

© T Grobet/Nyala Productions

BORN FREE ONLINE

The Daily Express revealed how Born Free is deploying James Bond tech to fight wildlife crime.

© P Hankinson

Protecting the world’s rarest wolves

EXTINCTION VACCINE

© Nicolas de vaulx

© P Hankinson

Hunting animals has no role in conservation argued Dr Mark Jones in a comment piece in The Times.

© G Logan

Will Travers and Born Free Patron James Lewis, the TV auctioneer, discussed the ivory trade on BBC1’s Inside Out.

Born Free was the only overseas organisation invited to give evidence against South Africa’s lion breeding, canned hunting and bone trade business, at a recent Cape Town conference. “Proponents of the heinous industry were left squirming in their seats amidst a torrent of criticism,” explains Dr Mark Jones. “We hope South Africa’s lawmakers will wind up this vile trade.”

Who is on the blogspot?

Take action to protect hippos

Climb Africa’s tallest mountain

Find out the badger cull latest

Meet wildlife heroes like Raabia Hawa WINTER 2018 | NEWS 13

CONSERVATION

JUMBO SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

The ivory trade isn’t just a disaster for elephants, it threatens our future too. Elephants sustain the ecosystems we need to store carbon, explains forest ecology expert Ian Redmond OBE.

E

lephants are facing a crisis across Africa and Asia – and yet they are among the world’s most popular animals. How can it be that an animal we love, admire and in some religions, revere, is possibly facing extinction? As a reader of Wildlife Times, you will know that elephants are killed for their front teeth – and with your help we are making progress in the fight against the ivory trade. But their skin, meat and tail hairs are also traded and even their babies are in demand in some countries for shows, photo props and disreputable zoos.

On top of the direct threat from poachers, their habitat is being carved up by roads, railways, fences, mines and pipelines, or being squeezed out by towns and cities, farms and plantations. And yet we NEED elephants. If we lose them, we humans will lose too; elephant conservation is not just about elephants!

14 CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018

Elephants need space to roam, and so protecting them and their habitat also protects ecosystems containing countless other species. Many of these species are ecologically dependent on the world’s largest land animal.

Elephants are super-keystone species in the forests and savannah-woodlands of 50 countries, 37 in Africa and 13 in Asia.

They eat about 4% of their body weight in vegetation every day, which means each elephant produces about one tonne of dung per week, first class organic manure that enriches the soils and recycles nutrients. In that dung, elephants disperse more seeds of more plant species, further, than any other animal – which is why they are dubbed ‘mega-gardeners’. And while birds, bats and monkeys can swallow small seeds, some tree species have seeds so big that only elephants can disperse them. This is especially important in the fight against climate change, because it turns out that trees with large seeds

Mega-gardeners Elephants are a ‘keystone species’ and play a critical role in the natural world. They modify their savannah and forest homes, providing opportunities for countless other species to thrive. These immense, intelligent vegetarians disperse seeds over huge distances through their dung – an important fertiliser. They knock down trees, allowing smaller animals to browse and other plants to flourish, create pathways and dig for water in the dry season.

also have dense wood – which means they store more carbon per unit volume of wood than trees with soft wood.

Protecting elephants (and apes! p20) is about mitigating climate change as well as championing animal welfare and species conservation.

Born Free works on several levels for elephants. Campaigning to end the ivory trade at a global level and supporting rangers at the national park level is critical. The fate of each individual also matters – with a brain four times the size of ours, elephants are self-aware, autonomous beings capable of reason, so we have an ethical obligation not to cause them to suffer. Every elephant who dies young is a loss to the ecosystem as well as to his or her family.

Earlier this year in Kenya, I stood beside the body of Big Tembo, a once splendid tusker, killed for his ivory. His loss hit me hard. Members of the Mount Elgon Elephant Monitoring (MEEM) team, who named him in 2002, were in tears. “I was in an emotional state when we found Big Tembo’s body,” said Daniel Namunai, founder MEEM Team ranger and now a Kenya Wildlife Service sergeant. “He was my favourite elephant, humble and friendly, and always trailed behind the herd as if checking on their security.” For all the courageous rangers Born Free helps, we thank you for responding to our Elephants in Crisis appeal.

You can help Visit www.bornfree.org.uk/crisis to donate to protect elephants.

To stabilise the climate we must stop the slaughter of these mega-gardeners.

Photo © www.georgelogan.co.uk

Ian Redmond OBE Senior Wildlife Consultant ian@bornfree.org.uk WINTER 2018 | CONSERVATION 15

MY

FRONTLINE

VIEW LIONS OF MERU Great news, three of the six prides we monitor in Meru National Park in Kenya have had a cub boom – elsa’s, Mulika and G-coy all have progeny. According to a 2016 census, Meru is home to some 60 lions and elsa’s Pride is one of the oldest families. It has two roaming ‘alpha’ males, George and Moja, who patrol as a pair, three adult and two sub-adult females, and various cubs. We constantly learn about their behaviour – favourite meals include zebra, gazelles and waterbuck, they’ve even taken down a giraffe! One unique characteristic is that the females love climbing trees.

Working with Born Free is hardly

boring! When Simon, a dominant adult lion in Meru National Park, Kenya,

was ousted from his Mulika pride by younger males last year, there were fears he would not survive the

life-threatening bite wounds. But he

was treated, thanks to Kenya Wildlife Service and the Born Free team,

recovered fully and has now been seen courting a lioness.

In Amboseli, interacting with the

Maasai community who bear the brunt of conflict with predators,

particularly lions, can be heartening.

Despite the losses incurred when

Lions face serious challenges in Kenya and a primary threat is human activities, which may lead to loss of habitat and prey. Lions are pushed from historical ranges,and contact with people can lead to casualties on both sides. In areas of high conflict it is possible to move lions to protected areas, but this can lead to clashes between newcomers and residents. eight lions were recently moved into Meru following conflict with neighbouring communities. One of the males, Solio, is carving out new territory, making forays into elsa’s Pride’s range.

lions attack their livestock in

traditional bomas, their tolerance is

commendable. By helping the Maasai build reinforced predator-proof

bomas, Born Free is safeguarding the

lives of both the community and lions.

At Born Free, the lives of individual animals matter as much as the survival of threatened wildlife

populations, together with the

protection of their habitats and all the species therein. We must embrace our world in its entirety. All life

Translocated lions may try to move back to their original home range, which can lead to deadly encounters with communities.

Sadly, one of the lions moved to Meru met its fate when it strayed out of the park. There is much work to be done...

With our help communities can learn to tolerate lions. Born Free’s education and outreach activities are geared towards the message of co-existence.

You can help Adopt Elsa’s Pride and help secure their future. See back page.

Meru – Kenya’s most diverse park?

• Born Free’s heartland, in central Kenya • Elsa the lioness returned to wild in 1958 • 540 sq miles (870km2) in size • High annual average rainfall of 160cm • Tall grass, abundant vegetation, riverine forests & lush swamps

• Species include elephant, cheetah, rhino, hippo, buffalo, Grevy’s zebra & giraffe

Tim Oloo Kenya Country Manager tim@bornfree.or.ke

matters and all things are connected.

elizabeth Wamba Communications Consultant Born Free Kenya elizabeth@bornfree.or.ke 16 conseRVAtion | WINTeR 2018

© Tom Stables Photography

© www.georgelogan.co.uk

Securing a future for Meru’s lions

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

CONSERVATION

FACE TO FACE

Tackling the horrors of badger baiting

Beth Brooks talks to Chief Inspector Louise Hubble OBE, Head of the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU).

What is UK wildlife crime?

Anything that contravenes legislation set down to protect our flora and our fauna, so wildlife, their habitats, or plants. It’s tackled on a number of levels. Level one is your local policing issues, local police talking to local people about local crime.

Level two is organised crime or your cross-border criminality tackled through units like the NWCu or the National Crime Agency, and level three is international or trans-national crime.

Why is the NWCU needed?

The unit supports 43 police forces throughout the uK. We work closely with partner organisations, with non-government organisations and with civil society organisations. We provide an investigative function, an analytical function and an intelligence function to provide support to forces on the ground who may struggle to investigate wildlife crime.

What are your day-to-day duties?

They are split into three main areas. The first is intelligence which we gather from a range of sources, research and develop, and send out to forces. The second is analytical work such as mapping organised crime gangs, producing NWCu products to inform governments or other agencies. The third is investigative support, officers on the ground will help police officers in securing and executing search warrants, providing expert advice, putting them in touch with expert witnesses, helping them prepare case files around wildlife crime and attending court to give evidence. We take it from that first piece of intelligence all the way through to going to court.

What are examples of wildlife crimes?

There’s a whole range and we have six priority areas. These include bat persecution, so developers destroying habitats where bats are. Also badger persecution, some people are really active in setting dogs on badgers and gambling on the result. And raptor persecution, people shoot, trap or poison birds of prey.

What are other common crimes?

Hare coursing with dogs, and people selling products from endangered species such as ivory or rhino horn.

People trafficking items abroad, or bringing items back in to the uK such as holiday souvenirs, turtles, tortoises, that sort of thing. The most common ones are probably around badger persecution, poaching and the illegal sale of endangered species.

Why is tackling wildlife crime so important to you?

I’ve been a police officer for 21 years and a wildlife crime officer for about 19 of those, as a police constable, a sergeant, an inspector and now as a chief inspector.

The pinnacle of any wildlife crime officer’s career has to be the opportunity to be head of the uK National Wildlife Crime unit. I’m very fortunate and have the best job in the world.

Can the public help?

By reporting what they see at the time. everybody has a role within their own community to eradicate wildlife crime from their local area and we would encourage people to report anything they see that is suspicious to their local police or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Find out more Visit www.bornfree.org.uk/news/ wcps-launch WINTeR 2018 | conseRVAtion 17

CONSERVATION

POLITICAL ANIMALS

SUSTAINABLE PATHWAYS

For Born Free, the Goals represent a unique opportunity to ensure wildlife is not left behind in both the development

and implementation of the sustainability agenda. Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Migratory Species, said that “unless the international community integrates wildlife conservation with sustainable development, it will not be able to protect the remaining animal species on Earth”.

threat to global health, good governance, and the rule of law. We simply cannot address such issues without encompassing other development goals including poverty, health, education, or equal rights, as part of the solution.

Through our compassionate approach, promoting human-wildlife co-existence, Born Free recognises the inextricable link between human development and wildlife protection. We make it a point of honour to ensure our projects engage local communities and seek to benefit people, wildlife, and the ecosystems that sustain us all.

A century ago, around five million elephants roamed across Africa. Today, only about 415,000 remain – the voracious ivory trade has had a catastrophic impact. The tragic loss of wildlife through trade and exploitation has consequences far beyond the immediate detrimental effects on target species. It disrupts ecosystems, seriously undermines economies and livelihoods, and constitutes a major

Human development and wildlife protection are inextricably linked

Adeline Lerambert Policy & Advocacy Strategist adeline@bornfree.org.uk

© www.georgelogan.co.uk

In 2015, 193 countries adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. Designed to improve life for future generations, the Goals are a universal call to action to achieve peace, end poverty, fight inequality, protect ecosystems and reverse climate change.

They cover issues that affect us all, by connecting social, economic and environmental challenges. While ambitious, this intergovernmental agenda has the potential to transform global commitments into local actions. It offers a space for collective action – generating lively debates and fostering partnerships among diverse stakeholders.

Find out more Visit www.un.org/ sustainabledevelopment

© E Samson

© LWT

© Sea Sense

CONSERVATION NEWS IN bRIEF

Sniffing out crime

Sat tag Sunday

Giraffes on motorbikes

Malawi’s first Wildlife Detection Dog Unit is in action, in partnership with our Lilongwe Wildlife Trust colleagues. Buba, Tim, Max and Nikita are sniffing out ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales and more at Kamuzu International Airport.

Using satellite technology, our friends at Sea Sense are following Sunday’s post-nesting migration. For two years she has returned to a sea grass foraging ground – Tanzania’s first green turtle to provide evidence of ‘fidelity’.

From just 49 in 1995 to over 600 today, numbers of the world’s rarest giraffe subspecies are going up and up in Niger!

With our help the team keep them safe aided by motorbikes and online ‘CyberTracker’ software.

18 CONSERVATION | WINTER 2018

MY VISION

FOR WILDLIFE Born Free Youth Ambassador and 140k Twitter sensation, 15-year-old Bella Lack, explains her passion for the wild and shares her dreams for the future.

Two years ago I travelled to Borneo to fulfil a dream – to see a wild orangutan.

It was one of the most defining trips of my life. Among those lush forests my lifelong desire to protect animals transformed into action. One afternoon whilst trekking through the dense jungle, we encountered an orangutan mother with her juvenile son. In a fleeting moment, as the mother turned from her son, he took his chance and began to descend from the branches.

His movements were sanguine and smooth, but he had an evident destination; us. When mere metres from where we stood, his mother raced down. Her lips smacked together in a ‘kiss-squeak’ alarm and her son began to retreat. The moment was fleeting, a quick taste of implicit communication with another species. I gazed into the depths of his eyes and saw my own gaze reflected back at me. We were just two primates inhabiting the same planet, two children sharing an ethereal moment of understanding and mutuality. It was then that I fully understood how precious these creatures are. We cannot lose them.

My epiphany was not restricted to orangutans. The biodiversity on Earth is an interdependent web and by destroying any keystone species we are essentially breaking that web. This is why I see the importance in the individual.

Although conservation is about the survival of the species, many conservationists disregard the importance of individual welfare. But not Born Free.

In that forest, I made a personal commitment to support the preservation of this planet’s wildlife.

I absolved myself from the fear I would be deemed ‘weird’ to be a teenager involved in conservation. It didn’t matter whether my friends supported me or not – it mattered that elephants were being killed for their enlarged teeth, that lions were being hunted as trophies and that orangutans were losing their habitat because of our insatiable desire for palm oil. There is not one specific generation that can be blamed for our planet’s destruction, but my generation is being handed a decimated world that has been, and is being stripped of its magnificence, that’s being, stripped of its life.

How can we allow such devastation to continue? However, my overwhelming feelings of frustration and despair are being eroded. Not because I am losing interest, but because I am gaining an insight into just how many people really do care. When I joined Born Free, I became part of a community with a global reach and a giant influence.

When I learnt more about their endeavours to protect wildlife, I felt that maybe, just maybe, the elephants may soon be able to keep their teeth, the lions liberated from fear of being hunted and the orangutans returned to their rightful home. After all, every single creature on Earth has a common goal – we want to live.

“What an inspirational young person. How very lucky we are that Bella is with us and speaks for Born Free. She is blessed with a deep and mature understanding.”

Virginia McKenna OBE Co-Founder WINTER 2018 | my vision for wildlife 19

© M Slough

I can’t pinpoint one day when I suddenly decided to immerse myself in conservation. Like many things it was a gradual process, a layering of fascination, realisation, despair and determination. An innate enchantment with the natural world that culminated in a desire to protect it.

THE BIG PICTURE

APES ARE US

© IFAW

With you by our side we save orphans, fight trade and protect wild species

emily neil msc Conservation Assistant emilyn@bornfree.org.uk

Penny Banham msc Conservation Project Officer penny@bornfree.org.uk

20 THe BiG PiCTUre | WINTER 2018

Twenty years on since Born Free helped create a sanctuary for orphan chimps in Uganda, we take a close look at our mission to mitigate human impact on apes.

“Today was difficult,” I wrote from my tent in north west Gabon. “After months of searching for chimpanzees, we finally found evidence of a large population.

Fresh faeces, knuckle prints, and nearly 60 nests. But our excitement was cut short by the growl of a chainsaw and the rumble of trucks; we are in a logging concession. As we hiked we heard a massive tree crash to the ground – the noise echoed around us through the mountains. We reached a dirt road carved into the forest, lined with fallen trees on either side. As we followed the footprints of a lone forest elephant, I asked my research assistant if the chimpanzees would stay here.

‘No,’ he said. ‘If the trees disappear, so will they.’”

This sad story is being repeated across Africa and Asia. Forests around the world are under threat with a staggering 130,000km2 felled annually (about 17 football pitches since you started reading this article). Tropical rainforests are some of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems and countless millions of species depend on them, including our closest living relatives: the nonhuman great apes. All four of these – the gorilla, chimpanzee, bonobo and orangutan – are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, disease and hunting.

The irony is, we are part of that great ape family, and yet it is our actions that jeopardise their future. Born Free cannot accept a world without these sensitive and intelligent animals, so we’re working across their range to ensure their long-term survival and protect their precious habitat.

In the Batang Toru ecosystem, North Sumatra, the Tapanuli orangutan clings to survival in a tiny tract of forest. First scientifically described in November 2017, the world’s newest great ape species is also the rarest. Only about 800 remain in just 1,500km2 of forest and they already face an imminent threat: the construction of a hydroelectric dam straight through their core habitat. The Batang Toru dam project, led by Chinese-owned company Sinohydro, could sound the death knell for the entire species. This project would clear vast areas of forest, flood critical habitat, and break up the already small population, putting it at a much greater risk. Surviving forest would be disrupted with power lines and paved roads, preventing orangutan dispersal, and allowing easier access for poachers, illegal loggers and miners. The Tapanuli orangutan could be utterly wiped out, when it has only just been discovered. Born Free is campaigning against this initiative and urging those involved to reconsider.

Calling out for a hero A century ago millions of apes lived in Africa and SE Asia’s forests. Now they’re down to a few hundred thousand. Humans log and mine their habitat, replace forests with crops, shoot them for bushmeat and steal their babies. Apes need a champion – will you help save them?

Across the world in Central Africa, not even UNESCO* World Heritage Sites are safe from habitat destruction. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) government recently announced it will review proposals to allow oil exploration in Salonga and Virunga National Parks, two of the most biodiverse sites in the world. The proposal has been met with fierce resistance from NGOs and civil societies in DRC, but the government has defended its right to authorise drilling, saying it is mindful of protecting flora and fauna in both parks. Nation states have the right to exploit their resources for their continued development, as western countries have done for centuries. But concerns about poor governance and corruption suggest any benefits are unlikely to reach those who need them most.

WINTER 2018 | THe BiG PiCTUre 21

Meet Timtom With available land shrinking, humans and orangutans come into ever closer contact, which can lead to conflict. The Orangutan Foundation rescues imperilled orangutans and rehabilitates them for release in Borneo’s Lamandau Wildlife Reserve. You can support their important work by adopting Timtom, a young female orangutan in their ‘soft release’ programme.

Just an infant when taken from her mother and kept illegally as a pet, Little Timtom is getting a second chance at life in the wild – where she belongs (see back page).

two euros a day, a single chimp can fetch up to 200 euros. In rural areas, where there are few livelihood opportunities, a small investment in hunting can provide huge returns. Simply put, hunting pays. Fortunately Bo and Bella were rescued and, with our support, rehomed at Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Kenya.

Hunting destroys ape families and can spread disease

Meanwhile opening the parks to oil exploration would almost certainly devastate wildlife, other natural resources and the country’s cultural heritage. With its forested volcanoes, Virunga is home to many endangered species like okapi, forest elephant and chimpanzee, and critically endangered mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorillas.

Salonga is likewise a critical bastion for bonobo, forest elephant, Congo peacock, and African slender-snouted crocodile. Born Free is working hard to stop this project in its tracks and keep the parks as sanctuaries for nature, as they were always intended to be.

Among the many negative impacts of habitat destruction is increased access: hunters reach deep into previously pristine forests to exploit forest products and kill wildlife. Bushmeat hunting poses a major threat to African great apes, particularly in West and Central regions.

At our flagship project in the BanyangMbo Wildlife Sanctuary, Cameroon, intense hunting pressure over the last decade has caused a sharp decline in Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees – the rarest and most range-restricted subspecies. Born Free is working with local communities to halt poaching and protect wildlife.

Bushmeat hunting is a complex conservation problem with development implications: the commercial trade in 22 THe BiG PiCTUre | WINTER 2018

meat can provide crucial income for some of the most marginalised rural communities. Human health issues also arise, since people and other great apes are so closely related we can transmit diseases to each other. There is even evidence that some human Ebola outbreaks may have originated from infected ape bushmeat. Disease can be a major threat to apes as well; as with humans, mortality from Ebola in chimpanzees and gorillas is extremely high.

Hunting also leaves countless ‘bushmeat orphans’ in its wake. In April, Born Free helped rescue two orphaned western chimpanzees, Bo and Bella, in GuineaBissau. These young females were destined for the illegal pet trade after hunters killed their mothers. In a country where most people live on less than

Our work continues to tackle trade and rescue orphans

Eastern lowland gorillas are now critically endangered

THE BIG PICTURE Fighting climate change Great apes (and elephants! p14) are ‘gardeners of the forest’ and sustain us all.

They prune trees, fertilise soil through their dung, disperse seeds and propagate plants. Forests reduce greenhouse gas emissions, suck up carbon dioxide and pump life-giving water vapour into the atmosphere.

The scourge of hunting has been exacerbated by a growing illegal trade in live ape infants to China. The rise of the Chinese middle class has led to disposable income and a boom in amusement parks and other attractions, many of which display exotic animals in zoos and circus-style shows. This has led to thousands of wild animals – including many threatened species such as apes – being captured illegally and exported on falsified permits for a dismal life in captivity. Our work continues to investigate and expose this exploitation, with investigations also underway in Europe, Vietnam and Indonesia.

wildlife traffickers across Africa. Through an innovative programme of investigations, arrests, prosecutions, and publicity, EAGLE has aided in the litigation of 2,000 significant wildlife criminals to date, a major achievement in fighting wildlife crime.

We’re dangerously close to pushing our great ape cousins to extinction, forever losing a part of our own family. But with you by our side, Born Free will never stop fighting for a future for these incredible animals. Thanks to your support, our important work to combat habitat loss, bushmeat hunting, and all the other complex threats great apes face, will continue and grow. *United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

You can help There is much to do! Visit www.bornfree.org.uk/take-action to help stop the dam threatening Tapanuli orangutans. See p4-p7 to adopt a chimp, gorilla or orangutan and help care for apes.

Happy birthday Ngamba!

We expose suffering and work to end exploitation

While the 20th anniversary of Ngamba Island, a Born Free-supported sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees in Uganda, is a cause for celebration, it is also a stark reminder of how much work needs to be done to stem domestic and international trade in live apes. To combat this Born Free also supports the EAGLE Network (Eco Activists for Governance and Law Enforcement), which works to apprehend

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is celebrating their 20th anniversary – two decades of rescue and protection, since we helped create the sanctuary in 1998. Ngamba Island is home to 49 chimpanzees, many kept as pets or confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade.

These intelligent, social animals have strong and complex bonds and individual personalities, much like humans.

Rehabilitation is gradual and delicate, especially when a chimpanzee has had a particularly traumatic past. Ngamba Island gives each chimp a new start – nursed back to health and living in a new family, in an expansive rainforest home.

Photos © Orangutan Foundation, R Griffiths/The Mirror, L Mathot/EAGLE, L Greengrass, A Gekoski/Caters News,

HOW MANY APES?* Humans ‘Least concern’ (~7.7 billion)

Bonobo ‘Endangered’ (15,000-20,000 although uncertain)

Chimpanzee Nigeria-Cameroon ‘Endangered’ (6,000-9,000) Eastern ‘Endangered’ (181,000–256,000) Central ‘Endangered’ (~140,000) Western ‘Endangered’ (18,000–65,000)

Gorilla Eastern ‘Critically endangered’ (Fewer than 5,000) Western Western lowland ‘Critically endangered’ (population unknown) Cross river ‘Critically endangered’ (250-300)

Orangutan Tapanuli ‘Critically endangered’ (800) Bornean ‘Critically endangered’ (57,400) Sumatran ‘Critically endangered’ (13,846) *Source IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

Bonobos are found only in DRC WINTER 2018 | THe BiG PiCTUre 23

These birds can never fly away, or experience the variety of a wild life.

WHY DOES A BIRD HAVE WINGS? Virginia McKenna explains her sense of helplessness and frustration at the lives endured by animals kept at Birdworld, Surrey.

A

s the years have passed, visiting a zoo has – for some reason – become even more of a challenge. I know, from experience, that I will leave the zoo with a heavy heart. In spite of the usual messages of ‘helping conservation’, the reality of life for the animals I see is in stark contrast from their true environments.

Birdworld was no different. I have always asked ‘why does a bird have wings?’ No chance of flying in most of the cages here. One particular row of cages, furnished with leafless branches, was especially depressing. Some visitors walked past, a few took a photo. The flamingo enclosure with its pool was,

24 cAPtiVitY | WINTeR 2018

I suppose, intended to resemble a fragment of Africa. It would need visitors to have a vivid imagination. These birds can never fly away, experience the variety and challenges of a wild life. The challenges here are always the same.

Information tells us that this place has 600 birds and 150 species. They also have rabbits (some subjected to ‘petting’ as a long queue of children await their turn to stroke them). Near the rabbits, in an open area, a large number of turkeys and chickens wandered around. I was aghast to see the backs of some were featherless, possibly as a result of aggressive pecking or relentless mating behaviour. Indeed, some wore ‘jackets’ to protect them.

There were other non-bird species – guinea pigs, mice, goats and, to my utter astonishment, reindeer. This ‘exhibit’ was almost the saddest of all.

Two animals in a compound, devoid of vegetation other than a heap of hay near the fence. I saw people pulling grass from outside and feeding one reindeer, which ate eagerly. This was, I believe, the female, who seemed to have a skin irritation as she was constantly nibbling her front legs and feet. Why are they there? Presumably for Christmas festivities.

And a happy time was had by all.

Our next experience was a talk in a tent.

The keeper worked with three animals in turn. First, a parrot stood on her arm and

CAPTIVITY lifted up its leg, and said ‘hello’. Rewards were given each time the bird did as it was asked. The second was a snake.

The keeper took it out of a sack and a similar routine took place – except that the snake was finally carried round the rows of people, who were invited to stroke it. I have a feeling the snake experienced some relief when it was returned to the sack. Finally, a beautiful little owl, who dutifully flew about the tent to various points where it was given a treat. The information we were given about these animals was interesting, but learning about their wild lives was in stark contrast to the reality of their captive existence.

We left through the extensive gift shop and then entered ‘Underwater World’ – a long row of small glass-fronted tanks with a few fish, swimming endlessly from side to side. They included freshwater species from Amazon streams and African lakes, as well as mini crocodiles.

Some had a few stones and rocks and plants, but in no way could these tanks be considered ‘large’. Far from home in every way, although we were informed that children learn better seeing animals in ‘the natural environment, right in front of their eyes’. A strange way to describe a small glass-fronted tank.

It is stated that Birdworld supports a number of conservation programmes in the wild. Forests, butterfly meadows and the monitoring of wild birds. No one can criticise that. And people can donate to those projects. I just hope they remember the high price the captive birds pay on behalf of their wild friends.

You can help We have written to East Hampshire District Council to express our concerns. Please send your reports of zoo suffering to our team at www.bornfree.org.uk/report.

I watch the penguins in their small pool

One row of cages was especially depressing

Rabbits endure endless petting

I was aghast to see the chickens

TripAdvisor reviews: ‘The range of small old-fashioned aviaries for parrots is very grim’ ‘The whole place felt really unloved, really dirty’ ‘It doesn’t feel right looking at caged birds. Would not go again’

A child feeds a lorikeet

The reindeer constantly nibbled her feet

Virginia McKenna OBE Co-Founder & Trustee Photos © S Goddard/BFF, E Henderson/BFF, L Travers, A Gotts

WINTER 2018 | CAPtIVItY 25

MY

VIEW DOLPHINARIA

I have been to many zoos. Like

millions of people around the world, I grew up fascinated by animals.

I would visit a zoo once or twice a

year simply because I loved animals.

In 2009 I was fortunate enough to go to Tanzania, a trip which would

transform how I perceived captivity.

It was one animal in particular, a

leopard. This immaculate cat was fast asleep in a baobab tree without a

care in the world. Surrounded by its

natural environment – not a concrete post or wire fence in sight – the

leopard was free. It was a moment of clarity – as if seeing the species for the first time. But it wasn’t just this leopard. I was at last seeing a wild animal as nature intended.

The experience changed my life, and this is why the work of Born Free is so important. We must all work to

protect animals in the wild. Otherwise all that will be left will be individuals

in cages. These animals are not wild, but merely imitations of species

Sign our pledge There are thought to be at least 2,000 dolphins, more than 200 beluga whales, over 30 porpoises and 60 orcas (killer whales) held in captivity across the world. These individuals live in barren, restricted tanks, which contrast dramatically with the natural environment these intelligent, far-roaming animals are adapted for. Thankfully, after decades of our campaigning, a shift in public opinion has put change in motion. SeaWorld will no longer breed their orca. ‘Ocean sanctuary’ projects will launch next year to provide retirement homes for ex-captive dolphins, orcas and belugas.

The wave of change must remain strong, however, as obstacles still lie ahead.

Most concerning is the onslaught of new captive facilities in China, stocked with animals taken from the wild. In the last five years at least 70 dolphins have been sold after brutal wild capture in Japan to parks in China, while Chimelong Ocean World imported nine orca wild-caught

from Okhotsk sea in Russia. Up to 50 wild-caught orca are destined for captivity in China by 2025. Our work continues to show opposition to keeping these animals in tanks. Please choose not to buy a ticket, at home or abroad. Together we can send a global message that, as caring citizens, tourists and consumers, we no longer want to see this outdated cruel ‘entertainment’.

You can help Please pledge to never visit a dolphinarium. Sign and share – www.bornfree.org.uk/dolphinaria-petition.

Samantha Goddard Captivity Campaigns Officer samantha@bornfree.org.uk

which should be thriving in their natural habitat.

© L St John

Help send a clear message – dolphins and whales don’t belong in tanks

Matt Smithers Head of Marketing & Fundraising matt@bornfree.org.uk 26 CAPtIVItY | WINTER 2018

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

CAPTIVITY

YOUR REPORTS Please speak out Have you encountered a wild animal kept in poor conditions or being cruelly treated? Please don’t assume someone else will raise concern, or that nothing can be done to help. Without your voice, many animals in need would simply go unnoticed. Your reports provide so much valuable information about individual captive animals and the wider issues.

Over the years we have gathered nearly 20,000 public reports from around the world, plus many thousands of supporting photographs and videos.

Each report helps Born Free challenge authorities and decision-makers. But problems are so widespread, we can’t do it all on our own. Everyone who makes a report via our new online form receives information on what further action they can take. YOU can try to help the animals you’ve seen. Never underestimate the power just one personal email or letter could have. Please speak out. Don’t let captive facilities, individuals or travel companies get away with it.

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

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

You speak out

EXOTIC PETS across Britain. Some are cared for at rescue centres, but animals are also found on farms, with entertainment companies, and – most shocking of all – kept as ‘pets’. It’s hard to believe, but people keep pet crocodiles, lions, tigers, venomous snakes – even an elephant, and these are just the animals kept legally that we know about! The law is outdated and must be radically changed, but we need your help. Help gather at least 10,000 signatures to get a government response on this issue. SG You can help Visit www.bornfree.org.uk/take-action to sign our petition.

“I saw a spider monkey from my hotel window in Mexico, tethered to a tree.

He is used as a photo prop with guests.”

Following concerns submitted by Born Free, the Mexican authorities are investigating.

“I discovered a two-yearold chimpanzee kept as a pet in Guinea-Bissau. Held in a small cage, he just looked into my eyes and reached out his hands.”

Born Free is working with contacts in Africa to try and rescue this chimp.

WINTER 2018 | CAPtIVItY 27

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

LEAP FOR FREEDOM Will Travers explains the Berlin Wall Effect and encourages us all to dream big, tell tales, tear down barriers and take part in a seismic transformation.

B

orn Free – two words heavy with meaning. The true story of Born Free is centred on the values of freedom, of choice, selfdetermination and individuality. Elsa the lioness, and George and Joy Adamson’s successful efforts to return her to the wild, encapsulate these values and speak as to why, perhaps above all else, freedom matters to us all so much. In 2008, Barack Obama, then running for President of the United States, was asked about the first film he saw as a child. “One of the first was Born Free,” he replied, “I remember that movie having an impact. I think I teared up at the end when they release Elsa.”

The elephant, lion, tiger, giraffe in the zoo cannot choose when to be inside or outside. They cannot choose what to eat, who they live with. They cannot even choose who to mate with. We deny them their freedom. Something we do to people who have gravely offended society. And without freedom it’s really not much of a life. For more than 30 years, Born Free has looked beyond the bars. One story brought us into being, 28 PrESIdEnt’S PErSPECtIVE | WINTER 2018

guides us every day. The story of the last female African elephant, Pole Pole, at London Zoo. Her horrendous capture from the wild in 1968. Her short, increasingly miserable life in the zoo and premature death in 1983. Her story was front page news and inspired the creation of our charity.

The stories we tell can make all the difference. Once in a while, something happens that moves the issue on, not incrementally but dramatically. I call it the Berlin Wall Effect. Those of us old enough to remember will recall the feeling of utter hopelessness when confronted with the reality of the Berlin Wall, a massive, gun-encrusted physical barrier, separating a nation, dividing families and friends. It seemed a permanent fixture in our lives. And then, in November 1989, it was gone – in a few short days. The images around its demise are legend.

So it is sometimes with wildlife. The keeping of orca like Tilikum in captivity by mega-wealthy United States marine parks seemed a form of wild animal exploitation likely go on forever. Then a film called

Blackfish was released and everything changed. Compelling, truthful, persuasive – watched by millions. Visitor numbers plummeted, SeaWorld’s profits slashed, the CEO resigned – twice. Who would have thought? The Berlin Wall Effect.

Who would have thought the story of a lion called Cecil, the illegally trophyhunted lion, would release such a backlash? Intrigue, corruption, cover-up.

The death of a magnificent, iconic lion, loved by millions. The demonstrations, an outpouring of public grief by people many thousands of miles away from the crime scene. The Berlin Wall Effect.

And who would have thought that a book and a film, over half a century old, about a lioness and her return to a wild free life, would have started a movement which grows larger every day, as people everywhere turn to Compassionate Conservation as a vision of the future they wish to see. Now everyone wants to make the next Born Free, The Cove, Blackfish, Blood Lions, Racing Extinction, Gods in Shackles, Before the Flood, The Last Animals. The light bulb has exploded.

These true stories grip the public imagination, expose the shocking, uplift the spirit and create the momentum for change.

Š Shane Keena Photography

These films and documentaries grip the public imagination, expose the shocking, uplift the spirit and create momentum for change. People are willing to make them, investors willing to back them, networks willing to broadcast them.

There are more extraordinary stories to tell, that will cause many to reflect on our relationship with the natural world, reject the exploitation of its treasures, and embrace the protection of wildlife in the wild, where it belongs. We must be alert to opportunities to change the world. We must keep our eyes and ears open, dream big, tell the stories that matter and be part of the Berlin Wall Effect. For stories can break down walls. There has been a lot of talk about walls and borders. In my view, the only good wall is

the one that you tear down. Only then will we release our creativity and our compassion. Only then will we bring our divided world closer together. Only then will the spirit of Elsa, Cecil and Tilikum guide us towards securing a safe, wild and free future for all life on earth.

You can help Are you creative and compassionate? Like to change the world? Please get in touch!

Will Travers OBE President will@bornfree.org.uk

You can help consign tanks to the history books

WINTER 2018 | PrESIdEnt’S PErSPECtIVE 29

© www.georgelogan.co.uk

EDUCATION Education is the cornerstone upon which our future is built. Whatever path we decide to take as individuals, we have a joint responsibility to our planet and the wildlife we share it with. So at Born Free we don’t just seek to engage with current and future conservationists or vets, but also builders, football players, teachers, hoteliers and many, many more. Each of us has a part to play.

Visit www.bornfree.org.uk/education to learn about our work including teaching resources and Wild Crew – our free club perfect for curious kids who love the wild!

Laura Gosset Head of Education laura@bornfree.org.uk 30 EdUCAtIOn | WINTER 2018

NEW FACE

RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS Democratic Republic of Congo Our Global Friends’ support enabled Pole Pole Foundation to take students into Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Despite living just a few miles away, the local community never get to see the park’s eastern lowland gorillas.

We have welcomed David Bolton to our global team, as UK Education Officer.

David believes a “communal sense of stewardship can be built from engaging, relevant and thought-provoking education.

We need to inspire curiosity and fascination about the natural world. Protecting the environment is everyone’s duty and education plays a key role in creating societal change. We can empower young people to take responsible action.”

UK Virginia McKenna and Laura were delighted to meet Sofia and Holly who raised an amazing £426 for King (p8).

The sisters heard about our young lion during a Born Free talk at Farlington School prize day.

EDUCATION

I was blessed to see Zambia’s beautiful wildlife

© G MacFadyen

TRULY ZAMBIAN Million Genta, Ensessa Kotteh’s Education Officer, and I recently visited the Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust in Zambia to learn from their experienced team.

After two days’ travelling we arrived at Mfuwe Airport to be welcomed by Co-Founder Anna Tolan and the energetic youth from Chipembele Nature Club. “The welcoming atmosphere was incredible” explained Million. “The stunning sunset looked on, sharing its smile. Students’ songs stuck in our minds as they sang ‘down... down’. There was an unstoppable energy.”

During our 10-day visit we were introduced to Chipembele staff, their facilities and the work of the organisation, and learnt how they have developed such a successful education programme over 20 years. We were delighted to deliver a lesson at a local school on the work we do in Ethiopia, and about our native wildlife and the challenges it faces. It was a great experience for us, especially seeing how the Chipembele team encourages the students. This was not a standard ‘teaching-learning’ atmosphere, it was so entertaining watching the happy children dance and sing conservation songs.

As we develop our education work in Ethiopia, understanding what other organisations are doing and learning from them helps us to design a more successful programme.

Conservation education is absolutely essential for the long-term preservation of Ethiopia’s wildlife and environment.

I was really blessed to see the dramatic Zambian landscapes and wildlife, and meet the delightful, peaceful people. South Luangwa National Park must be one of the most beautiful and diverse wilderness areas in the world. It was such an honour to get an opportunity to meet and learn from educators from this country in the heart of southern Africa.

Bereket Girma Ensessa Kotteh Centre Manager Ethiopia

What a joy to meet Anna and her Nature Club kids

WINTER 2018 | EDUCATION 31

© www.tigersintheforest.co.uk

OVER TO YOU YOUR PHOTOS Thank you to Mike Vickers for his glorious image of a tiger in India.

Giraffes

By Richard Bonfield Have you seen The leaf eating flowers The beautiful lolloping Tangerine towers Balletic fork-lifts With cumulus brains That glimmer across The African plains To nibble the sunset Like curious cranes Then perfume the evening Like love after rain?

YOUR RAFFLE Animals are under threat from ruthless poachers, who kill elephants for ivory and rhinos for horns.

Brave rangers fight to keep species safe and with your help they’ve got the ultimate weapon – a ‘Dragon’! These autogyros help rangers monitor extensive areas and battle the brutal wildlife trade. Every ticket you buy will help.

Closes 12th April 2019 Enter online at www.bornfree.org.uk/raffle or call 01403 240170 for tickets.

£1 per ticket £2,000 cash prizes

Keep me safe

YOUR STUFF

© www.geoorgelogan.co.uk

The care team at our rescue centre in Ethiopia need: • A laptop – animals are monitored daily so its great to record data and share updates • Chargers for AA & AAA rechargeable batteries – batteries are in constant use, eg torches for night patrols and camera traps to monitor local wildlife Visit bornfree.org.uk/wishlist for our full list, all items in good condition and delivered to our Horsham office please. Contact Tarnya on 01403 240170 or via email tarnya@bornfree.org.uk – thank you!

32 OVER TO YOU | WINTER 2018

Our orphan hyena Agatami

© www.geoorgelogan.co.uk

YOUR POEMS

YOUR FUNDRAISING

YOUR FEEDBACK Star letter George Adamson was inspirational.

Born Free was the first film I saw and I loved it. My dad was lead violinist of John Barry’s orchestra, who made the music for the film. I still have Virginia McKenna’s signed photo!

Mel Webber

Mass vaccination has proven cheaper than the cruel badger cull. What’s the point of giving a species protection by law only to overturn it when it suits us?

Star fundraiser Superstar Nola Hutchison is only five but raised £130 climbing Ben Nevis with mum Lucy – reaching a height of 800m.!

You can help See www.bornfree.org.uk/ fundraising for a full list of fundraisers and our online fundraising pack, or contact joanne@bornfree.org.uk.

Susan Driscoll

I worked with captive gorillas for many years. The sadness and depression in their eyes became too much for me, but thankfully our silverback had passed away before I left. Finally free from that misery of kids banging on the glass.

Yvonne McCann

Why would you keep wild animals for pets? There are so many wonderful options for truly domesticated pets (p27).

Maria Welsh

Nine-year-old Bee Travers (right) and Daisy Ward, seen here with super-supporter Caroline Watson, raised £575 selling beautiful, hand-crafted candles and bracelets.

Good luck to big cat champion Gareth James Legg, trekking Mount Kilimanjaro AND Everest base camp to raise funds.

Visit trekforbigcats.com to support him.

Six-year-old Thea Caine’s Mini Great North Run with dad Paul raised £1,040.

Ben and Nicky Neale’s Himbleton Cricket Club family fun day raised £1,000.

Lucy Shackell raised nearly £1,500 with a challenging trek in Nepal.

Thanks to Jess Simmons for raising £75 through her yoga classes.

Wonderful news that it’s time to unleash the Dragon (see Your Raffle p32).

Rangers are all real life heroes!

Cara Gilboy

I was devastated by the news of my beloved Roque passing away. Thank you for the years of joy you gave him, just letting him be a tiger in his natural surroundings (in India). I have loved being his adopter.

Michelle Mawby

See p8 to adopt your own tiger.

GET IN TOUCH Which article made an impact? Got a favourite project or animal? Send your thoughts, photos and poems to Celia Nicholls, Editor, Wildlife Times, Born Free Foundation (address p3) or email celia@bornfree.org.uk

WINTER 2018 | OVER TO YOU 33

HEROES

WILDLIFE

Your chance to meet remarkable Born Free people and be inspired by their passion for the wild.

Celebrated actress and national treasure, Joanna Lumley OBE is absolutely fabulous! She’s famed for her acting, but behind the scenes works closely with countless charities including those opposed to the exploitation of animals. Joanna is Born Free’s Founder Patron and has worked with our charity since we began. With the late Ronnie Corbett, she attended our first fundraising event held in a London pub in 1984.

The evening raised about £50.

Since those humble beginnings, Joanna has attended many more Born Free events, and has travelled across the world to see our projects in action. So why has she supported us for so long?

“Because I believe in all that you stand for: respect and gentleness with animals, and steely opposition to all forms of cruelty and exploitation,” Joanna explains. “I loved our trip to Kenya to relocate six Rothschild giraffes to start a new breeding colony in a different part of the country.”

Joanna’s unbridled enthusiasm and optimism ensures she will remain a powerful voice and keep fighting for wild animals everywhere.

“There is always something you can do which makes life better for someone or something or someplace else,” she explains. “Sometimes it is so disappointing struggling on, and your spirits sink to zero when you hear of a new and hideous atrocity towards wild animals, indeed to any animals. But a change is in the air, both for better and for worse. Specious arguments will be paraded to show why it’s necessary to kill or capture or maim wild animals.

Have none of it!”

“Great changes can suddenly happen,” Joanna adds. “Ivory and rhino horn may suddenly go out of fashion, animal parts will be seen to be the refuge of the charlatans and quacks, fake fur will suddenly be recognised as better than dead animals, and the terrible trade in

With fire in our hearts we shall never give up. We will speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

34 WILDLIFE HEROES | WINTER 2018

live animals captured in the wild for human amusement might cease on the midnight hour. We have to be optimistic though, and never stop believing that we can change the world.”

Joanna’s unwavering commitment to the cause, and her sheer determination to carry on, makes her a true wildlife hero.

“With ice in our veins and fire in our hearts we shall never give up,” she promises. “The world belongs to all living things and we must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

Joanna was speaking to Beth Brooks Find out more Visit www.bornfree.org.uk/wildlifeheroes to meet other incredible Born Free heroes.

All prices

CHRISTMAS

include UK P&P

COLLECTION Our fantastic NEW range of Born Free cards and gifts.

All merchandise raises funds to save and protect wild animals, and 100% of our profits help wildlife!

Silver charm bracelets and charms

Large lion charm bracelet £55

Giraffe charm £23

Small lion charm bracelet £45

Elephant charm £23

2019 Calendar £12

Christmas cards

Rhino charm £23

Born Free hoodie Land of the Snow Tiger

Tote bags £8 each

George, Boy & Christian

Men £25 Black and Steel grey Women £25 Black and Heather grey Kids £19 Sapphire and Heather grey

Two Bears

Lion photo mug £11.99

Zebra scarf £17

21 x 14.5cm.

Pack of 10 + envs £7 per pack

To order and for our full range visit give.bornfree.org.uk/shop

EVENTS 24th November 2018 Burton Albion Pirelli Stadium Burton on Trent Join Virginia McKenna, dinner dance in aid of Born Free.

Born Free’s 35th Anniversary Special events 2019 Join us as we mark 35 years of working for wild animals in need. Details coming soon!

14th April 2019 Brighton Marathon Fundraise for Born Free if you have your own place.

28th April 2019 Virgin London Marathon Join our gallant ‘Run Wild’ squad and fundraise for Born Free!

Find out more Visit www.bornfree.org.uk/events or contact joanne@bornfree.org.uk or call 01403 240170.

NEW for 2018 Timtom the orangutan An adorable orphan, she was kept illegally as a pet. Nine months old when rescued, she’s being rehabilitated at a reserve in Borneo.

ADOPT FOR CHRISTMAS We’ve got Christmas covered! Adoption makes a unique, personalised present. Give the gift in a million that really cares.

Gorgeous gift pack and free cuddly toy

JUST£3 PER MONTH

Play a vital role. Adopt a real animal and transform a life.

Elsa’s Pride

Jaguar Family

This glorious wild family, including young cubs, lives in Meru National Park in Kenya.

Help keep them safe from poachers.

These awe-inspiring big cats live wild in Argentina’s forests.

Help ensure their future, stop poaching and keep their home safe.

Gopal the tiger

King the lion

Rescued after coming into conflict with people, magnificent Gopal lives at our tiger sanctuary in India. Help provide his lifetime care.

A terrified cub when rescued, playful King now enjoys life at our rescue centre in South Africa. Help provide good food and loving care.

Orangutan Foundation, Tom Stables Photography, tigersintheforest.com, Wildlife SOS, F Fortuna/BFF

To adopt call 01403 240170 or visit www.bornfree.org.uk/save-a-life