2024 ANNUAL REPORT
AT A GLANCE
RESCUED three monkeys from the pet trade and rehomed them to our primate sanctuary.
ADVOCATED for the passage of three federal bills to fight captivity, trapping, and fur trade.
PROVIDED 137 veterinary health checks and procedures at our primate sanctuary.
FUNDED the recovery of two dogs who were seriously injured in traps.
SUPPORTED the rescue of 626 turtles and 36 grey parrots illegally trafficked in West Africa.
MENTORED more than 60 wildlife enforcement officers in investigation techniques.
PUBLISHED a book, a report, and species guides to promote animal welfare and push for positive change.
LAUNCHED a youth council to empower young leaders to work for animal welfare and conservation in their communities.
WILDLIFE WELFARE & ADVOCACY
In the U.S., animals are treated as commodities or entertainment, driving lucrative industries such as killing contests and trophy hunting. Despite evidence against it, captivity, including in zoos, is deemed conservation.
Over the next three years, Born Free USA aims to be a catalyst for positive change for wild animals by disrupting the exploitation of wildlife and promoting animal welfare.
Launching a Nationwide Youth Council
We believe that young people are not just future leaders in animal welfare and conservation, but have the talent, drive, and understanding to lead efforts for change right now. In August, we established our first council of people between the ages of 10 and 18 to help guide and inform our work with young people, develop and deliver self-led campaigns for animals and the environment, and to receive training and mentorship opportunities to hone leadership skills for now and in the future.
From Harm to Healing
In September, a new book, From Harm to Healing, which shares the stories of eight of our primate sanctuary residents rescued from the pet trade, was published by Lantern Publishing & Media. With photographs by Spanish photographer, Ruth Montiel Arias, and words by Born Free’s Liz Tyson, the book will reach new audiences with the message that primates should not be kept as pets.
Helping Trapping Victims
We helped two dogs who were injured by traps receive treatment through our Trapping Victims’ Fund this year. Doug was caught in a leghold trap and was found with his front paw "hanging by a thread,” which required amputation. Posie, a labradoodle, was caught in a leghold trap and suffered a massive wound, which cut to the joint on her leg. She required a five-hour emergency surgery. Both dogs are now recovering with their families.
Advocating for the Passage of Pro-Wildlife Federal Bills
In 2024, Born Free USA advocated for the passage of three crucial federal bills that would protect animals from captivity and trapping and protect public health from the threat of pandemic diseases.
The Captive Primate Safety Act is a critical bill that would ban the private possession of primates in the U.S., effectively shutting down the trade in primates as pets. In June, Born Free USA CEO, Angela, our lobbyist, Jenn Place, and two former “pet” monkey owners, Melissa and Erica, advocated for a ban on primates as pets on Capitol Hill. Melissa and Erica shared with lawmakers their firsthand experience of purchasing and caring for monkeys, including the being attacked, before making the compassionate decision to rehome them to our sanctuary.
The Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act would ban body-gripping traps – including steel-jaw leghold traps, Conibear traps, and strangulation neck snares – within our National Wildlife Refuge System: public, protected lands set aside to be a safe haven for our native wildlife including more than 380 threatened or endangered species.
The Mink: Vectors for Infection Risk in the United States Act (the Mink VIRUS Act) seeks to protect public health and safety by implementing a oneyear phase-out period of all domestic mink fur farms, and a program to compensate farmers as they transition out of the fur farming industry. Born Free USA explored the dangers fur farms pose to public health in our report, Risky Business, published this year.
Posie while recovering from her trapping injuries.
CEO Angela with former pet monkey owners in D.C.
PRIMATE SANCTUARY
Pablito: From Laredo Street
to Sanctuary Home
Pablito is a young rhesus macaque who was found running around the streets of Laredo, Texas. The little monkey was struck by a vehicle and suffered severe head wounds. Incredibly, he not only survived, but he made a full recovery. Since his arrival in March, he has been living with long-term resident, Dawkins, and has recently been joined by Oliver, another rhesus macaque who has been cared for at the sanctuary for many years. The three friends now spend their days in content companionship.
Planning for a New Veterinary Clinic and More
Since assuming sanctuary operations in 2007, Born Free USA has made significant investments in upgrading enclosures to prioritize the safety and well-being of the monkeys under our care. With the improved layouts, natural vegetation, newly built enrichment structures, and shelters from extreme weather, enclosures are optimized for comfort, freedom of movement, and enjoyment. However, the modular buildings we inherited that serve as spaces for veterinary care, administration, food storage, and staff housing have now surpassed their usable lifespan. This year, our team worked diligently to develop a comprehensive Master Plan, designed to enhance the care we provide for our residents and ensure a sustainable future for our sanctuary.
GLOBAL WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Human activities are triggering a global extinction crisis, particularly affecting areas rich in biodiversity, such as West Africa, where wildlife crime is devastating ecosystems and species. Born Free USA is the only NGO that partners with all 15 West African nations to promote wildlife conservation.
Over the next three years, Born Free USA aims to address the biodiversity and extinction crises by combating wildlife exploitation and expanding our conservation impact.
Supporting National Strategies to Combat Wildlife Crime
Wildlife crime is having a devastating, and possibly irreversible, impact on biodiversity, ecosystems, and wildlife species in West Africa. Countless species, including elephants, lions, and pangolins, have uncertain futures due in large part to wildlife trafficking.
And, the damage of wildlife crime is not limited just to the natural world. The perceived high reward and low risk associated with wildlife trafficking make it attractive to organized criminal groups, which also take part in human trafficking, drug trafficking, and other nefarious activities that harm human communities. In addition, ecosystem destruction and the threat of zoonotic diseases endanger economic activity and human health and safety.
West African governments rightly consider wildlife crime an urgent priority and Born Free USA has been working with governments in the region to develop National Wildlife Crime Strategies for each nation. In 2024, ten West African countries (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo), successfully carried out need assessment workshops that enabled national institutions to discuss and draft national strategies. Although some countries are still in the process of validating their strategies, Benin, The Gambia, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo have already officially published theirs. Born Free is the convening NGO for these efforts and has provided direct support regionally as well as to each country from inception to validation to implementation.
Mentoring Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Forces in West Africa
Once West African nations develop and validate their National Wildlife Crime Strategies, each nation is responsible for building a Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force to implement the strategy. Born Free USA has been supporting Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Forces with a mentoring program, allowing officers to seek guidance on enforcement matters.
In 2024, in Benin, task force operations intercepted 626 live freshwater turtles. The turtles were discovered hidden in plastic bags in the back of a vehicle travelling from Nigeria. Thanks to support from Born Free USA and supporters, these turtles were released back into the wild.
Thanks to Born Free USA supporters and local NGOs, hundreds of trafficked turtles were released back into the wild.
Celebrating Four Years of Partnership with the West Africa Biodiversity
and Low Emissions Development Project
December 2024 marks the end of a four-year partnership with the West Africa Biodiversity and Low Emissions Development (WABiLED) project, a USAID-sponsored program. Over that period, Born Free USA, as an implementing partner, has supported West African countries in implementing the regional West Africa Strategy on Combating Wildlife Crime, through the development of National Wildlife Crime Strategies and Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Forces. Born Free USA also trained 513 law enforcement officers as well as judges and prosecutors, from 13 West African nations, over a total of 124 training days.
“Initially, my knowledge of wildlife laws and regulations governing forest reserves in Ghana was limited. However, after participating in specialized training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges focused on combating wildlife crime, I have gained vast and comprehensive knowledge on how to adjudicate such cases. This training has significantly enhanced my ability to address wildlife offenses effectively.
“Member of the Ghana National Wildlife Crime Task Force
WITH THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
Wildlife Champions - $5,000+
Dr. Dan Briggs
Rhoda Christopher
Tim and Linda Conely
Geralyn Gulseth
Jampo Fund
Louise Linton
Mary Love
Jeanine McNeill
Sandra Moss
Mary O'Hearn
Beth Ryans
Waldemar Sadowinski
Morris Shafter
Roger and Phyllis Sherman
Vicki Ward
Elsa’s Legacy Circle - Planned Gifts
Bernard and Angela Harr Trust
Bernard Bates Legacy Trust
Charles and Audrey Faust Foundation
Donald L. Clark Charitable Fund
Estate of Alexander Gall
Estate of Daphne Eitel
Estate of Elaine
Estate of Gloria and Leon Munson
Estate of James and Leon Melton
Estate of Janet Camill
Estate of June Ash
Estate of Linda Furlano
Estate of Margaret Otto
Estate of Margaret Seneshen
Estate of Sadie Evelyn Lynn and Leon Rasmussen
Estate of Shraon A. Briggs
Estate of Virginia Wilcox
Estate of Zuma Raybun Herring
Nancy Wood Holmes Trust
Ouida Mundy Hill Memorial Fund
The John Howard Tyler Trust
Trust of Marcia Moore
Wildlife Protectors - $1,000 - $4,999
Patricia Ampfer
Bachenheimer Family Foundation
Judy Baker
Darlene Barger
Michael and Tanya Bauer
Corry Bazley
John and Kathy Bernhardt Animal Friends Fund
Roy Brady Jr.
Fred and Maxi Bruhns Foundation
Sally Davidson
Larry and Patricia Egger
Carla Filgas
Alison Fox
Robert J Garbacz
Michelle Gardineer
Carol Gertz
Marcia Gnagey
Angela Grimes
Grisanti Mcleod Family Fund
GSLW Fund
Thomas Gunderson
Jody Gurin
Jose-Carlos Gutierrez-Ramos & Sandra
Schieferl
June Heilman
Herman Support Foundation
Jayaweera Manonitha
Carolyn and James Key
Jeanie & Murray Kilgour
Carolyn Kleefeld
Eric Kurtzman
Mr. Richard S. Petretti and Mrs. Lola E. Langner
In memory of Susan Lock
Barbara Magin
Valerie Marini
Martin Family Fund
The Janis and Alan Menken Foundation, Inc.
Nancy Morgan
Erika Norwood
Geoffrey F Peters
Brandy Powers
Santos Ramirez
Donna Rasmussen
Denise Rempe
Kelly Richey
John Rodger
Susan Rowinski & John Epperson
Pam Schiller
Ralph Schwarz
Debra Shearer
All About Animals, Inc.
Chris and John Sommerdyke
Carole Sorensen
Cynthia Thomas
Jade Tinnin
Gordon and Diana Tracz
Denise Turner
Helena Van Dierendonck
Elizabeth Walker
Lorraine and Jack Walker Fund
Gordon Kent and Carolyn Bell Walker Family Trust
Scott Wallace
Georgiana White
Cindy Wilburth
Alana Willroth
Deborah Wilson
John Wood
Lily Young
Foundation Partners
Ahimsa Foundation
American Anti-Vivisection Society
Annenberg Foundation
Burt Family Foundation
Gerald B. Shreiber Foundation
Head and Heart Foundation
James A. "Buddy" Davidson Charitable Foundation
Joselow Foundation
Josephine Peiser Charitable Foundation
Julius L. and Libbie B. Steinsapir Family Foundation
Leslie L. Alexander Foundation
Leuthold Family Foundation
Milo W. Bekins Foundation
Narayan Family Foundation
Summerlee Foundation
Global Conservation Partners
Corporate Partners
Alison Larkin Presents
Carol House Furniture
Charity Gift Certificates
Morgan Lewis
Mudpuppy
Orange Orchard
Government Partners
USAID
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Memberships
EarthShare 1% for the Planet
Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Benin
Ministry of Environment and Fisheries Resources, Burkina Faso
Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Cabo Verde
Ministry of Water and Forests, Ivory Coast
Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Gambia
Forestry Commission, Ghana
Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Guinea
Ministry of Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Guinea Bissau
Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Liberia
National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority – NaFAA, Liberia
Ministry of Environment, Sanitation and Sustainable Development, Mali
Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Desertification, Niger
Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria
Department of Water, Forests, Hunting and Soil Conservation, Senegal
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, Sierra Leone
Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources, Togo
OUR BOARD AND STAFF
Board of Directors
Sean Cassidy - Board Chair
Rebecca Torrey - Vice Chair
Jessica Nelson - Board Secretary
Dr. Daniel Briggs - Treasurer
Staff
Angela Grimes - Chief Executive Officer
Noelle Almrud - Associate Sanctuary Director
Kathleen Johnson Jennings, DVM - Veterinarian
Karen Lauria - Communications Director
Gita Matlock - Chief Development Officer
Alice Stroud - Director of Global Conservation Programs
Dr. Elizabeth Tyson - Director of Animal Welfare and Advocacy
Rebecca Bailey - Primate Caregiver
Manisha Chaudhari - Bookkeeper
Kathryn Conway - Primate Sanctuary Manager
Wendy Coonrod - Advancement Officer
Honorary Council Members
Corry Bazley
Eric Bear
Rocky Duwani
Louise Linton
Ellen O’Connell
Tony Saxton
Charles Seibert
Ginny Tranchik
Jane Lodato - Board Member
Michael Reyner - Board Member
Will Travers - Co-Founder and Board Member
Dr. Joyce Wagner - Board Member
Suzanne Emerson - Individual Giving Manager
Daniel Hawkins - Facilities Manager
Sydney Hearst - Digital Marketing Manager
Joel Jackson - Primate Caregiver
Jordyn Pinnock - Primate Caregiver
Holly Roberts - Primate Caregiver
Reynaldo Sanchez - Maintenance Supervisor
Ameerah Sanders - Executive and Operations Assistant
Spencer Schading - Primate Caregiver
Devan Schowe - Campaigns Associate
Rebecca Strunc - Development Coordinator
Kyliegh Viano - Lead Primate Caregiver
FINANCIALS
Born Free USA United with Animal Protection Institute
Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2024
