Tethered, trapped, and fighting to fly Page 1
Elephants deserve better - and you’re making it happen Page 2
Your kindness in action Page 3
New Directors at Freedom for Animals Page 5
Festive campaign strikes again Page 6
Newinvestigationsatbirdofprey centres across the UK have revealed shockingneglectandcruelty.
Because of your incredible support and The Big Give matched funding challenge, our investigators have once again lifted the lid on the shocking cruelty taking place at bird of prey zoos across the UK.
We wanted you to be the first to know about this. The full report will be released next month, but we’re sharing this early update with you, our valued supporters, to keep you in the loop on the vital work you’ve made possible.
Our most recent investigation took us inside three centres, where an undercover volunteer spent
a week at each site. What they uncovered was heartbreaking:
• Enclosures often had no clean water, shelter, or enrichment
• Birds were kept hungry so they would perform in flying displays
• Although, since our 2018 investigation, some centres have reduced tethering, many birds are still tied down for hours, unable to fly or move freely, sometimes day and night
While the public saw polished “shows”, behind the scenes birds’ lives were dominated by confinement, control, and stress. Birds pulled at their tethers, tried to escape, and showed signs of anxiety and distress.
These conditions are not just cruel – they break animal welfare laws, yet inspections remain inconsistent and the cruelty continues.
But thanks to you, these birds are not forgotten. Together, we are turning evidence into action. Already, our findings are fueling our campaign for a permanent ban on the tethering birds of prey and to end the use of wild birds as props for entertainment.
Birds of prey are born to fly free, not to be tied down or starved for the sake of profit. With your continued support, we will fight until every last tether is cut.
You can help today by emailing DEFRA and demanding that they ban the tethering of ALL birds PERMANENTLY www.freedomforanimals.org.uk/ take-action-against-tethering-birds
Because of your compassion and generosity, Freedom for Animals has been able to bring together leading elephant experts and publish a groundbreaking new report: The Unnatural Lives of Elephants in Captivity: The Case of Dublin Zoo.
This powerful report, co-authored by Dr. Rob Atkinson, Dr. Andrew Kelly, and Dr. Keith Lindsay, shines a light on the immense suffering elephants endure in zoos and makes an urgent call for change.
The findings are heartbreaking, and the truth must no longer be ignored. Elephants in captivity suffer both physically and psychologically, they live shorter lives, and are robbed of everything that makes life worth living.
Using Dublin Zoo as a case study, the report reveals shocking animal welfare failings that reflect what is happening across the UK and Europe.
Read the full report here:
www.freedomforanimals.org.uk/elephant-report
Your support is driving this change forward. Because of you, we can hold zoos accountable, expose the industry’s cruelty, and call on governments in the UK and Ireland to finally commit to their promises - starting with an immediate ban on the breeding and importing of elephants into zoos.
But our work isn’t done yet. With your continued support, we can push harder than ever to end the keeping of elephants in zoos once and for all.
Thank you for standing with elephants. Together, we can give them the freedom they deserve.
Email DEFRA today demanding they end the keeping of elephants in zoos! www.freedomforanimals.org.uk/endelephants-in-zoos
Want to help animals in your area? We offer free campaign materials for anyone wanting to take action.
Whether that is outside your local zoo or aquarium, at a visiting mobile zoo near you, or if you want to run an information stall. Get in touch or order your leaflets and posters from our shop. www.freedomforanimals.org.uk/shop
YOU HAVE POWERED ALL THESE ACTIONS FOR ANIMALS IN 2025! YOU HAVE POWERED ALL THESE ACTIONS FOR ANIMALS IN 2025!
Thousands signed onto our online actions against animal suffering Thousands signed onto our online actions against animal suffering
thousands to stand up to animal cruelty thousands to stand up to animal cruelty EQUIPPED EQUIPPED
Joined other animal protection organisations signing joint letters calling for change
OVER 13,000
SIGNATURES
SIGNATURES
ACROSS PETITIONS
ACROSS PETITIONS OVER 13,000
for an end to cruel practices against animals in captivity
the UK’s worst zoo after years of campaigning
Investigated over 20 zoos, aquariums and mobile zoos, Investigated over 20 zoos, aquariums and mobile zoos,
Helped countless animals be heard and demanded freedom
Helped countless animals be heard and demanded freedom
JOINED WITH ELEPHANT EXPERTS TO WRITE NEW REPORT
100'S PLEDGED
Undertook second investigation into bird of prey centres not to exploit animals for fun
SPREAD OUR MESSAGE OF ANIMAL FREEDOM TO MILLIONS THROUGH THE MEDIA SPREAD OUR MESSAGE OF ANIMAL FREEDOM TO MILLIONS THROUGH THE MEDIA calling for an end to captivity have reached hundreds of thousands
CAMPAIGNED TO SECURE SANCTUARY FOR GENTOO PENGUINS HELD IN A BASEMENT AQUARIUM
CAMPAIGNED TO SECURE SANCTUARY FOR GENTOO PENGUINS HELD IN A BASEMENT AQUARIUM
Every one of us has the power to change the lives of animals. When we come together, small acts of kindness add up to something extraordinary. Whether you have a few minutes online, a spare afternoon, or the ability to give ongoing support, there are meaningful ways you can stand with us for animals.
• Join a protest – We can connect you with groups in your area taking action for animals
Adopt an Animal Today!
• Hand out leaflets – Help spread the word! We have free campaign materials available in our online shop
• Take action online – Add your voice by signing our petitions and online actions on our website
• Join us on social media – Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Bluesky to stay connected and share our campaigns with others
• Donate – Your generosity helps power our campaigns and fuels real change
• Become a Freedom Champion – Join our committed community of supporters driving long-term progress for animals
Together, we can build a kinder, fairer world for every animal - because their freedom depends on our actions.
Stand up for animals used in entertainment! From just £30 a year, your adoption will help fund campaigns to end captivity and create a brighter, freer future for all animals.
Each pack includes a welcome letter, adoption certificate, cuddly toy made from recycled bottles, species fact sheet, newsletters, stickers, and campaign materials, all beautifully packaged and ready to gift.
Choose your species today and make a real difference - because every adoption brings animals closer to freedom. www. freedomforanimals.org.uk/adopt-an-animal
This year has been one of change and growth at Freedom for Animals. Earlier in the year, we said farewell to Andrew as he moved on to new opportunities, and more recently, we have had to say goodbye to our long-time Campaigns Officer, Isobel McNally, who has taken the next step in her career. Both Andrew and Isobel have left a lasting mark on the charity, and we wish them the very best in their future journeys.
At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Isobel Bryant as our new Fundraising and Supporter Care Officer. Many of you may already have been in touch with her, and she has brought warmth and enthusiasm into her role.
Now, we are entering a new chapter — and it is our pleasure to introduce not a new face, but two familiar ones stepping up to lead the charity forward.
Laura Tomlinson and Laura Walton are now Co-Directors of Freedom for Animals, bringing shared passion, experience, and dedication to the role.
We are both very excited to be taking on this new role. Between us, we bring years of campaigning, leadership, and community engagement experience, as well as different skills and perspectives that complement each other. What unites us is our deep love for animals and our absolute belief in the mission of Freedom for Animals.
We also know this work is only possible because of you - our supporters. Your compassion and determination inspire us every day. We hope you will continue to stand with us as we campaign for freedom and a kinder future for animals everywhere.
With gratitude,
Co-Directors, Freedom for Animals
As the festive season approaches, our work takes on a special urgency. Across the country, animals are still being forced into cramped trailers, paraded under harsh lights, and placed in noisy crowds - all in the name of “holiday entertainment.” Whether pulling sleighs or standing motionless as props, these animals are denied dignity and freedom.
Because of your support, we are here to challenge this, and it’s working. Last year alone 278 events that once used animals chose to go animalfree - a powerful testament to the impact of this campaign. This is what can happen when compassionate people like you stand together.
This year, we are determined to build on that momentum:
• Our interactive map allows you to check for events using reindeer near you. Then you can contact organisers urging them to go animalfree
• You can also help by reporting any events you see advertised to us right away, so we can add to them to the map and write to the organisers
Each December more and more event organisers decide to embrace compassion, and celebrate without exploiting animals. That progress is only possible because of you. Thank you for ensuring that the holidays can be joyful for everyone— animals included.
Is there an event near you this Christmas? Report it to us so we can contact the event organisers and ask them to go animal-free. www.freedomforanimals.org.uk/report-afestive-event
A gift in your Will, no matter the size, can help protect animals long into the future. By supporting investigations, campaigns, and lobbying, you can ensure your compassion will live on. Your gift will not only provide essential resources, but also inspire others to challenge industries that profit from cruelty and exploitation.
To learn more, please contact Laura on 0845 330 3911 or email lauratomlinson@ freedomforanimals.org.uk. We also recommend speaking with a solicitor when making your Will. Thank you for considering this lasting act of kindness.
Save the date: 2nd - 9th December 2025
This year’s campaign - ‘Exposing Captivity –Animals’ Need for Freedom’, will focus on the zoo and aquarium industry, and we really hope that you are as excited about this as we are.
Thanks to The Big Give and a small group of incredible donors who have made pledges, we are able to offer a matched funding appeal in early December.
Zoos and aquariums often claim to have high welfare and conservation standards, but consistently fall short. This campaign uses our research and investigations to:
• Shift public views through outreach and media
• Expose legal failings
• Push to close publicly funded zoos
• Promote ethical alternatives
The challenge, which runs for a week at the beginning of December each year, is our chance to raise more money for animals in captivity - and the best part, we can DOUBLE donations gifted during the challenge week!
That means for every £10 donated we receive £20! And at no extra cost to you!
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to help animals! Get ready to donate on the 2nd December!
www.freedomforanimals.org.uk/biggive2025donate
(Note: Donations must be made via The Big Give (link above) between 12.00 2nd Dec - 12.00 9th Dec to be matched).
Become a Freedom Champion for animals, by setting up a monthly donation today.
Set up a hassle-free, monthly direct debit on our website: www.freedomforanimals.org.uk/freedomchampion
Or set up a standing order using the form provided.
Our Freedom Champions are at the forefront of everything we do. They help us to make plans in advance and be much more effective for animals. By setting up a monthly gift, of any amount of your choosing, you can become a Freedom Champion. You will fuel vital work all year round to help vulnerable and suffering animals.
Will you join us as a Freedom Champion today?
£5 a month could equip grassroots groups with materials to demonstrate outside of a zoo, turning customers away from cruelty
£10 a month will power our work with whistleblowers, uncovering the hidden truth of animal suffering
£20 a month could help fund an undercover investigation to expose the horrors of captivity and enable us to seek justice for animals
Your monthly gift will drive behind-the-scenes actions to help animals.
When you join us today you will receive our new Freedom Champion sign-up pack:
• A welcome letter
• Our funky Freedom Champion pin badge
• 15% off all of our merchandise
• Our supporter newsletter Release, twice a year
So please, visit www.freedomforanimals.org. uk/freedomchampion and join us as a Freedom Champion, or complete the standing order form included.
For too long animals have been exploited by people and companies who have stripped them of their rights and used them for whatever purpose they wish.
Together we can fight back and use our passion and determination to make a difference.
Until all are free!
Need to get in touch about anything else? Our new address is Piccadilly Business Centre, Unit C Aldow Enterprise Park, Manchester, M12 6AE. Or you can call us on 0845 330 3911, or email office@freedomforanimals.org.uk
You can update how you receive communications from us by visiting our website or emailing us at office@freedomforanimals.org.uk
