Wild Life Summer 2020 by BornFree

SUMMER 2020

GOODBYE TO

THE CIRCUS bornfree.org.uk

04 HAVE YOU HEARD? Top stories, wild news and reasons to be cheerful.

06 EACH ANIMAL COUNTS Upbeat tales about individual animals who matter.

LEOPARD RESCUE Two leopards rescued from failed zoo in South Africa.

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

We have been working to protect wild animals since 1984. Working alongside local communities, we manage or fund conservation and animal welfare projects in more than 20 countries worldwide. We also rescue vulnerable wild animals from appalling captive conditions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; releasing them back into the wild, or giving them lifetime care at our sanctuaries.

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

WELCOME

Charity No:1070906

WHY WE RESCUE

An interview with Born Free’s Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity

ANIMALS IN ISOLATION As we isolate, Virginia McKenna urges empathy for animals.

Dr Chris Draper.

DON’T BLAME WILDLIFE To stop pandemics, let’s stop selling

WE CAN SAVE THE RHINO Help this prehistoric species make a comeback in Kenya.

wild animals.

16 GOODBYE TO THE CIRCUS

A big top is no place for a big cat. Let’s transform four lion’s lives.

I hope you are safe and well. With everyone at Born Free, I want to start by sending admiration and thanks to our NHS and frontline responders, risking themselves to look after us. Our hearts go out to all who have lost a loved one. But, whether covid-19 came from a bat or a pangolin, let’s not blame animals or the natural world. This is a crisis of our own making. We must stop rampant exploitation of wildlife – and there’s no better place to start than by closing Far Eastern wildlife markets, which seem to sell almost any animal for food, pets and traditional medicine.

IT’S A WILD LIFE “I shoot tigers.” Meet wildlife photographer Mike Vickers.

A WARM

Welcome

BY WILL TRAVERS OBE

Born Free’s lifesaving work continues and Mowgli and Zeiss the leopards were rescued in the nick of time. You can help four lions say Goodbye to the Circus, while Dr Chris Draper sets out why a rescue is about individuals in need and so much more. Every animal matters, from our new Rhino Family to the wild lions you help keep safe in Meru, Kenya – where Born Free has its roots. There’s a multitude of virtual events and positive actions to take from home, to help us think beyond the daily diet of sad news. And afterwards? We simply can’t go back to business as usual. We must do things differently. Fly less, drive less, pollute less, waste less. Care more – for each other and for the creatures, wild and domesticated, who share our planet. The old saying is more true than ever. There is no Planet B. Virginia joins me in sending you sincere thanks and best wishes.

Executive President, will@bornfree.org.uk,

@willtravers Wild Life | Summer 2020

ANIMATION ACCOLADES Born Free’s hard-hitting animation The Bitter Bond, watched by millions online, has won three major awards. Telling the story of a captive lion born into South Africa’s brutal canned hunting industry, the tearjerker won People’s Voice at the world-leading Webby Awards – honouring internet excellence, and two UK Charity Film Awards. “These are great accolades,” said our Head of Marketing & Fundraising Matt Smithers. “Our thanks to each of you who voted, and to Engine and Zombie for creating such a powerful film.” Over 280,000 people have signed our petition calling on South African authorities to ban canned hunting.

EBO FOREST NEEDS YOU Born Free is campaigning to save Ebo Forest from logging – a haven for rare wildlife including gorillas, chimpanzee, forest elephant and red colobus in Cameroon. “This could set a frightening precedent for other Congo

Born Free is delighted to become the world’s first animal welfare charity to be accredited with the United Nation’s Carbon Neutral Gold Standard. “It’s a fantastic achievement,” said our Head of Sustainability Marc Gumbrill. “We’ve been working hard to minimise and offset our carbon footprint.”

WE’VE BEEN WORKING HARD TO MINIMISE AND OFFSET OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

basin protected areas,” said our Conservation Manager Dr Nikki Tagg. “Please help keep this beautiful, unique forest safe.” Visit bornfree.org.uk/ebo-forest-take-action

LEARNING TO FLY Limbe Wildlife Centre is set to return 123 rescued grey parrots to Cameroon’s tropical forests, aided by flight training in a large Born Free-funded aviary. Parrots are a popular pet and one of the world’s most trafficked animals, despite the United Nations outlawing trade.

HAVE YOU HEARD?

HELPING ANIMALS OR SAVING ZOOS?

Born Free has reacted to news that zoos in England will receive a £14m government fund to avert financial disaster in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. We believe these funds shouldn’t just prop up failing zoos, to drag out their inevitable collapse. It would be more responsible for struggling zoos to use the money to humanely rehome animals in their care.

CRIME-FIGHTING COALITION of wild animals, to the detriment of wildlife, and

HARRY PERCY AWARD WINNER

human health. Prompted by the coronavirus

Congratulations to Annabel Dolphin, winner of our

pandemic, the United Nations needs to establish

£5,000 Harry Percy Award for young wildlife filmmakers,

clear mechanisms to tackle this devastating trade

for her short film Don’t Badger Me. The film aims

and co-ordinate wildlife protection.

to demonstrate the true face of badgers and dispel

Born Free has co-founded a coalition calling for a global agreement to combat wildlife crime. Criminals make billions from the theft and sale

misconceptions about their behaviour.

FIVE FOXES RESCUED Born Free’s animal rescuer Tarnya Knight is providing round the clock care for a family of fox cubs, rescued when an old shed was dismantled in West Sussex, UK. “The foxes are growing fast and should be ready for release later in the summer,” said Tarnya. “Readers can help UK wildlife by disposing of rubbish carefully, leaving a wild garden area and not using pesticides.” Wild Life | Summer 2020

EACH ANIMAL COUNTS

HELP US GIVE THESE ANIMALS A LIFE FREE FROM HARM Visit bornfree.org.uk/adopt for your chance to adopt Chimanuka, The Cheetah Family or Chinoise.

EVERY ANIMAL IS UNIQUE AND, WHETHER BIG OR SMALL, DESERVES A LIFE FREE FROM HARM. TOGETHER, LET’S MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE FOR WILDLIFE, ONE INDIVIDUAL AT A TIME.

WE ARE SO HAPPY CHIMANUKA’S FAMILY HAS GROWN AGAIN

GORILLA SAFEHAVEN Chimanuka protects a large family of critically endangered gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo’s mountain rainforests. Less than 3,800 eastern lowland gorillas remain, so we are celebrating the news that Chimanuka has sired a new infant, bringing his family to over 20 females and offspring. “We are so happy Chimanuka’s family has grown again,” says Monitoring Officer Kizito Kakule. “He has a great reputation as a father.” Gorillas are killed for meat and curios, and their infants sold as pets but, supported by Born Free since 2000, park staff monitor and protect 14 groups in Kahuzi-Biega National Park with 169 individuals. Local people, including former poachers, are employed as rangers and gorilla numbers are now increasing.

EACH ANIMAL COUNTS

CHEETAH CUB RESCUE In March, just before Ethiopia went into lockdown, Born Free rescued two young cheetah from the illegal wildlife trade and gave them a lifetime home at our Ensessa Kotteh wildlife sanctuary. Wild animal trafficking is devastating populations with at least 300 cubs captured each year to be sold as luxury pets in Gulf states. Up to 70% die en route but, fortunately, the pair were seized by authorities. Undernourished, the male and female are thought to be siblings and just three months old.

“Despite their ordeal, the cubs are active and alert with a good appetite, but have a long road ahead,” said our Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity Dr Chris Draper. Our work continues to expose the illegal pet trade, apprehend dealers and campaign for tighter regulations.

AT LEAST

300

CUBS CAPTURED EACH YEAR

ORPHAN CHIMP COMMUNITY One solution to end captive animal exploitation is for zoos to transition into genuine sanctuaries. Limbe Wildlife Centre in Cameroon replaces a former zoo and is a vital refuge, especially for apes and other primates rescued from the bushmeat and pet trades. Supporting the centre since 2004, Born Free raises funds through an adoption for Chinoise, who was rescued when she was sold as a pet. An important day recently dawned, when seven-year-old Chinoise finally left the centre nursery to be introduced

to older orphans. “Chimp society is vital to an orphan’s well-being, but is very hierarchical,” explains our Animal Rescue & Care Manager Maggie Balaskas, “She was first introduced to Jack, the dominant male. He took a liking to Chinoise and is helping her integrate into the wider group.” Our work continues to combat the illegal bushmeat trade.

CHIMP SOCIETY IS VITAL TO AN ORPHAN’S WELL-BEING, BUT IS VERY HIERARCHICAL

Wild Life | Summer 2020

BEAR CUB 280 miles north west of Moscow, the Born Free-supported Orphan Bear Rescue Centre in Russia is hard at work, having rescued 18 cubs since January. Bear brothers Kuzya and Karel were just a week old and 700g when they arrived. They developed pneumonia but, fortunately, the Pazhetnovs – a pioneering family of biologists who run the centre –

are experts at caring for even the most fragile orphan.

Kuzya and Karel fought back, aided by a special milk formula. Bears do much better with companionship, as the warmth, smell and contact provide reassurance. The pair put on weight, their eyes opened, they learnt to walk and became playful. But, this is just the beginning of their incredible journey. The plan is to return them to an independent life in the wild.

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

Bear Brothers Kuzya and Karel

BEAR BROTHERS KUZYA & KAREL

A WEEK

OLD AND

700g

WHEN THEY ARRIVED 08

BEAR CUB DIARY

LEOPARD e u c s e R

In a dramatic emergency operation in March, Born Free rescued two leopards from a closed zoo in South Africa and brought them to our sanctuary in Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Racing against the clock before a covid-19 country lockdown, vet Dr Johan Joubert and Animal Care Manager Glen Vena made an 855-mile dash to collect Mowgli and Zeiss from Bloemfontein Zoo. The animals had been left to starve but, after a colossal group effort from a number of organisations and working with our friends at Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary and Bloemfontein SPCA, all of the animals – from jackals to jaguars – were rehomed. Our team sedated the leopards and loaded them into travelling crates for the journey to our big cat sanctuary. Mowgli is a rare melanistic leopard, also known as a black panther, with ebony spots on dark fur and is 18 months old. Zeiss is six years old. When they arrived, they were released into their night houses. “Zeiss is more confident and ran out as soon as the crate door was lifted. He was quick to tuck into his first meal, but Mowgli was more nervous,” explains our Animal Rescue & Care Manager Maggie Balaskas. “The team patiently waited and, eventually, he stepped out into his new world. The pair are now gradually acclimatising, although Mowgli remains quite timid for now.” Leopards are naturally solitary and, in separate, spacious enclosures, Mowgli and Zeiss can gradually learn to explore grass slopes, shady shrubs, indigenous trees and dense undergrowth. Big cats appreciate a good view of their surroundings, so trees and wooden platforms allow them to view neighbouring hills. Mowgli and Zeiss will never be able to fend for themselves, so will always rely on our care.

Wild Life | Summer 2020

“IT ALL WENT AMAZINGLY WELL,” DR DRAPER SAID AFTER WATCHING THEA, CERSEI, HORUS AND DADOU SETTLE IN. “I’M VERY HAPPY TO SEE THEM ENJOYING NATURAL VEGETATION UNDER THEIR FEET FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME. IT’S AN ABSOLUTE JOY TO SEE.”

ONE AT A TIME

The Lions of Lyon at Shamwari

Born Free never forgets each individual animal matters and we rescue and rehome a huge variety of species. Beth Brooks interviews Dr Chris Draper to find out why. If you watched our video of the Lions of Lyon exploring their new enclosure at our big cat sanctuary in South Africa for the first time, you would have seen a relieved, happy (and slightly tired) Dr Chris Draper. Dr Draper is Born Free’s Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity. He has worked at Born Free since 2004 and not only accompanied the lions from France to South Africa, but also made the decision to give them a lifetime home. “It all went amazingly well,” Dr Draper said after watching Thea,

AT BORN FREE, OUR MISSION IS TO WORK TIRELESSLY TO ENSURE THAT ALL WILD ANIMALS, WHETHER LIVING IN CAPTIVITY OR IN THE WILD, ARE TREATED WITH COMPASSION AND RESPECT AND ARE ABLE TO LIVE THEIR LIVES ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS

Cersei, Horus and Dadou settle in. “I’m very happy to see them enjoying natural vegetation under their feet for the very first time. It’s an absolute joy to see.” With moments like this, it’s easy to understand why Born Free rescues captive wild animals in need. We’ve rescued hundreds of individuals from appalling captive conditions and given them a new life in our sanctuaries, or partner sanctuaries. So, why do we go to so much effort to rescue individuals? And why can’t we rescue all the animals that need our help? “At Born Free, our mission is to work tirelessly to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs,” Dr Draper explains. “The individual has always been at the heart of our mission: from Elsa the lioness who was returned to the wild by Joy and George Adamson; to Pole Pole the elephant who was caught from the wild and died at London Zoo in 1983. Pole Pole is the reason why Born Free began as Zoo Check and why our captivity and animal welfare work remains key today. Every individual animal matters.” Wild Life | Summer 2020

King the lion was rescued from a cage in a Paris apartment

concerned supporters asking us to rescue emaciated lions from a zoo in Khartoum, Sudan, after their plight was reported by the international media. “It is often extremely difficult to act on some of the When Born Free is alerted to wild animals in need,

rescue requests we receive,” says Dr Draper. “More

we will do everything we can to help. Take King the

often than not, it’s because the captive animal is

lion, for example. He was confiscated by the French

legally owned and there may be no laws to enforce

authorities from a cage in an apartment in Paris, where

confiscation. In such cases, if the owner won’t

he was being kept as a pet, and placed at a temporary

voluntarily give up the animal, there is often little we

rescue centre, Natuurhulpcentrum (NHC), in Belgium.

can do, and our focus shifts to pushing for changes

Born Free was contacted by NHC who were nursing

in law. We also need to consider whether an animal

King back to health, to ask if we could give the cub

would receive veterinary and/or legal approval to travel,

a permanent home.

whether the owner will simply replace the animal when we’ve left, and whether it is safe for both the animal

“When NHC called, we knew we wanted to help,”

and our Rescue & Care team. Each situation we face

recalls Dr Draper. “However, to do this, we had to

is unique.”

first decide whether it was in King’s best interests to be relocated, the potential quality of life he would

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t rescue the lions in Sudan

have, whether we had space available for him and

directly. Instead, we reached out to our global contacts

whether, by relocating him, we could increase

and identified several key individuals in Sudan who

awareness of the issue of keeping wild animals as

could offer assistance. We also contacted officials in

pets. With King, the answer was yes to all of these.”

the UK government to ask them to lend their support. Happily though, we were recently able to rescue two

Sadly, we cannot always say “yes” to rescuing

leopards from Bloemfontein Zoo in South Africa,

every wild animal. There is an important but necessary

rescued from a similar situation and now living at

decision-making process Born Free follows to work

our sanctuary in Shamwari.”

out whether an animal can be given a new home. For example, in January we were contacted by many

ONE AT A TIME

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the Another important consideration

relocation of the lions, like King above.

is space. As well as our big cat sanctuary across two sites at Shamwari in South Africa, we have a dedicated Born Free Rescue Section at Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary. We also operate Ensessa Kotteh, our rescue and education centre in Ethiopia, which is home to many injured, orphaned or confiscated wild animals. “Sadly, there are a great many more animals in need of rescue than there are sanctuary spaces worldwide,” explains Dr Draper. “It is therefore vital we use precious sanctuary spaces not only to rescue animals in need, but to also highlight the problems facing captive wildlife.” “We will always try and release an animal back into the wild if we can, but in so many cases animals are physically compromised or have simply become too used to human contact and would therefore be unable to fend for themselves in the wild. That’s why

we give them lifetime care in a spacious, safe and natural environment.”

The Lions of Lyon in temporary care in France

Lack of space is also among the reasons why we

“In some ways, the Lions of Lyon are drops in the

don’t allow our rescued animals to breed. “We do

ocean,” Dr Draper says. “Of course, it means an

not want to add to the population of animals facing

enormous amount to them, and it means an enormous

a life in captivity,” says Dr Draper. “We need to keep

amount to us, but there are hundreds, if not thousands,

our precious sanctuary spaces for animals most

of wild animals in similar situations out there who still

needing rescue.”

need our help. Together, we can make a difference – one animal at a time.”

All of this goes some way to explaining why moments like the Lions of Lyon exploring their new home for the first time are so special. It’s the end of intense

Beth Brooks

behind-the-scenes activity that got them to that

Communications Manager

point: the reams of paperwork, veterinary and welfare

beth@bornfree.org.uk

assessments, travel permits, and months of planning to give four young cubs the best possible home.

IN SOME WAYS, THE LIONS OF LYON ARE A DROP IN THE OCEAN. BUT, TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE - ONE ANIMAL AT A TIME

Wild Life | Summer 2020

YOU CAN HELP

DON’T BLAME WILDLIFE

Take action to end cruel and unsanitary wildlife markets at bornfree.org.uk/coronavirus.

Global trade in wild animals for food, pets or medicine drives extinction and spreads disease. The coronavirus pandemic is a critical watershed, says Dr Mark Jones.

The crowding together of animals in small, often filthy cages, the mixing of different species, unhygienic and inhumane butchery, and the close proximity of people, create the perfect conditions for pathogens like the coronavirus that causes covid-19 to spread. The warning signs have been there for years. SARS, another coronavirus, was thought to have emerged from bats and civets in similar wildlife markets in 2002-2003, but although some markets were temporarily closed, they quickly re-opened once the epidemic subsided. Photos © Dr Jan Schmidt-Burbach

The lessons we should have learned were soon forgotten. The impact of SARS on human health

The coronavirus pandemic has caused physical, social

and global economy has been dwarfed by covid-19.

and economic disruption on an unprecedented scale.

We must learn those hard lessons this time. Wildlife

Covid-19 is a zoonotic disease that almost certainly

markets must be closed, for good. We must curb the

originated in wildlife, and spread to people at a food

relentless trade in wild animals. If we are to prevent

market in China where live wild animals are traded.

future pandemics and secure a future for wildlife

However, importantly, wildlife isn’t to blame.

and ourselves, we must reset our relationship with the natural world, and treat our planet and all its

The reasons zoonoses are so problematic lie in the way

inhabitants with a great deal more respect.

humans exploit wildlife. We have carved inroads into wild habitats, granting easy access to poachers, traders and traffickers who trade in wild animals as exotic foods,

Dr Mark Jones

traditional medicines, health tonics, pets or high-end gifts.

Head of Policy & Veterinarian markj@bornfree.org.uk

DON’T BLAME WILDLIFE

HAVE A GO FUNDRAISING

CAN YOU GO WILD? Whether out and about or based at home, you can raise funds for Born Free! From a sponsored garden assault course or patio fun run, to an online yoga class or cyber quiz, every pound you raise will help Born Free protect animals. We’ve created fundraising posters for you to download, including a new Goodbye to the Circus design.

With select lots under the hammer,

Both in their 90’s, super supporters

from a bottle of Bollinger signed by

Angela and Martin Humphrey have

Joanna Lumley, to a personalised

been walking 3km a day for two months

Cressida Cowell illustration and the

to raise funds to end live wildlife markets.

chance to name your own wild lion,

You can still support their epic effort at

our April auction raised £3,864.

justgiving.com/fundraising/goingbats

Virtually challenge yourself this October – how far is up to you, from 5K to 50K, even 500 miles! Enter online to raise funds for Ethiopian wolves – the world’s rarest canid. Find out more at bornfree.org.uk/challenges

You can help. To find out more visit bornfree.org.uk/fundraising

Wild Life | Summer 2020

GOODBYE TO

THE

CIRCUS Being made to perform outdated tricks in the ring is no life for a lion. It’s time to say goodbye to the circus and transform four lives, says Maggie Balaskas. Imagine living in a cramped and barren trailer, constantly on the road, moving from place to place. Imagine being cruelly trained, then forced to perform unnatural behaviours in front of crowds of people – music blaring and flashing lights all around. For many years, Angela, Bellone, Louga and Saïda shared this miserable existence. Having been sold as cubs from one French circus to another, the four lions spent nearly their entire lives being exploited in the big top, simply for our so-called entertainment. Thankfully, in May 2018, the circus owner decided to surrender the big cats to a wildlife rescue centre. His decision was prompted when Louga, the only

HAVING HEARD THEIR STORY, WE KNEW WE HAD TO HELP

male, attacked him during a show. The lions are now in temporary care, with our associates at Tonga Terre d’Accueil, in Lyon, and the circus no longer uses wild animals. When I first met Angela, Bellone, Louga and Saïda,

The four share a close bond and seem at ease in each

I was struck by their beautiful faces, bright eyes and

other’s company, lying close and grooming each other.

intimidating size. Especially Louga who, as a result of

Louga is certainly the dominant of the group, but will

castration, is significantly larger than an intact male but

greet the lionesses with a delicate head rub. Now and

sadly doesn’t have a mane. As I watched them, Angela

then, they erupt in play, usually instigated by two of

ventured down from the back of the enclosure. She put

the females, before the others join in.

her head right up to the fence and took a good look

at me, before flopping to the ground and rolling on

“Having heard their story, we knew we had to help,”

her back. One by one, Louga, Bellone and Saïda

explains Dr Chris Draper, our Head of Animal Welfare

came to join her.

& Captivity.

GOODBYE TO THE CIRCUS

YOUR GIFT WILL HELP FUND: • Four travel crates • Transport by road and air • Export and import documents • Veterinary checks • Lifetime care (£9,000 per year per lion).

MEET THE LION FAMILY: Bellone Female aged 15 Born: June 2005 Calm and generally relaxed.

Saïda Female aged 12 “Last year, when preparing for the relocation of the

Born: July 2007

Lions of Lyon, we started wondering if we had enough

Can be feisty.

space at our sanctuary in Shamwari for an even more ambitious relocation.” Angela So now, we need you! Could you help transform four

Female aged 12

lions’ lives and give them a bright new future? We’d love

Born: August 2007

to give then a lifetime home in spacious, safe enclosures

Also mostly calm and relaxed.

amidst indigenous habitat at our big cat sanctuary at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, South Africa. Please, help give them this chance.

Louga Male aged 12 Born: August 2007

Maggie Balaskas Animal Rescue & Care Manager

Can be dominant. All photos © Tonga Terre d’Accueil

maggie@bornfree.org.uk

Wild Life | Summer 2020

THE

SHOW’S OVER They are merely boxes that prevent escape, can be towed, and are easy to clean. They could just as easily transport, say, tractors or other inanimate objects. There is little indication this is where lions, tigers, leopards and bears are forced to live, often for 20 or more hours a day. And for what? An act that lasts about 10 minutes in the ring to entertain us. Fortunately, around 30 countries have banned the use of wild animals from travelling circuses. It is shameful that Scotland only introduced a ban in 2018 and England only this year but, with Wales soon to do the same and hopefully Northern Ireland, at last the UK will be free of this cruel spectacle. Several eastern European countries have banned wild animal circuses but France, Germany and Spain, for example, have yet to bring in nationwide bans. We still have much work to do. Each animal rescue is a happy time at Born Free, knowing the transformation it will bring to the lives of those we can help. We never forget though, the thousands of animals still imprisoned in circuses. We are ever grateful for your support. You enable our campaigns against such suffering to continue.

Born Free rescued six tigers from a circus in 1987

Tricia Holford Captive Animals Officer

Our very first employee, Tricia Holford, explains why rescuing wild animals from circuses and ending big top abuse have always been a priority for Born Free. Four more lions have left the circus and, when you help Bellone, Saïda, Angela and Louga reach the peace of our sanctuary in South Africa, transport and disruption will finally be over for them. Looking at images of the trailers they lived in, it is sobering to see how little they differ from the beastwagons imprisoning six tigers at the

Cross Brothers circus in 1987, our first big cat rescue.

And how little they differ from the trailers of all the tigers

Bellone, Saïda, Angela and Louga’s home before their

and lions we have rescued from circuses since then.

owner surrendered them

THE SHOW’S OVER

SUF FE

CIRCUS GOODBYE TO THE

N TIO TA

EXP LO I

G RIN

HELP US STOP THIS Four lions have spent nearly their entire lives in a travelling circus. Kept in cramped beastwagons, and constantly on the move, they were forced to perform night after night for so-called entertainment. Thankfully, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been rescued, but they need a lifetime home. You can help give them a better future

Help rewrite the stars for these four lions

DA T ED

at our big cat sanctuary in South Africa.

BORNFREE.ORG.UK/GOODBYE-CIRCUS

IS R P

You can help Born Free call on the French government to introduce a national ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses. The circus is no place for wild animals and, with

WILD ANIMALS HAVE COMPLEX NEEDS THAT CANNOT BE MET IN A CIRCUS

your help, Born Free has campaigned to end such exploitation since our charity began. Thankfully, around 30 countries, including England and Scotland, have brought in national bans, but other countries, including France, still have large numbers of animals in circuses. With your help, this situation can change. “Wild animals have complex needs that

Over the years, Born Free has been involved in the

cannot be met in a circus,” says Dr Chris Draper,

rescue and relocation of many lions and tigers from the

Born Free’s Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity.

circus industry. This includes 10 lions from or linked to

“They are condemned to a frustrating existence –

the circus industry in France in recent years, all now

under stress from frequent transport, cramped

in lifetime care at our big cat sanctuary in South Africa.

temporary housing, forced training and displays

However, these animals are the lucky few: too many wild

in the big top. These wild animals cannot

animals remain in use in circuses in France, including

express natural behaviours and will always

elephants, tigers, hippos, zebras and monkeys.

suffer. Such outdated entertainment has no place in a compassionate society.”

Last year, the French government carried out a review of several industries that keep wild animals in captivity,

Fortunately, attitudes and appetites of the public

including circuses. We understand that the Minister de

have changed, and the use of wild animals within

la Transition écologique et solidaire is due to make an

the circus industry is in decline. However, we cannot

announcement about the review’s findings. Now is your

wait for the industry to make changes in its own time

chance to make your voice heard and ask the minister

while animals suffer: legislation must be brought in

to ensure a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses

to bring this exploitation to an end.

in France is brought in.

YOU CAN HELP Visit bornfree.org.uk/france-take-action to find out more and send a pre-written email to the French minister. And please share our campaign with your family and friends.

THE FINAL ACT

THE

FINAL

ACT

Wild Life | Summer 2020

ANIMALS IN

ISOLATION In a time of social distancing and isolation, Virginia McKenna encourages a renewed empathy and understanding for the plight of wild animals held in captivity. Coronavirus has been sweeping the world, cutting short lives and turning society upside down. We have struggled with being isolated, lonely, cut off from loved ones for perhaps many weeks or even months. But, how does this compare to the lives of other sentient beings who – not for weeks, or months, but often many years, even a lifetime – endure isolation in zoos, laboratories and circuses? We now have a small glimpse of what their lives must be like. During lockdown our homes became our diminished world, as we have experienced an enforced loneliness none could have dreamed of. Did we manage? Especially those with no view, except the wall of the building next door? Some of us lucky enough to see trees from our windows, were comforted by branches moving in the wind or the flight of a bird, a butterfly, a bee. With time, we must never lose touch with the magic of nature. We cannot begin to imagine, in reality, what lifetime imprisonment means. It’s what we do to people who have committed the most terrible of crimes.

ANIMALS IN ISOLATION

When some people watch wild animals in zoos displaying repetitive pacing, head-twisting, swaying from side to side – they seem to find it amusing. Might that be about to change? Over the coming weeks and months, they may begin to understand what these behaviours reveal. Perhaps they will even decide not to visit the zoo again, now they better understand a little about the animals’ feelings and hopeless predicament? During lockdown, I stayed at home and will do for as long as the situation lasts. I realise I am lucky, as I can see beautiful trees and birds from the windows. In spite of that, weeks have become months and that is a challenge! But, at least, it won’t last a lifetime. I still can choose what I eat, when I get up and go to bed. I can talk with friends and family on the telephone. I can walk my rescue dog around the garden. I know that I am lucky. Perhaps the scourge of coronavirus will make us realise how fortunate we are and inspire us to want to help others. Including animals. Things will never be the same again – and nor should they be. We need to change for the better.

Virginia McKenna OBE Co-Founder & Trustee

REMEMBERING EILEEN It is one of the most profound injustices that Eileen Clarke, a selfless and tireless champion of defenceless wild creatures that have no voice, should herself become an innocent victim of a silent, invisible virus that emanates from wild animals in wildlife markets in the Far East. I shall always remember being with her on marches, in an attempt to give countless creatures a voice. Now, in her memory, our voices must grow in strength and number – increasing the power and confirming the justice of our message.

Wild Life | Summer 2020

WE CAN SAVE

THE RHINO Relatively unchanged for 50 million years, today rhinos face a fight for survival. It’s time to ramp up action to protect these prehistoric herbivores. Penny Banham reports. There have been many species of rhino throughout millennia, including the extinct woolly rhino. Their existence likely coincided with the spread of modern day humans from Africa to northern European regions approximately 45,000 years ago. Although the woolly rhino – once found throughout Asia and Europe – became extinct around 10,000 years ago, today there are five extant rhino species. At the start of the 20th century, 500,000 rhinos roamed the wild but today as few as 27,000 remain and populations across the world are threatened. Poaching, a major threat for so many species, has drastically imperilled rhinos. In parts of Asia, their horn is famed for so-called medicinal properties (completely unproven), resulting in bloody and distressing scenes across their range. Horn is also exchanged as status symbol gifts and, in the last 10 years, over 9,000 rhinos have been killed to supply illegal trade.

WE CAN SAVE THE RHINO

But poaching is not the rhino’s only threat. Destruction

THE NAME RHINOCEROS

of habitat for agriculture and development has pushed

COMES FROM ANCIENT GREEK FOR

species, particularly the Sumatran and Javan, close to extinction. The Javan rhino is one of the rarest and

‘NOSE HORN’

under-studied large mammals on earth. They once roamed throughout India, Bangladesh, Indochina and the islands of Java and Sumatra, but today, there are only 72 left, living on one tiny peninsular in Ujung Kulon National Park in Java. Born Free recently helped fund International Rhino Foundation work to deter poachers

and monitor rhinos.

MPH

Meanwhile Kenya is home to around 650 black and

UP TO 1.9M IN HEIGHT,

RHINOS CAN RUN AT UP TO

40 MILES PER HOUR

400 white rhinos, the world’s largest rhino population after South Africa and Namibia. Meru National Park was overrun by poachers in the 1980s and lost all its rhinos but, in 2002, Kenya Wildlife Service launched a wildlife restoration programme, supported by Born Free since 2014. The project has had a big impact. “Conservation has been so successful we had to help extend Meru rhino sanctuary’s electric perimeter fence,” explained Tim Oloo our Born Free Kenya Country Manager.

AFTER ELEPHANTS, WHITE RHINOS ARE THE WORLD’S

LARGEST LAND MAMMAL

“We were delighted by several new births in 2019 and now fund vital equipment for rhino rangers

DESPITE THEIR NAMES, BOTH BLACK AND WHITE RHINOS ARE GREY

including solar power.”

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

HOW MANY RHINOS? Species

Population

IUCN* status

SOUTHERN WHITE

18,000

VULNERABLE

BLACK

5,495

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

GREATER ONE-HORNED

3,588

VULNERABLE

JAVAN

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

SUMATRAN

<80

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

*International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List

Wild Life | Summer 2020

e h t e Twic s e p i r St Despite conservation efforts since the 1970s, a decade ago poaching and habitat loss had ravaged tiger numbers to a little over 3,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a 96.5% loss in 100 years. Recognising the urgency, governments of all 13 tiger states met to agree an ambitious goal to double global numbers by the next Chinese Year of the Tiger, 2022. Born Free was at this meeting and, with a conglomerate of stakeholders from conservation organisations to state governments, has been helping push forward this visionary goal, called Tx2. We use landscape-wide, transboundary collaboration to protect tigers by maintaining their resources and corridors. In India, where Born Free supports a network of conservation organisations via the Satpuda Landscape Tiger Partnership intiative, a gradual increase from around 1,706 in 2010 to an estimated 2,967 tigers in 2018 has been reported. This is hugely important and also means forests are being preserved, benefitting numerous other species. But, this slowly growing tiger population is forced into contact with rapidly growing human populations. So Born Free works with local people to enable them to co-exist with tigers, to ensure increasing tiger numbers can be sustainable and harmonious.

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

TWICE THE STRIPES

SIMPLE BUT SMART Born Free’s predator proof boma project is 10 years old. We offer a long-term solution to lion conservation in Amboseli National Park, Kenya by reinforcing livestock enclosures – traditionally built from hook-thorn acacia – and introducing eco-friendly, cost-effective smart technology. It costs just £1,659 to create one smart boma and to date we have

A predator-proof boma in Kenya

reinforced 310 bomas in Amboseli.

HOW DO YOU REINFORCE A BOMA? 200m of two-metre high chain-link mesh

Use 70 metal poles

One flip-flop hinge Two wooden frame and wire mesh doors

5kg nails Equip with solar lighting + energy saving jiko stove + water storing barrels

One happy Maasai family + 120 safe goats & sheep + 125cattle + four donkeys

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

Wild Life | Summer 2020

LEARN FROM HOME Born Free has lots of wild home schooling ideas. Visit bornfree.org.uk/learn-at-home to download fun videos, reading materials and national curriculum-linked

ONLY IN

educational activities.

Ethiopia has a large variety of endemic animal species found nowhere else in the world. So wildlife education is key, as Laura Gosset reports. Lemessa Goshu is Born Free Ethiopia’s new Education Programmes Leader. A trained teacher and educational manager, Lemessa is an experienced project manager and brings a wealth of experience, not least in animal welfare learning. “Wildlife and environmental education is key to address conservation problems and wildlife issues in Ethiopia,” he explains. “These include human-wildlife conflict, illegal wildlife trade, illegal community settlement in parks, destruction of forests, land conversion for agriculture and a lack of awareness of conservation’s vital importance.

“The majority of local communities have little information on the importance of wildlife protection. If we don’t address this, we will lose the benefits we all gain from a balanced ecosystem in which wildlife thrives – a stable climate, economic income from tourism, social © georgelogan.co.uk

well-being and even medicine. So our education programme plays a vital role.”

WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IS KEY TO ADDRESS CONSERVATION PROBLEMS AND WILDLIFE ISSUES IN ETHIOPIA

ONLY IN ETHIOPIA

The

e s u o H e e Tr

Lemessa is developing this programme with our long-standing Education Officer, Million Genta,

together with Ensessa Kotteh’s assistant guides and security team. Ensessa Kotteh is Born Free’s Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre located in the Oromia region close to Addis Ababa. Established in 2010, the centre cares for, rehabilitates or offers

lifetime care for wild animals confiscated from illegal trade, or orphaned or injured in the wild. “Within Ensessa Kotteh we have an education centre,

With extensive wildlife found only in Ethiopia,

nicknamed the Tree House, with a newly installed

the country’s natural heritage and biodiversity is of

interpretation facility to help visitors – school groups,

international significance. Born Free is committed to

community members and pre-booked international

developing education outreach to celebrate and support

guests – understand our work and the importance

the unique ecosystems and species that make Ethiopia

of biodiversity to Ethiopia. We have exciting plans

so special.

to increase numbers of partner schools, both primary and secondary, and create an active Youth Ambassador Programme and Born Free Environment Club

Laura Gosset

curriculum. Phase two of the interpretation installation

Head of Education

will include games and interactive displays.”

laura@bornfree.org.uk

Wild Life | Summer 2020

IT'S A

CELEBRATING INDIVIDUALS WHO USE THEIR CREATIVE GIFTS TO SUPPORT WILDLIFE. Award-winning wildlife photographer Michael Vickers is devoted to tigers and generously provides images for Born Free campaigns. “My interest began at an early age when my parents encouraged me to love wildlife and I was given a Kodak Brownie camera,” Mike explains. “My family were never without a pet cat and my fascination for wildlife has grown with a strong affinity towards big cats.”

But, tigers are just one focus for Mike. “I spend much time photographing birdlife and have enjoyed visiting Brazil’s Pantanal wetland to photograph jaguar and other wildlife.

In 2001, Mike first fulfilled his dream to photograph a wild tiger in India. “I saw my first at Bandhavgarh, a large adult known as Sundar resting in a dried up river bed, the remains of a sambar deer lying next to him. That sighting was enough to keep me returning each year.”

Mike’s advice for would-be wild animal photographers is: “Spend as much time as possible getting to know your camera and your subject. When a good opportunity occurs, you’ll be able to react immediately to capture the moment. Be patient and respect your subject. My dream is that wildlife will survive to be appreciated by future generations. All wildlife has the right to live freely in its natural environment.”

Almost 20 years of photographing tigers has had an impact. “I’ve grown to love and understand their lives,” Mike says. “From small cubs following their mother through the forest learning to make a kill, until two years when they begin to disperse. A solitary tiger establishes its own territory and another chapter begins when mating time comes around.”

“I’m a great admirer of your excellent conservation work and hope my photos help others become curious about the world of wildlife.”

Visit tigersintheforest.co.uk

Mike was talking to Celia Nicholls

MY DREAM IS THAT WILDLIFE WILL SURVIVE TO BE APPRECIATED BY FUTURE GENERATIONS

IT’S A WILD LIFE

LION

PRIDE BEFORE THE FALL

Introducing a brand new Kickstarter A captivating book from George Logan. A beautiful display of spectacular never before seen photographs from around the world. “There are many wonderful wildlife photographers, but George’s images are amongst the most intriguing, thought-provoking and original.” Born Free Co-Founder & Trustee Virginia McKenna OBE

To find out more about George Logan and the brand new Kickstarter visit: bornfree.org.uk

THANKS FOR SHARING OUR VISION TO RESTORE MERU TO ITS FORMER GLORY AND ENSURE LIONS ROAM FREE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

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

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bornfreefoundation

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

Email info@bornfree.org.uk

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