Now you can take your My Adopt magazine everywhere you go. Perfect for everyone, on any device, our online mag is no print, no post, low carbon and max support for your adopted animal! To go green email info@bornfree.org.uk or call 01403 240170.
A huge thank you for adopting a wild animal with Born Free, and a very warm welcome to this beautiful edition of My Adopt magazine. Filled with stunning photos and uplifting news, it brings you all the latest on your adopted animal.
Being an adopter with Born Free, you play a vital role in our work to change animals’ lives for good. You’re such a cherished and important part of our Born Free Family! Your adoption is a crucial way of supporting the rescued animals and rare species who need our help.
With you on our team, my Born Free colleagues and I will do everything possible to look after animals in need and protect our wonderful but threatened natural world. Thank you for caring for the wild, and now – read on!
Will Travers OBE Executive President
@bornfreefoundation @
Thanks to people like you, our charity is devoted to wild animal care and conservation. Together, we make the world a kinder, better place. Like to get even more involved in our Born Free Family? Visit bornfree.org.uk and join us on social media:
PS If you know someone who loves animals as much as you do, adoption could be the perfect gift! Find out more at bornfree.org.uk/adopt
bornfreefoundation
None of our rescued animals in permanent care are allowed to breed; we vasectomise males or spay/give hormone implants to females. We do not want to add to captive populations, plus sanctuary space is in short supply, so we keep these precious spaces for animals most needing rescue.
Home: Living wild in Meru, 220 miles northeast of Nairobi
Family: Several adult females, plus sub-adults and cubs, led by males King and General
Background: One of Meru’s oldest lion families, named after the lioness star of Born Free, returned to the wild by George and Joy Adamson in 1958
The true story of Elsa’s journey to freedom inspires everything we do
DID YOU KNOW?
There are 41 cat species in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Most big cats can roar but not purr, smaller cats purr but can’t roar. Lions are the only truly social big cat, and hunt together to take down mighty prey, even giraffes and elephants!
LATEST NEWS
Elsa’s Pride is very successful and one of Meru’s biggest lion groups. We closely monitor each individual and, in the last two years, have seen 21 lions in this family – plus recent sightings of new cubs!
After a fierce pride take over by King and General in 2022, Hunter – a young male sired by former pride leader Mfalme, left the pride for his own survival and became a nomadic male. To the delight of our Pride of Meru team, Hunter was recently re-sighted after ‘disappearing’ for more than nine months. It was a joy seeing him in good health and with the beginnings of a graceful mane.
The pride’s home range covers the central plains of Meru National Park, within which rises a picturesque small rocky hill where the boutique tourism lodge, Elsa’s Kopje Meru can be found. Our lion monitoring programme has embraced ‘Citizen Science’, with guides from the lodge being particularly instrumental in our work. We share information on sightings of Elsa’s Pride, their health and activities. This includes them recently spotting Liz, an old female with an unmistakable scar under her nose, in the company of six other members of Elsa’s pride.
Through your unwavering support, you are helping to protect these majestic apex carnivores. You help ensure Elsa’s Pride continues to contribute towards a vibrant lion population in Meru – boosting lion numbers across Kenya.
Michael Mugo Programme Manager Pride of Meru, Born Free
Hunter has returned!
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
KENYA
THEIR STORY
Home: Wild in Amboseli, a 150 square mile park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro
The EB Family: Dozens of members including sub-group led by Edwina (born in 1982), granddaughter to Echo, the matriarch star of BBC’s Echo of the Elephants
Background: Amboseli is renowned for its 1,800-strong elephant population, studied by Amboseli Trust for Elephants since 1972, supported by Born Free since 1992
LATEST NEWS
Amboseli’s dry and cool season brought a stunning transformation, with grasslands turning golden and the horizon washed in purple and brown hues. This time of year draws an influx of elephants to enjoy the available water and socialise, which means our team has been busy tracking family movements.
We were excited to see Edwina’s group and all in great condition. Several females in the wider EB family are showing signs of pregnancy. We’re especially happy to report that Enid, the EB matriarch and Edwina’s mother, who had struggled with her health following the loss of her calf during 2023’s drought, seems to have recovered –her daughter Elise a constant support.
Enid and Edwina’s portions of the EB family have been frequent visitors to our camp, sometimes waking us in the night as they feed nearby. While it’s a bit disruptive, we love having them close by. Ewok, whose mother Emily Kate very sadly died in 2017, is still with Enid’s part of the family, and doing well. Now 11 years old, it will not be long until he becomes independent.
Eliot, Edwina’s aunt, is also doing very well, and her playful calf has been a delight to watch. On one occasion, they even playfully charged our research vehicle – not only amusing, but a sign of an energetic personality!
Tal Manor Communications & Outreach Manager Amboseli Trust for Elephants
DID YOU KNOW?
Nowhere in the world are wild elephants known as intimately as in Amboseli! Right from birth, babies develop deep bonds which last for decades, especially with mum and siblings. They learn from older elephants where to go, what to eat, how to avoid danger.
LATEST NEWS
Gopal continues to thrive in his much larger enclosure. Naturally shy, he prefers to stay hidden within dense foliage whenever he senses anyone nearby. A secluded corner, covered with bamboo bushes and shrubs, is his favourite hiding spot.
Bangalore is experiencing unusually cold weather with frequent chilly showers this winter. Gopal seeks out warm, sunlit spots to relax and, when it suddenly begins to rain, he springs under the shade of trees. We regularly give him food-based enrichments to encourage natural behaviour, and also large ‘coir’ brushes (made from coconut husks) tied to posts. He loves to rub against them, spreading his scent – a natural territorial behaviour of tigers.
At 16 years old, Gopal is now entering his golden years, receiving meticulous care to ensure he remains healthy. He’s provided with regular multivitamin and mineral supplements to promote bone strength, eye health, blood circulation, and immune system function. Every three months, we analyse his blood and even a faecal sample, to assess his kidneys and liver function, and detect any potential infections or parasites. We then hide any necessary antibiotics or deworming medications in his nourishing meals.
Thank you for your generous support. Your contributions enable the Wildlife SOS veterinary team and his dedicated caregivers to look after this majestic tiger.
Sandhi Priya Deputy Director, Corporate & Philanthropic Partnership, Wildlife SOS
BANNERGHATTA TIGER
SANCTUARY
INDIA
GOPAL’S STORY
Home today: Lifetime care in a spacious forest enclosure
Background: Born in the wild but captured when he came into conflict with people by preying on cattle and goats
Arrived at sanctuary: 2014
Age today: 16
DID YOU KNOW?
With razor-sharp teeth and claws, and lightning reactions, tigers are perfectly evolved to stalk and ambush prey. In the wild they need a large home range, up to 385 square miles. To warn off rivals they scent-mark, scratch trees and loudly roar.
THEIR STORY
Home today: Cared for in a spacious rainforest enclosure, at Ape Action Africa’s sanctuary
Family: A large rescued group of Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas, led by the mighty silverback Bobo
Background: Since July 2024, Born Free has supported the care of our new family of adopted gorillas, at this renowned sanctuary
DID YOU KNOW?
In the wild, gorillas are nature’s gardeners, dispersing seeds and shaping the landscape as they travel through dense rainforest. They munch all day on fruits, leaves and plant stems, their huge bodies creating small clearings as they stop to eat or rest. These clearings are then replanted with seeds passing through gorillas in their dung.
Barbie with older orphan Luci
FIND OUT MORE
Barbie, a little orphan gorilla, has been rescued after being shot by poachers. She’s now flourishing thanks to Ape Action Africa’s expert care: bornfree.org.uk/news
LATEST NEWS
Kibu, one of the males in Bobo’s group, was showing signs of stress recently. This happens from time-to-time, perhaps due to ‘relationship dynamics’ within the group, and can manifest in different ways. In this instance, Kibu became lethargic and lost some weight.
The vets created a special omega-rich diet, that quickly helped Kibu regain strength and vitality. Now fully recovered, he’s back to being an active part of the family, enjoying play with youngest member Eto’o.
2025 promises some exciting changes –we plan to introduce some mona monkeys* to Bobo’s group. Monkeys and gorillas coexist happily in the wild and our successful trial with another gorilla group at the sanctuary gives us the confidence to extend the programme. We’d love our gorillas and monkeys to return to the wild, but this is a very difficult proposition. Therefore, having mixed-species enclosures helps to bring a little more of the wild to the forests of Mefou!
Thanks to your incredible support, we’ve made improvements to the sanctuary. We upgraded our medical facilities with new equipment, allowing us to provide Bobo’s family and all our apes, with more advanced healthcare. We also enhanced our nutrition programme, ensuring the group receives an optimal diet and nutrients.
Ian Bickerstaff Trustee
Ape Action Africa
*A large species of guenon – a diverse group of African monkeys
bornfree.org.uk | Spring 2025
DID YOU KNOW?
Born Free campaigns to end the exploitation of wild animals in captivity. Giraffes evolved to roam Africa’s vast expanses and can behave abnormally in a cage – licking the bars, pacing and swinging their necks. Please pledge never to visit a zoo.
MERU NATIONAL PARK
KENYA THEIR STORY
Home: Kenya is a vital home for rare, reticulated giraffes and Born Free is in action to save them
Family: Around 1,400 live in the Meru-Greater Kora Ecosystem
Background: Just 16,000 wild reticulated giraffe remain, with 8.45% of these in Meru, so this population is significant and important.
LATEST NEWS
In the arid stretch of Meru National Park, giraffes have adapted remarkably to dry conditions, showcasing their fascinating ‘fission-fusion behaviour’.
Larger groups split into smaller groups as giraffes move along the ‘riverine vegetation’, their preferred habitat during the dry season, before coming back together. Near to a river, rich in acacia and other nutritious plants, these zones offer a vital lifeline in challenging times. The giraffes thrive on acacia leaves, which are nutritious and water-rich.
Your adoption has been pivotal in sustaining this species in Meru. Funds raised support the Twiga* Team, who help protect giraffe habitat and remove deadly snares (set illegally to trap wild animals) during foot-patrols, ensuring the giraffes’ safety. This support has also facilitated important research into the distribution and group composition of giraffes in Meru. Regular monitoring also allows us to keep a close eye on the giraffe population, making sure that they remain healthy, and a veterinary team is always on call for emergencies.
Recently, the team witnessed a young calf, known for its playful antics, startling a troop of baboons near the water’s edge. The baboons scattered but the young calf lingered, appearing fascinated by the baboons’ reaction. Moments like this are a delight for the monitoring team to witness, and highlight giraffes’ curious nature.
Newton Simiyu Programme Manager, Saving Meru’s Giants
Born Free
*Twiga means giraffe in Swahili
DID YOU KNOW?
Camp Buluh is one of five orangutan release camps in Lamandau. You help our Orangutan Foundation partners protect 550,000 acres of rainforest and more than 5,000 wild orangutans – including dozens of orphans reintroduced to the forest.
Enjoy some wonderful footage of Timtom at: bit.ly/ timtom-swim
TIMTOM’S STORY
Home today: Gradually preparing for life in the wild at Camp Buluh
Background: Taken from her wild mother as a baby and kept illegally as a pet
Rescued: January 2016, aged nine months
Age today: Ten years
Timtom (right) needed 24/7 care and milk three times a day when rescued with Endut FIND OUT MORE
With your support, drone cameras are helping save vital orangutan habitat in Borneo. Visit bornfree.org.uk/news
LATEST NEWS
Timtom continues to bring her playful personality to the soft-release programme. The river remains a favourite and she often plays in water (see video link below) or enjoys riding in the canoe to different areas for ‘forest practice’. But she has become very particular with where she plays, refusing to exit the canoe until she’s found the ‘right’ location for the day!
Timtom has also been developing her climbing skills (see video link). This is perhaps encouraged by Sinta, Timtom’s three-year-old companion who, despite her young age, is already a determined nestbuilder and forager. Timtom likes to chase Sinta through the trees, the two playing for hours without tiring.
Timtom has been spending time alone in the forest, sometimes staying out for three to four days before returning to camp. During these times, Timtom is most often seen foraging on the riverbank amongst Rasau plants – which have amazing fruit. At night, she still remains reluctant to build a nest and instead opts to sleep on branches or in old nests made by other orangutans.
Timtom must develop her nest-building skills before she’s ready for release. All reports indicate that, once this skill has been accomplished, she’ll be ready for her independent life in the wild. Thank you for supporting her on this journey.
Zoe Bizicki Communications & Operations Officer Orangutan Foundation
THEIR STORY
Home: Rhino Sanctuary within Meru National Park
Family: A population of 91 white and 32 black rhinos, protected by rangers
Background: After a poaching epidemic in the 1980s, Born Free has been helping Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) since 2014 to restore Meru’s wildlife, including rhino, to its former abundance
MERU NATIONAL PARK KENYA
DID YOU KNOW?
KWS reports Kenya now has 1,977 rhinos (1,004 black, 973 white), an 89% increase compared to the 1,047 recorded in 2014, the year Born Free began to support rhino conservation there. 89%
LATEST NEWS
Meru National Park is so important for rhino conservation and boasts a big legacy filled with individual stories, having been a sanctuary for these majestic creatures for decades. With your support, the rangers’ dedicated efforts have not only helped increase rhino populations, but also establish the park as a beacon of hope and a model for conservation practices worldwide.
Globally, rhino populations remain threatened and protecting them remains an urgent issue. Immediate and concerted efforts are essential to mitigate these threats and secure their safe future. Collaboration is key to successful rhino conservation and, your adoptions recently helped support the first World Rhino Day celebration in the Meru landscape, with the communities around the Meru Rhino Sanctuary.
The urgency to safeguard rhinos cannot be overstated. Poaching, habitat loss, bush fires, and climate change pose severe risks to their survival. By working with local communities to promote conservation, we can help to protect the rhinos’ habitat and ensure they have space to thrive. The dry season in Kenya brings the challenge of sharing water resources. Ensuring both wildlife and human communities have access to adequate water supplies is essential for maintaining ecological balance and supporting conservation efforts.
Newton Simiyu Programme Manager, Saving Meru’s Giants Born Free
DID YOU KNOW??
Since we began, Born Free has rescued or rehomed 132 big and little cats, including 59 lions. Today, with your help, we care for 41 wild cats, including 23 lions rescued from the illegal pet trade, circuses and even a war-zone. This costs us over £700,000 a year!
59 since we began
BORN FREE’S SANCTUARY SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE SOUTH AFRICA
KING’S STORY
Home today: Lifetime care in a spacious enclosure with companion Thea
Background: Rescued from illegal pet trade in France, 2017
Arrived at Shamwari: July 2018
Age today: Seven years
LATEST NEWS
We’re happy to report that magnificent, seven-year-old King is doing very well. It’s summer here in South Africa and he seems to spend most of the time sleeping, during these long, hot months.
The temperatures are soaring during the day, up to a scorching 35°C, and he conserves energy by resting in shaded areas. In the morning and late afternoon, we usually see him lying on his ‘jungle gym’. We’re so grateful to our supporters – we’ve been able to construct a new climbing frame and platform, which he clearly loves! Not a day passes that he doesn’t clamber onto the jungle gym.
It’s a thrill to hear King loudly vocalising to communicate with other lions. He roars to announce his territory and warn other cats of his presence, or more softly to bond with his companion Thea – also rescued from France’s illegal pet trade. It would make you so happy to see King and Thea play together – sprinting and chasing, then resting in the shade to groom each other.
King loves his food so much he doesn’t want anyone close to him when he eats. Interestingly, he often puts his food inside a bush before eating quickly – we just see his body sticking out. Healthwise, all is well, he looks good and is very strong. Despite such a terrible start to life, since he arrived nearly seven years ago, he has never been sick!
Martin Miritiawo Animal Care Supervisor, Born Free
Before Born Free
ENSESSA KOTTEH RESCUE CENTRE ETHIOPIA
THEIR STORY
Home today: Spacious natural enclosures with undergrowth to explore and room to run
Background: Mostly victims of the illegal pet trade, stolen from the wild as cubs
Arrived at Ensessa Kotteh: 2011 to 2024
Age today: From under one, to 14 years
Your Cheetahs:
Girls Rescued
Blue Aug 24
Fasika Apr 23
Sisay (aka Jijiga) Dec 21
Konjo (aka Tamu) Apr 15
Choa (aka Nura) Apr 15
Boys Rescued
Ramadan Apr 23
Dima June 22
Dehar Jan 22
Timkat Jan 11
DID YOU KNOW?
In the wild, cheetahs accelerate, turn and brake like a sports car to catch nimble, fast prey. In just three strides and 2½ seconds, they explode from 0-45mph. At full speed, for just 40 seconds, they top 70mph, with a 7m stride. 50% of hunts are successful.
LATEST NEWS
It’s hot and dry here in Ethiopia – rainy season usually doesn’t begin until June. So, the Cheetah Family are making the most of the weather, soaking up the sun in the early morning and late afternoon, then seeking shade and a cooler spot through the heat of the day.
Blue, our newest and youngest cheetah resident, is doing well. She continues to heal on her long road to recovery, but all signs are positive. We soon hope to introduce her to a larger space – once we’ve made this enclosure ‘cub-proof’. Blue is still fragile, and it will take time for her to recover from being hit by a car and away from her mother’s care from such a young age. You can read her full story online at: bornfree.org.uk/save-cheetahs
Fasika and Ramadan have grown considerably since they arrived, going from strength to strength and now enjoying more space. We had to first give them time to recover from their inadequate start in life. Due to their inappropriate diet prior to rescue, their bones and connective tissues were weak. Normal movements could have resulted in painful injuries including joint strains and bone breaks. So, we gave their bodies time to heal and replenish vital calcium minerals.
Sisters Konjo and Choa are also doing well. The pair remain closely bonded, seldom far from one another. We see them lazing in the sunshine, occasionally having an inquisitive look around, having spotted something interesting in the undergrowth!
Bereket Girma Head of Centre & Country Director, Ethiopia, Born Free
Enjoy some clips of Fasika and Ramadan at Ensessa Kotteh, at: bit.ly/cheetah-play
Blue, our newest resident, is so beautiful
ARCTUROS
KYRIAKOS’S STORY
Home today: Lifetime care in a spacious beech forest enclosure
Background: Rescued from Kastoria in northern Greece as a four-month-old, wild-born cub, with his twin brother Manolis, when their mother was killed
Arrived at sanctuary: 2004
Age today: 20
Kyriakos when rescued with Manolis
Enjoy some wonderful footage of Kyriakos and Martha at: bit.ly/ kyriakos-bear
LATEST NEWS
Late last year, to prepare himself for his winter sleep, Kyriakos doubled the amount of food he consumed –with great pleasure! Feeding time is holy for Kyriakos and he’s a big lover of all kinds of foods.
He usually eats eggs or fish first, then fruit and vegetables, with bread or honey for dessert. Feeding time kept him busy all morning then, when he finished eating in his den, he went out into his forest foraging for nuts. While trying to gain weight, he was also busy constructing his winter den, collecting branches and leaves to make a comfortable mattress, with hay provided by his carers.
When the snow arrived before Christmas, Kyriakos was ready to start his sleep. However, the first winter flurry always brings extreme joy to the animals here, and Kyriakos spent days playing and rolling in the snow.
DID YOU KNOW?
The eight species of bear vary in size from the 25kg sun bear, to the mighty 650kg polar bear. Kyriakos weighs 230kg! Polar bears are carnivores, pandas famously eat only bamboo, but all other bears are omnivores – eating plants, insects and animals.
Arcturos is devoted to protecting biodiversity, including rehabilitating orphans back to the wild. In 2024, we cared for Martha, a bear cub found in a village in Kozani. She was raised under a special protocol to gain skills to survive in the wild, while avoiding dangers, including humans! Martha is now living independently in a one-hectare forest area, and we plan to release her soon.
Melina Avgerinou Animal Rescue and Care Manager Arcturos
BORN FREE’S SANCTUARY SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE SOUTH AFRICA
THEIR STORY
Home today: Lifetime care in their own spacious bush enclosures
Background: Rescued from a failed zoo in South Africa in 2020
Age today: Mowgli six and Zeiss eleven
Before Born Free
DID YOU KNOW?
With a super strong jaw, in the wild the powerful yet supple leopard can hoist prey up to 100kg (over 2x body weight) into a tree, to feed in peace. With ebony spots on dark fur, melanistic leopards and jaguars are both known as ‘black panthers’.
Enjoy some wonderful clips of Mowgli and Zeiss, blissful at Shamwari, at: bit.ly/leopard-family
LATEST NEWS
Zeiss is doing very well – we get to see him a lot more these days. He used to spend most of his time camouflaged in the trees at the back of his enclosure, but is now enjoying his newlybuilt viewing platform. We’d like to thank you, our precious adopters, for every penny you donate! You helped fund these wooden structures where our rescued cats can exercise natural climbing skills and relax in the sunshine.
Dear Mowgli, our melanistic leopard, is also doing well. He often remains hidden in bushes, but that is okay. We respect his need for privacy and are letting his confidence and trust in us build slowly over time. We mostly monitor him via cameras strategically placed around his enclosure. From the footage we see him happily scent-marking, and trying to stalk birds who land inside his enclosure. We are confident he feels at home and loving his space, he’s just a very private leopard!
In recent weeks, Mowgli has begun to especially trust one of our care team, Vino, who lives on site. Vino reports, “In the evening, when everyone has gone home, Mowgli comes out and let’s me see him. He keeps his distance, but is very calm.” Wonderful news!
Glen Vena Animal Care Manager, Born Free
Enjoy some wonderful footage of Puck at: bit.ly/ pangolin-family
Meet Wanjala!
WILDLIFE TRUST
LILONGWE
WILDLIFE CENTRE
MALAWI
THEIR STORY
Home today: Malawi’s only wildlife sanctuary gives expert one-on-one treatment to rescued Temminck’s pangolins (second-largest and most widespread of Africa’s four species), returning each one to the wild, when ready
Background: Injured and orphaned pangolins, especially victims of illegal wildlife trade, are rescued, rehabilitated, then released and monitored in safe places
Rescued: In 2007, Born Free helped Lilongwe Wildlife Centre to develop from a former zoo. Today their pangolin work includes two regional hubs which act as ‘first response units’
DID YOU KNOW?
Born Free has launched an important appeal for pangolins, including orphan Wanjala. Her name means ‘hungry’, because she wouldn’t stop eating when she was rescued! Find out more at bornfree.org.uk/ plight-of-the-pangolin
LATEST NEWS
We’re excited to share the first update on our resilient little Puck. One of the youngest pangolins ever received at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, only a few days old he weighed just 340g. Now, after months of care, Puck has made incredible strides and weighs a healthy 5kg (nearly 15x increase!).
He lives in a special rehabilitation site in a protected area, and our carers support his development in a way that mirrors how pangolins live in the wild. Since pangolins are ‘solitary’, Puck is raised alone and does not interact with other animals. This is necessary for his recovery, helping maintain his natural instincts. But, Puck does have a curious habit of rolling in other animals’ waste. This behaviour is actually quite common for pangolins — it hides their scent from predators, and acts as a form of pest control.
Puck is progressing well, eating a healthy diet of ants and termites, as well as digging and finding food on his own – a critical survival skill for his eventual release. Pangolins are excellent diggers, and Puck is no exception.
We hope to release him in coming months – depending on timing of the rains. The wet season brings an abundance of food, essential for Puck’s successful reintegration into the wild, ensuring he has the energy and resources he needs to thrive. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Puck and will report back!
Kondwani Kusakala Head of Wildlife Rehabilitation Lilongwe Wildlife Trust
HANSON ISLAND
JOHNSTONE STRAIT
CANADA
SPRINGER’S STORY
Home: Living wild as part of British Columbia’s Northern Resident population monitored by OrcaLab, which has studied orca since 1970 and has been supported by Born Free since 1994
Family: 24-year-old Springer gave birth to Spirit in 2013 and Storm in 2017
Background: In 2002, Springer’s mother Sutlej died and she became lost near Seattle, USA. Identified by her unique calls, with our help she was taken 250 miles by boat back to her wild family, the A4 pod, in the waters near OrcaLab
DID YOU KNOW?
Sadly, at least 54 orca are held captive worldwide, including Corky, captured in 1969 aged four from her wild family in Canada. She lives in a concrete tank in SeaWorld, San Diego, USA, but OrcaLab’s campaign to Free Corky continues. Please pledge never to visit a dolphinarium. Find out more: bornfree.org.uk/tankfree
LATEST NEWS
Springer’s story has been celebrated in books, art and films. Her return was a mixture of science, faith and will power. None of us wanted her to spend her life in captivity. One of our volunteers, Suzie Hall, now an integral part of OrcaLab, adopted Springer through Born Free as a child. Here is an update from Suzie:
From July until October, we heard the familiar calls of orca families we have come to know and care for over past decades, including Springer’s relatives. We watched them traverse the network of waterways around our lab, forage for salmon, and rub along smooth pebbles at their favourite beaches. Underwater cameras provide an incredible window into their world, and we’ve also seen seals, sea lions, otters, diving birds and even a giant octopus pass by!
Most notable were schools of salmon on their way back to natal streams, returning to spawn after an incredible journey spanning several years and thousands of miles in the open ocean. Salmon returns have increased since the removal of polluting fish farms in 2020, but this year saw such amazing abundance. It filled our hearts to see schools of pink, coho, chum and chinook salmon, knowing these fish provide sustenance to all manner of mammals, birds and other creatures. The orca families that stayed with us into October likely feasted on this autumn bounty.
We are continually grateful for the support we receive and look forward to sharing another exciting year ahead.
Helena Symonds and Dr Paul Spong Co-Directors, OrcaLab
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2
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DON’T GO TO ZOOS OR DOLPHINARIA
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5 STOP SELFISH SELFIES
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Spread the word! Say no to photos with captive wild animals and report captive animal suffering to Born Free at bornfree.org.uk/selfish-selfies
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GO WILD WITH BORN FREE!
Take
World Lion Day
Sunday 10th August 2025*
Anywhere in the world!
Could you walk or run 23,000 steps in a
one pace for each of the 23,000 lions left in the
Turn action,passionyourintorelease your inner hero and funds.raise
