...we rescued 15 lions and four hyenas from Sudan, transferring 11 lions to LIONSROCK Big Cat sanctuary in South Africa to live the rest of their lives in species-appropriate care, while the rest have found their home at Al Ma’wa for Nature and Wildlife, one of our partner projects in Jordan. 

...we had the fantastic news that after years of campaigning, the Government finally listened to you, and three major animal welfare laws were passed:

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024 bans the export of live farmed animals for fattening and slaughter from Great Britain, a journey that causes huge suffering.

The Pet Abduction Act 2024 now means it is a specific offence to steal dogs and cats that can result in up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.

The Animal Welfare (Primates Licenses) (England) Regulations 2024 now makes it illegal to keep primates as pets in England without a license.

....saw some incredible animal rescues. Bear Chinh was saved from a life of torture in Vietnam, farmed for his bile and kept in a tiny metal cage. He now lives happily at BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh where he finally has grass under his paws, pools to play in and the right food to eat. Manuschka the lioness in Germany, who had been forced to perform tricks in a circus since she was a cub, was also rescued and she now resides at our FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands. 

Also, after months of campaigning, and with your help, we convinced high-end fashion brand Max Mara to finally go fur-free!

...we seized the opportunity, alongside Shambala Private Reserve and the Elizabeth Margaret Steyn Foundation, to retire zoo elephant Charley. Captured from the wild when he was young and forced to perform in a circus in South Africa, he was then transferred to a zoo for two decades. Now safe at the reserve, we hope it won't be long until he can join one of the two elephant herds there.

This time of year also marked the political Party conferences, where our team were on the ground, talking to MPs, councillors and delegates from across the UK about why animal welfare matters. Many MPs pledged their support and promised to Be Their Voice in Parliament. We were happy to see so many MPs who were aware, supportive and engaged with animal welfare issues, and we came away from ‘conference season’ feeling hopeful for the future.

...we released our award winning documentary ‘Dethroned’, filmed and narrated by photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, which shows the dire state of big cats around the world – from the jungles of Peru, where jaguars are poached and illegally traded, to the wealthy individuals in Pakistan who acquire big cats for social media fame, the film reveals the true reality for these majestic Kings. 

Despite nearing the end of the year, the work doesn’t stop. After the death of her only companion almost two years ago, we transferred elephant Madhubala to Karachi Safari Park, where she will reunite with her sisters for the first time in 15 years. Her transfer marks the last elephant kept in a zoo in Pakistan.