I want to join Born Free’s Zoo Checker programme – who do I contact?
Enrol in our Zoo Checker programme and help us gather information to alleviate captive animal suffering. Zoo Checkers become our ‘eyes and ears’ by visiting local zoos, circuses and animal parks and sending us reports and pictures. To become a voluntary Zoo Checker and receive our free Zoo Checker action pack with in-depth training on animal welfare issues, see this page or contact our office on 01403 240170 or info@bornfree.org.uk
Can I volunteer on a field project for Born Free?
Sadly we are not currently able to offer volunteer roles for our field projects. We tend to employ local people instead as we find our projects are more successful if they are fully integrated into the local communities, and local people are direct ‘stakeholders’. But volunteers are an invaluable asset to wildlife conservation and we encourage people to seek opportunities elsewhere. More >.
I am going to Sri Lanka on holiday - how can I visit the orphanage while I am there?
This can be arranged, but needs to be organized before you go on holiday. Find out more about visiting the ETH.
Does Born Free only focus on wild animals, or domestic and companion animals as well?
Born Free is a wildlife charity and focuses on protecting threatened species in the wild and stopping the suffering of wild animals kept in captivity. Born Free does not work with domestic or companion animals, although has affiliations with organisations working in these areas.
I am concerned about a wild animal in captivity and want to report it - who do I contact?
Through our Traveller’s Animal Alert campaign please send us an online report. Born Free’s Animal Alert campaign responds to the concerns of individuals, taking action when members of the public send in reports and photos about animal suffering. Animal Alert investigates neglect, fights cruelty and works with tour operators, travel companies, foreign governments and other organisations to take positive action and help improve animals’ lives. Together we investigate notorious facilities, ensure public concerns are addressed, and phase out exploitative activities. Travellers' Animal AlertSend us your report.
Where can I buy a monkey / lion / exotic animal as a pet?
Born Free believes wild animals belong in the wild and never make good pets. Wild animals are extremely difficult to care for and can quickly become unmanageable. See our pages on exotic pets.
Where can I swim with dolphins
Born Free does not recommend that people swim with dolphins, either in the wild or in captive facilities. Born Free believes such contact can be detrimental to the dolphins and potentially dangerous for the people involved. Find out more about dolphins in captivity.
I want to take my niece to a zoo - which one do you recommend?
Born Free does not recommend that people visit zoos. Born Free believes it is cruel and unnecessary to keep a wild animal in confinement for human entertainment. Born Free works to end captive animal suffering and phase out zoos. See our Zoo Check section.
Does Born Free want to see the closure of all zoos?
Yes! Born Free believes it is cruel and unnecessary to keep a wild animal in confinement for human entertainment. Born Free works to end captive animal suffering and phase out all zoos and animal circuses.
I am undertaking a project on animals in zoos, can you send me all the information you have?
All the information that our Zoo Check has available is published here online, including an extensive range of fact sheets.
Can I do work experience with Zoo Check?
Potentially yes! Our Zoo Check team is frequently contacted about opportunities for work experience. They are happy to consider these requests, but ask that applicants first read the following:
Zoo Check is a small and extremely busy team, and placements will give you the opportunity to observe the day-to-day running of an animal welfare and conservation charity, and talk to the staff about their roles, experience etc., whilst enabling you to assist in our work.
The ideal person will require minimal supervision and have some knowledge of the issues affecting animals in captivity.
You will be expected to undertake the following, as determined by the Zoo Check team:
- Scientific research – using literature and material in the Zoo Check department
- Other research – using the Internet, telephone etc.
- General administration - filing, photocopying
- Other duties as determined by the Zoo Check team
You will be expected to undertake a research project. The focus of the project must reflect Zoo Check’s remit, and must be discussed and fully agreed with the Zoo Check team before commencement. In addition, you will be expected to make a short presentation on the project towards the end of the placement. Outline proposals for the research project may be submitted along with the application.
Unless otherwise agreed, work experience will be carried out at Born Free’s offices in Horsham, West Sussex.
Born Free cannot assist with accommodation, nor cover travel expenses.
The Born Free Foundation reserves the right to terminate the work experience without notice.
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