Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Our charity has a unique and very special history.  In 1964, Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna travelled to Kenya to star in the classic wildlife film ‘Born Free’, based on the best-selling book by Joy Adamson.  Released in 1966, the film told the true story of George and Joy Adamson’s fight to return Elsa the lioness to the wild. 

The Adamson’s story was enjoyed by tens of millions around the globe, inspiring a generation, and changing the world’s attitude to lions forever.  Making Born Free profoundly affected Bill and Virginia.  Working with George and Joy influenced the rest of their lives.  Their close contact with the lions sparked a lifelong commitment to wildlife and they realised wild animals belong in the wild, not incarcerated in captivity.