Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Born Free is pleased to report that the Dolo lion's health continues to improve since he was confiscated by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Department from a life on a 1m long chain which was making it very hard for him to eat and even breathe. 

James Young in Ethiopia reported that "He is looking very healthy although the hair follicles around the top of his head seems to have been affected by the chain which gives him a look which belies his years."

"Dolo is being looked after by Kile and supported by the warden of Awash National Park (see image to right).  We have also put posters up in English and Amharic in order that people know Dolo is destined for the Wildlife Rescue, Conservation & Education Centre (WRCEC) and a lifetime in a huge naturalistic enclosure".

James will be doing a blog on Wildlife Direct for Born Free's project blog so please visit for more updates and information on the WRCEC!!  See below also for further information.

Dolo's relocation to Awash National Park is only a temporary solution, as a young lion, Dolo still has many years left to live. Sadly, due to his early years of captivity he cannot be returned to the wild, therefore a long term solution is being planned for him in Ethiopia.  Our aim is to build a special facility that will provide Dolo and other rescued wild animals in need with lifetime care in large naturalistic enclosures.

It is hoped that Dolo will become an Ambassador for lion conservation in Ethiopia; through his story of illegal capture from the wild and confinement in unsuitable conditions he will promote the conservation and protection of wild animals in the wild - where they belong.

Sadly four-year old Dolo’s story is far from unique in Ethiopia. Many individual wild animals – monkeys, reptiles, beautiful love birds and even cheetah - are captured from the wild to be sold into private hands. This illegal trade is seriously contributing to the decline of wildlife in Ethiopia.

The Wildlife Department, like Born Free, is desperate to try and halt this trade. And in order to crack down, they need the facilities to safely care for the wild animals they rescue from the dealers. Some, like the birds, are released. But others, such as lions and cheetah, often can’t be returned to the wild.
Born Free is planning to build a national Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre in Ethiopia near the capital city Addis Ababa. Here we could provide lifetime care for Dolo and other rescued animals. This is one of our most ambitious projects, and Dolo is its charismatic and unforgettable mascot.

Our aim: To build a Wildlife Rescue, Conservation & Education Centre in Ethiopia to provide a proper spacious home for Dolo and other wild animals, and help tackle the trade in wildlife.

Target:
£5.50 will provide Dolo’s food for a day
£12,000 would create him a suitable enclosure
£450,000 would build the entire new national sanctuary

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