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Raise the Red Flag: Investigations

Raise the Red Flag logoINVESTIGATIONS

Born Free receives thousands of reports about wild animals in captivity around the world. 

All the information we receive is vital in providing evidence to support our advocacy efforts to secure policy change and effective legislation; our work seeking improvements to animal welfare; and to help individual captive animals.

Whilst we are not able to take direct action in every case, where possible, we conduct further research and investigations; raise awareness of individual animal welfare concerns; and call on the relevant national and international authorities to take positive action.

Find out more below about some of our ‘Red Flag’ investigations concerning captive wild animals at specific locations around the world. 

Our investigations

Two giraffes in a pen being fed carrots over the gate

Safari Zoo, Cumbria

Born Free visited South Lakes Safari Zoo, Cumbria, to investigate for ourselves the conditions in which animals are being held, following multiple public reports of concern relating to animal welfare and the general running of the zoo. 
An orangutan dressed in child's clothing

Phnom Penh Safari Zoo

Born Free sent an investigator, environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, to visit Phnom Penh Safari Zoo, where numerous animals are exploited in the name of public entertainment.
A barbary macaque sitting on the pavement with a chain around its neck

Jemaa el-Fna Square

Born Free sent an investigator, environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, to visit Marrakesh following reports of animal exploitation and cruelty taking place in the bustling Jemaa el-Fna main square, a popular market location with locals and tourists.
A woman standing next to a dolphin in a shallow glass tank

Marineland, Antibes

Born Free visited Marineland, the biggest marine park in Europe, to investigate the situation for the numerous animals they hold and use for shows and public display.
Two dolphins jumping through hoops during a show

Wersut Seguni Indonesia

Born Free sent an investigator, environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, to visit the notorious WSI travelling animal show in Indonesia.
A bear lying on a concrete floor in front of a cage

Saigon Zoo

Born Free sent an investigator, environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, to visit Saigon Zoo following concerns raised by tourists about the treatment of animals at this zoo.
A monkey sits in a small and cramped cage

Cu Chi Water Park

Born Free sent an investigator, environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, to visit the zoo situated in Cu Chi Water Park.
Two monkeys riding bicycles during a show

Dam Sen Park

Born Free sent an investigator, environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, to visit the zoo area situated in Dam Sen Amusement Park.
A brown bear looking out from behind the bars of a cage

Bitola Zoo

Born Free visited Bitola Zoo to investigate ongoing reports of animals kept in sub-standard conditions and concerns for their welfare.
Five little lion cubs standing in a pen behind fencing

Captive Lion Breeding

The rapid expansion of the commercial lion breeding and canned hunting industries, particularly in South Africa, is a cause for real concern.