Conservation & Communities
Born Free is committed to protecting threatened species in their natural habitats and preventing animal suffering, by building sustainable systems for coexistence and working with local communities.
About Us
We Are Born Free
Founded by Virginia McKenna DBE, Will Travers OBE and Bill Travers MBE in 1984, we work tirelessly to stop the exploitation and suffering of wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild.
From the start, we’ve campaigned for a future where animals and people can coexist and where threatened and endangered species are protected for generations to come.
OUR MISSION AND PURPOSE
We work tirelessly to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs.
As a leading wildlife charity, we oppose the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and campaign to keep them where they belong – in the wild.
We promote Compassionate Conservation to enhance the survival of threatened species in the wild and protect natural habitats while respecting the needs and safeguarding the welfare of individual animals.
We seek to have a positive impact on animals in the wild and protect their ecosystems in perpetuity, for their own intrinsic value and for the critical roles they play within the natural world.
Our Work
Rescue & Care
Wild animals at our sanctuaries and rescue centres are given lifetime care and spacious environments where they can live out their days in the peace and respect they need and deserve.
Anti-Captivity
We work across the world to stop captive animal suffering, challenge the captive animal industry, call for better legislation and protection, and phase out zoos.
Wildlife Trade
We campaign for the welfare of wild animals at the highest level to ensure the best possible outcome for wildlife, including the illegal trade in wildlife, trophy hunting, canned hunting, and much more.
Climate Change
We are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and our contribution to global warming and addressing both climate change and biodiversity loss through our work.
UK Education
In the UK, our Education Programme aims to reach children and young people both in schools and out, instilling a love of wildlife and helping to encourage personal, local action to help protect wild animals.
Our History
In 1966, Virginia McKenna DBE and Bill Travers MBE starred in the classic wildlife film Born Free. The film told the true story of conservationists Joy and George Adamson who rescued a lioness cub called Elsa and successfully returned her to the wild.
Virginia and Bill went on to make several wildlife films together, including in 1969 An Elephant Called Slowly with an elephant calf called Pole Pole (pronounced Poly Poly). When filming was over, Pole Pole was gifted to London Zoo by the Kenyan government. Virginia and Bill did everything they could to prevent this, but Pole Pole was sent to London.
In 1982, Virginia and Bill went to visit Pole Pole at the zoo. Pole Pole, in clear distress, remembered Virginia and Bill and stretched out her trunk to reach them.
Virginia and Bill launched a campaign to give Pole Pole a better life but in 1983, aged 16, Pole Pole died. Determined that her death would not be in vain, in 1984, Virginia, Bill and their eldest son Will launched Zoo Check – the charity that has evolved into Born Free. Today, Will Travers OBE is Born Free's Executive President, and Virginia McKenna DBE served as a Trustee, retiring from the role in March 2026.
Virginia and Bill went on to make several wildlife films together, including in 1969 An Elephant Called Slowly with an elephant calf called Pole Pole (pronounced Poly Poly). When filming was over, Pole Pole was gifted to London Zoo by the Kenyan government. Virginia and Bill did everything they could to prevent this, but Pole Pole was sent to London.
In 1982, Virginia and Bill went to visit Pole Pole at the zoo. Pole Pole, in clear distress, remembered Virginia and Bill and stretched out her trunk to reach them.
Virginia and Bill launched a campaign to give Pole Pole a better life but in 1983, aged 16, Pole Pole died. Determined that her death would not be in vain, in 1984, Virginia, Bill and their eldest son Will launched Zoo Check – the charity that has evolved into Born Free. Today, Will Travers OBE is Born Free's Executive President, and Virginia McKenna DBE served as a Trustee, retiring from the role in March 2026.
Our History
Learn more about the inspiration behind the charity Born Free and how the charity started.
Heritage
Find out about Born Free's unique history, shaped by some inspiring and much-loved individuals.
Our Co-Founders
Find out more about the inspirational people behind Born Free - Bill Travers MBE, Dame Virginia McKenna DBE, & Will Travers OBE.
Who we work with
Born Free works with a wide range of celebrities, artists and photographers, who generously support us with their time and donations.
Our Patrons
We are delighted to be supported by a number of high-profile Patrons who share our determination to bring about positive change for wild animals and actively champion our projects and campaigns.
Junior and Youth Ambassadors
Learn more about Born Free's amazing team of Youth and Junior Ambassadors.
Artists
Born Free is fortunate to work with a wide range of talented artists, who have supported the charity generously.
Photographers
Born Free is lucky to work with and be supported by some of the best wildlife photographers around the world, whose emotive images help us tell the stories of wild animals, whether in the wild, in captivity, or after being rescued.
Partnerships and Coalitions
The Born Free Foundation works in close collaboration with many like-minded campaign groups around the world.
Meet Our Team
Meet the people behind the action – a team of like-minded individuals sharing the same goals, working together to secure a better future for wild animals.
Find out more
Find out more about our work, by reading our latest news articles and blogs.
A tragedy. And an important question that must be asked.
Will Travers OBE, responds to the tragic tiger-related human fatality at Yorkshire Wildlife Park and asks whether current zoo safety standards do enough to effectively prevent people entering dangerous-animal enclosures.
EU set to ban lead gunshot in major win for wildlife
The restriction would be a significant step towards protecting people, animals and the environment.
Born Free warns Northern Ireland and Wales against badger culling
As the devolved nations consider wildlife controls, Born Free expresses concerns over possible badger culling plans.
Vervet monkey troop rescued from conflict risk in Zambia
An entire troop of 26 vervet monkeys has been successfully rescued, rehabilitated and released by Born Free partner the Zambia Primate Project.
Saving the life of Kimeu the lion
Thanks to extraordinary team effort, a lion with a deadly snare around his neck has been rescued in our charity’s homeland of Meru National Park, in central Kenya.
Introduce your pupils to pangolins this World Animal Day
Calling all teachers – Born Free’s latest pangolin assembly is the perfect way to inspire young people.
Our policies
All of Born Free’s important policy documents, including our Privacy Policy, Safeguarding Policy, Child Privacy Notice, Vulnerable Persons Policy and Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy, can be found using the link below.