A lion cub clawing at a tree trunk with the logo 'Make your Mark'

Gifts in Wills fund over a third of Born Free’s work

They’re vital to our efforts to protect wildlife and stop suffering.

By including a gift in your Will, you can Make Your Mark – helping keep wildlife in the wild, ending captive animal suffering, and protecting wild animals for generations to come.

You can make a difference

Your gift could help fund sanctuaries, protect habitats, influence policy, and support community engagement projects – ensuring your values live on.

We completely understand that family and friends come first, so we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who feels able to leave such a special gift.

We are fighting for a future where wildlife thrives – and you can be part of that legacy.

I've been a supporter for 40 years, and Born Free is one of my favourite charities. Born Free is mentioned in my Will, although only a small bequest, as I’m an OAP on a basic state pension!

Sue, Born Free supporter

Hear from Will Travers OBE why leaving a legacy is so important

Will Travers stood next to Virginia McKenna, who is sitting down on a rock with a mountainous Kenyan landscape in the background

Download your free information guide

Complete the form below to download our practical guide to making and updating a Will. If you have any questions or would like to talk through options for supporting Born Free within your Will then please contact our Legacy Officer, Carina Hibbitt, on 01403 240170 or email [email protected].

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HOW TO INCLUDE A GIFT TO BORN FREE IN YOUR WILL

If you choose to leave a gift to Born Free, your solicitor should use the wording below to ensure your wishes are respected and your legacy helps wildlife thrive.

I give to The Born Free Foundation, Registered Charity No. 1070906 (England and Wales) of Frazer House, 2nd Floor, 14 Carfax, Horsham, RH12 1ER the [Gift Type Here] as an unrestricted legacy. It is my wish that it shall be applied wherever the need is greatest at the time of receipt.

If, at the date of my death, the charity has merged, changed its name or charity number, or transferred its assets to another charitable body, I direct that this gift shall be made to that body which most closely reflects the objectives of the Born Free Foundation.

Note: Sometimes a charity may change its name or charity number in the future. The wording above helps make sure that, whatever happens, your gift will still go to Born Free’s work for wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whatever you choose to leave — a fixed amount or a share of your estate — will be deeply appreciated and help protect wild animals. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate (residuary gift), as it keeps its value over time.

If there’s a particular species or area of our work you feel passionate about, we’d be happy to discuss it. However, as needs can change over time, unrestricted gifts ensure your gift to Born Free is used to fund the most urgent area of our work.

No — it’s entirely your choice. But if you do let us know, we’d love the chance to say thank you and keep you updated on our work, in whatever way suits you.

You can search for a qualified solicitor via:

Yes. We’ve partnered with Farewill, to offer a FREE Will service. Create your Will online, or speak to someone by phone if you prefer.

For alternative online Will-writing, you could consider Octopus Legacy or the National Free Wills Network.

(Available to supporters in England and Wales. You don’t have to include a gift to Born Free to use this service — but we hope you’ll consider one once your loved ones are looked after.)

No. While we’re pleased to offer a free Will-writing service with Farewill, you’re very welcome to use any of the other options available — such as Octopus Legacy, the National Free Wills Network, or by finding a solicitor directly through the Law Society.
What matters most is that you choose the route that feels right for you.

Every gift — no matter how modest — makes a lasting difference for wild animals. Whether it’s a gift of money, a small percentage of your estate, or a specific item, your kindness can help rescue, protect or care for wildlife in need.

Yes, absolutely. You can update your Will at any time. We recommend speaking with your solicitor or Will provider to make the change officially, either by creating a new Will or adding a codicil.

Share this wording with your solicitor to make sure your gift helps protect wildlife:

I give to The Born Free Foundation, Registered Charity No. 1070906 (England and Wales) of Frazer House, 2nd Floor, 14 Carfax, Horsham, RH12 1ER the [Gift Type Here] as an unrestricted legacy. It is my wish that it shall be applied wherever the need is greatest at the time of receipt.

If, at the date of my death, the charity has merged, changed its name or charity number, or transferred its assets to another charitable body, I direct that this gift shall be made to that body which most closely reflects the objectives of the Born Free Foundation.

Yes, many supporters choose to leave a gift in memory of a loved one. It’s a meaningful way to honour their values and create a legacy that reflects their love for wildlife.

Yes, we treat all communications and intentions in the strictest confidence, and we’ll always respect your privacy and your wishes.

Before the ‘boma’ project, we couldn’t sleep because we were worried about lions attacking our cattle. Now, they are safe in a reinforced enclosure, and we live without fear, thanks to Born Free.

Local farmer, Kenya, Born Free beneficiary

MAKE YOUR MARK WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL

A photo of baby rhino standing next to its mother

Download your FREE guide to Wills

A helpful, practical guide to making or updating your Will — and leaving a lasting gift for wildlife.
A lion cub rubs its head against the face of an adult female lion lying on the ground

Write your Will for free

Start your Will online today using our FREE Will-writing service, in partnership with Farewill.

WHAT WE'VE ACHIEVED THANKS TO GIFTS IN WILLS

Launched a major campaign to end big cat exploitation in UK zoos

In 2024, Born Free launched the Clawing at the Cages campaign, calling for a ban on the keeping of big cats in UK zoos. This groundbreaking report and public appeal exposed the hidden suffering of captive lions, tigers and leopards — and is already influencing policy and public opinion.
A leopard peers around a pole in a grassy landscape

Rescued and rehomed four big cats in 2024

Two lions and two leopards, saved from poor conditions in Europe, were given new lives in South Africa thanks to Born Free supporters. These rescues show the direct, lasting impact of legacy gifts.
A young elephant calf leans in towards its mother for protection

Protected wild lions, elephants, and giraffes in Kenya

Through our Saving Meru’s Giants programme, Born Free is supporting field teams and local communities to protect vital habitat and reduce conflict between people and wildlife in Meru National Park — a key area for Kenya’s most iconic species and Born Frees heartland and inspiration.

THANK YOU

By leaving a gift in your Will to Born Free, you can Make Your Mark for a future where wildlife thrives.