News & Updates

The latest news, blogs and features from Born Free.

Press contact: [email protected]+44 (0)1403 240 170
A panel of five people sitting on a stage, with large projector screen behind them and large audience in front

Born Free brings together expert panel to look ‘Beyond Zoos’

On Wednesday 29 November, Born Free hosted an inspiring evening of discussion exploring the moral, ethical, conservation and economic questions posed by the keeping of animals in captivity, and what a future ‘beyond zoos’ could look like.
A giant panda lying down behind the glass of a zoo enclosure as people look on

Keeping of giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo finally comes to an end

The two pandas are returning to China after 12 years in Scotland, with Thursday 30th November the last day the pandas will be on display before preparing to fly home.
An image of an elephant with a target projected onto its side

Why would anyone shoot an elephant for fun?

Every year, trophy hunters slaughter tens of thousands of wild animals, bizarrely claiming that killing rare species is an effective way to protect them. Our Head of Policy, veterinarian Dr Mark Jones, reports.
A grey parrot in a cage

Global wildlife trade regulator reprimands UK and EU for failures to uphold captive breeding rules

The global body that regulates international wildlife trade has officially reprimanded the United Kingdom and the European Union for their longstanding failure to register captive breeding facilities for the most heavily threatened and protected species.
A room full of people sitting at desks, with a panel and large projector screen at the front of the room.

Born Free urges world wildlife trade regulator to support wildlife trafficking agreement

Born Free co-hosted an event in the sidelines of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)’ Standing Committee meeting, aimed at persuading the wildlife trade regulating body of the need for a new international agreement to tackle wildlife trafficking.
King Charles delivers his speech in the House of Lords on Tuesday © Leon Neal Getty Images

UK Government fails to meet its nature and animal welfare commitments in King’s Speech

Born Free responds to the King's Speech on 7th November 2023, which failed to fulfil longstanding government promises for nature and animal welfare.
A yellow snake in a glass case

Speaking up for Snakes

Organisations, including Born Free, call on DEFRA to improve standards for snakes in pet shops.
Several colourful fireworks exploding in the sky

Fireworks: harmless fun, or compounded misery for animals in zoos?

Born Free urges everyone to consider the wellbeing of animals this firework and bonfire season.
Nicky Campbell with an elephant placard

CITES Standing Committee: Everything you need to know

As Born Free calls for tighter restrictions on international wildlife trade when regulatory body, CITES, meets in Geneva, we look at why CITES is important and how Born Free is involved.

Born Free responds to IUCN SSC position statement

Born Free Foundation reacts to IUCN Position Statement on the role of zoos, aquariums, and botanic gardens in species conservation.