News & Updates

The latest news, blogs and features from Born Free.

Press contact: [email protected]+44 (0)1403 240 170
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.
Two black-maned lions standing in the shrubland

Farewell Major

We are extremely sad to share the news that Major, one of our precious rescued lions who lived at Ensessa Kotteh, our wildlife centre in Ethiopia, passed peacefully recently due to old age.
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.
A young wild lion lying in the long grass with his mane blowing in the wind

Goodbye Conan

Born Free is sad to report the tragic death of a young wild lion in Meru National Park in Kenya – known and loved by our team since his birth, in February 2019.
A leopard peeping through the long grass

Farewell dear Sami

It is with great sadness that Born Free has had to say goodbye to Sami, our beloved rescued leopard, cared for by our South Africa team for the last 22 years.

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.
Elephant group in the red-oat grass of the Masai Mara. Two adult females with a calf in open expanse of grassland with acacia trees.

Born Free offers Hope for Elephants

A future without elephants is unimaginable. Born Free’s new appeal offers a lifeline for one of Africa’s most iconic species.