News & Updates

The latest news, blogs and features from Born Free.

Press contact: [email protected]+44 (0)1403 240 170
A man wearing a white lab coat and face mask, looking at samples through a microscope

Congratulations Hailu!

Born Free is delighted to announce that Hailu Dagnachew, from our Ensessa Kotteh team in Ethiopia, has received his Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree from the University of Ambo.
A photo of a hyena carrying a cardboard box packed with meat and vegetables, in its mouth

Caring for rescued lions, hyenas, monkeys and more!

With your help, Born Free provides species-specific enrichment for rescued animals at Ensessa Kotteh, Ethiopia. Our Rescue & Care Officer Dr Andrea Donaldson reports.
A close-up photo of a male lion with no mane

A tribute to Louga

We are extremely saddened to share that we recently had to say goodbye to our beloved 16-year-old lion Louga, at our sanctuary in South Africa.
A lion lying peacefully on a wooden platform surrounded by greenery and African plants, with a lioness standing on the platform behind him

Born Free secures South Africa’s first accredited big cat sanctuary status

Our Big Cat Sanctuary at Shamwari Private Game Reserve has been officially recognised for its exceptional standards as a sanctuary by global body GFAS.
An adult cheetah lying on the grass looking relaxed.

Farewell Barega

We are extremely sad to share the news that our precious rescued male cheetah Barega, who lived at Ensessa Kotteh wildlife centre in Ethiopia, passed away last month.
A leopard peers around a pole in a grassy landscape

Rescued leopards thriving in South Africa

Ginny and Alda, the two rescued leopards given a new life at Born Free's South African sanctuary, are thriving in their new home.
A female leopard emerging from a crate, into a South African sanctuary enclosure

New life for rescued leopards

On World Leopard Day, we welcome mother and daughter, Alda and Ginny, who have arrived at our sanctuary following a life in captivity.
A tiger standing in between two trees looking up at the camera

Sandro – three years of bliss

In April 2021, thanks to your kind donations, a rescued tiger arrived at his lifetime home at Animanatura Wild Sanctuary in Italy. Rescue & Care Officer Dr Andrea Donaldson brings us the latest news, three years on.
A portrait of a baby bonobo sitting amongst family members

How we protect bonobos

Born Free’s Head of Conservation Dr Nikki Tagg highlights the mystery and uniqueness of bonobos and reports on what Born Free is doing to protect these rare great apes.
An adult serval lying down relaxing amongst long grass and vegetation

Four servals, two years on

Rescued from Belgium’s illegal pet trade and given a new life in South Africa, how has the quartet of long-legged wild cats settled into their forever home?