News & Updates

The latest news, blogs and features from Born Free.

Press contact: [email protected]+44 (0)1403 240 170
A rhino with large horn is emerging from behind a bush

South Africa’s Cabinet approves plans to phase out lion farming and private breeding of rhinos

South Africa’s Cabinet has approved policies put forward by the Minister of Forests, Fisheries and the Environment that include ending intensive lion breeding and the intensive management and captive breeding of rhinos for commercial purposes.
Two dolphins in a pool taking part in a show and playing with a ball

Two major UK tour operators take action for whales and dolphins

Born Free applauds recent news that two UK tour operator giants have announced that they will no longer sell tickets to attractions with captive cetaceans (dolphins, whales and porpoises).
Close up of the face of an African bull elephant

Concern as number of elephants in UK zoos set to increase

UK's population of elephants cruelly kept captive in zoos is set to expand, with the import of a bull elephant from Germany, and two elephants pregnant at Blackpool Zoo. Born Free calls for policy makers to legislate for an Elephant-Free UK.
Celia Nicholls and Dr Mark Jones holding an envelope and gold award in front of a step and repeat board

Born Free wins gold

Our powerful animation, Enough is Enough, triumphs at last night’s 2024 Smiley Charity Film Awards, in Leicester Square.

Nottinghamshire zoo plans opposed by Born Free rejected by local council

Born Free is pleased with the decision by Broxtowe Borough Council to reject the planning permission for a new zoo.

Pet Primate Licensing Regulations Pass into Law

Born Free cautiously welcomes new regulations requiring all primate owners in England to obtain a licence, which passed into law on 5th March.
Tsar, a male lion, is galloping as he enters his new enclosure at Shamwari Big Cat Sanctuary

From the frontline to ‘freedom’ – Tsar & Jamil arrive at Shamwari

Born into captivity, mistreated, malnourished, and rescued at the outbreak of war, we are delighted to announce that our ‘Ukraine Lions’ have finally found safety and sanctuary in their forever home in South Africa.
A small crocodile sits submerged in water facing to the right of the image, with just the top of its head and eyes above the water

Why are dangerous wild animals as pets such a problem?

Born Free’s Captivity Research Officer Chris Lewis considers Born Free’s latest research into dangerous wild animals kept in private residences across Britain, and the problems that exotic pet ownership poses.
A man standing in a pool with a dolphin which is emerging upright from the water. The man is holding onto the dolphin's fins.

Born Free calls for action on animal abuse in tourism

UK Government needs to act urgently to bring landmark legislation into effect.
A woman leaning into a pen to take a photo of a reindeer at a festive event.

Reindeer review

With your help, our joint campaign to end the cruel use of live reindeer at UK events and call for a more compassionate Christmas 2023, had a big impact.