News & Updates

The latest news, blogs and features from Born Free.

Press contact: [email protected]+44 (0)1403 240 170

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.
A brown bear in a zoo enclosure stood on hind legs twisting its neck

Is zoochosis real?

With the recent announcement of a new horror video game of the same name, you may be wondering what ‘zoochosis’ really means. Our Policy Support Officer delves into the disturbing reality for many captive animals.

Pet primate licensing regulations pass Commons Committee

Born Free cautiously welcomes the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations, which were endorsed by a Delegated Legislation Committee in the House of Commons on 31st January.
Three orca line up at the edge of a pool, in front of three people in wetsuits

Will Marineland, Antibes’ orca be sent to Japan?

Born Free calls on French President Macron to stop the transfer of three captive orca to Japan - sign the petition now.
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.