31 March 2023

COULD YOU JOIN OUR CIRCLE?

Virginia’s Circle of Compassion brings together a network of people with a passion for wildlife. Philanthropy & Events Manager Joanne Bartholomew encourages you to get involved.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”  – Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist.

Limited to 50 places, Virginia’s Circle of Compassion is all about compassionate conservation, making the difference and providing positive opportunities and life-changing outcomes. The annual membership is a gift of £2,000, which is exclusively used to support the Circle’s objectives.

Would you like to be part of Virginia’s Circle? Members meet online once a year over Teams to hear about a range of Born Free projects, each requiring funding. Born Free presents at least eight projects for discussion and consideration. It is not easy to choose – all the projects need support. Updates on how the work is being carried out and the impact you are having are then communicated regularly.

“As a founder member of the Circle, I am excited about the help and support it provides for such amazing projects. We are always kept informed of progress and I would encourage you to become involved so that so much more could be done.” – Val Hackett, Founder Member of Virginia’s Circle of Compassion.

Your support for wildlife will have a tangible impact, and you will hear directly from the teams explaining their project needs. You will then receive updates directly from the wildlife heroes working on the ground in different countries, ensuring you can see how your donation is making a difference.

Once such update came from Born Free’s Managing Director, Karen Botha after a recent visit to our rescue centre in Ethiopia. “I was delighted to see the work to install the electric fencing around primate and lion enclosures was all but complete. The chosen installer had done a fantastic job and Bereket our Centre Manager is very happy with the results.”

The team will receive final training on managing and maintaining the system. There will also be a period of learning, both by the animals in care and visiting wild animals, as they learn to respect the fence and keep away. The fence emits a ‘pulse’ which is unpleasant to the touch but in no way dangerous.

“There is no doubt that without the financial contribution from Virginia’s Circle of Compassion, this vitally important intervention would not have been able to take place as quickly as it has. Its introduction means the animals in our care, and our staff and neighbouring communities are better protected. Thank you to all in Virginia’s Circle of Compassion for your continued support.”

“Everything we do is about one. One animal, one animal suffering, one animal we can help, one species, one person, one community, one leader – and that becomes one more.” – Dame Virginia McKenna DBE.

Our beloved Co-Founder Dame Virginia McKenna invites you to join her Circle today. Please contact joanne@bornfree.org.uk and click the button below to find out more.

join virginia’s CIRCLE OF COMPASSION