Give comfort and joy to rescued animals this Christmas
Launching today, Born Free’s new appeal will help enrich the lives of animals in our care, and help them recover from trauma.
A spotted hyena enjoying a box of treats (c) Zacharias Abubeker
Confined, exploited, abused, injured or orphaned; animals cared for by Born Free, at sanctuaries around the world, have suffered terribly before being rescued. That’s why, in the run up to Christmas, we’ve launched our new ‘Comfort & Joy’ appeal to provide essential enrichment for these traumatised individuals, helping them not only recover, but thrive.
Enrichment is essential for wild animals living in sanctuary settings, allowing them to exhibit natural behaviours and aiding recovery. Each enrichment activity is carefully designed by experts, and specific to the needs of the species – for example, in Malawi, our colleagues at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre create ‘termite trails’ to encourage natural feeding patterns and ensure rescued pangolins get their 200,000 daily termite quota! Or in Cameroon, the team at Limbe Wildlife Centre carefully create bamboo tube puzzle feeders filled with tasty treats, to keep rescued primates stimulated.
Every animal we care for has been rescued from heartbreaking situations – they may be victims of wildlife trafficking or the cruel illegal pet trade, they could have been injured and orphaned in the wild (often due to human activity), or exploited in captivity in appalling zoos, circuses and shows.
Whenever possible, rescued individuals are released back to the wild. Otherwise, if this is not an option, we give them a loving, lifetime home in spacious enclosures at our world-class sanctuaries, or those of our partners, and develop special enrichment tailored to suit their needs.
Kebri when rescued
Kebri’s story
In Ethiopia, Kebri the lion was just weeks old when his mother was killed. Unable to fend for himself in the wild, we gave him a safe, forever home at our Ensessa Kotteh sanctuary. Today, he’s happy and healthy in our care and the team regularly treat him to bundles of pungent herbs tied in a sack, which he loves to investigate – pouncing on them and rolling around in delight!
A gift of £15 could help continue to provide Kebri with essential activities to enrich his life.
Zeiss before he arrived at Shamwari
Zeiss’ story
Zeiss the leopard suffered at a terrible zoo in South Africa, where animals were tragically left to starve, before it was shut down by the authorities. Now safe at our Big Cat Rescue Centre, at Shamwari, Zeiss is slowly recovering. Although still very wary, he loves climbing up onto his special viewing platform and gazing across the vast South African landscape, and is gaining confidence in his surroundings.
A gift of £400 could help rescued big cats like Zeiss find peace, with a viewing platform of their own.
Fasika when found by our team
Fasika’s story
Snatched from the wild, we found Fasika the cheetah cub on a rope – sick, hungry and afraid. Now, safe at our sanctuary in Ethiopia, and part of our ‘cheetah family’, she enjoys special tasty treats, wrapped in straw in a cardboard box tied up with raffia, which keep her busy and feed her natural curiosity.
A gift of £30 could help Fasika recover and thrive with specially designed enrichment to keep her active.
Give comfort and joy to rescued animals
Understanding what works best for the rescued animals we help care for is crucial - they have endured too much, but now, we can turn their suffering into comfort, and their fear into joy.