My dear friends,
What an extraordinary and terrible time this is. My heart goes out to all those individuals and families who face tragedy as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. And I salute all the frontline heroes – the NHS nurses doctors, technicians, administrators, cooks and cleaners; the first responders; the people who stack our shelves; grow our food; and deliver our mail and groceries – everyone who is keeping the country going – including the amazing 99-year-old Captain Tom Moore who has raised over £28m, and counting, for the NHS.
Born Free has adapted fast to the situation. Everyone who can is working from home and doing an extraordinary job. And a huge thank you to our animal carers who provide for the many hundreds of wild animals in our rescue centres around the world.
This is a time when we can all do something for nature and animals, as well as our family, friends and communities. You, our loyal supporters, never cease to amaze me, and if you are looking to use you energy to help Born Free, here are some suggestions.
Born Free is partnering with Virtual Racing UK allowing you to support wildlife and get fit! We’ve launched the May Owl 20K where entrants must commit to completing a 20K distance – a run, walk, cycle or combination. Go on – have a go!
Our online auction officially opens on 27th April. Lots include a signed bottle of champagne from Joanna Lumley, a personalised illustration from Cressida Cowell, and the chance to name a wild lion in Meru, Kenya. Wow!
Our education team has produced outstanding (and fun!) materials that people of all ages can enjoy at home.
Our conservation team continues to support effective wildlife conservation in the field. We’ve launched our new rhino adoption. Poachers don’t care that the world is in lockdown and we must ensure the Kenya Wildlife Service rangers can continue to protect these highly endangered animals.
And our policy team are playing a world-leading role in looking beyond coronavirus at the future of wildlife and our relationship with them.
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