Born Free Foundation

Last Monday evening our monitoring team spotted this limping bull elephant in the company of two other bulls. It was clearly in need of treatment, and our Saving Meru's Giants monitoring team called the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) veterinarian. As it was late in the evening it wasn't possible to treat the bull, so our monitoring team was out early the next morning to find him. Once we'd tracked him down we contacted KWS who were able to attend and tranquilize him. The bull had a prominent swelling around his left knee joint, but no external injuries. Dr Aminga, the vet, advised that given the lack of fluid accumulation and limited joint movement, the injury was like the result of an old knee joint dislocation and a minor closed fracture. They administered anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and medication to manage the pain, swelling and mobility. After his treatment, the bull rejoined his companions and KWS is hopeful for his recovery!

What happens when a chimpanzee spots their reflection in a mirror? How does it lead to conflict with communities? We caught up with Dr Matthew McLennan from Bulindi Chimpanzee and Community Project to find out what happened, and how the project is supporting communities to live safely alongside chimpanzees 👇 https://lnkd.in/eDsRPGD8

South Africa has unveiled a draft plan to reopen international rhino horn trade ⚠️ Please help us to urge the South African government to rethink these proposals by using our simple form to send a letter to the Minister 👇 https://lnkd.in/eW4QkgPx

Held captive, abused and exploited. Holidaymakers are often unaware of the terrible treatment of wild animals used as photo props, but this is their stark reality. Many photo prop animals are captured from the wild. Babies taken from their mothers and family groups, who may be killed or injured in the process; their teeth and claws are often removed, and birds may have their wings clipped. They’re dressed up, chained and even sedated. The constant handling and restraint is distressing for them, and they may be forced to live in terrible conditions. As the summer holidays approach, please don’t visit attractions where wild animals are exploited for entertainment. Don’t fund this industry. Pledge not to take a Selfish Selfie.⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e5WBeXVz

Love lions and want to help protect them? 🦁 🧡 On 10th August, World Lion Day, walk or run 23,000 steps - one for each lion remaining in the wild - and raise money to support our vital lion conservation work. Sign up today and create your fundraising page 👇 You can even sign up as a team and take part with your friends or colleagues! https://lnkd.in/esr98MEv

We're extremely proud to announce that our Big Cat Sanctuary at Shamwari Private Game Reserve has been officially recognised as a true sanctuary by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) 🧡 It's the first big cat sanctuary in South Africa to be awarded the accredited status! Thanks to our supporters for helping us to care for the big cats who live at the sanctuary. We hope that one day sanctuaries like ours are not needed, and lions and leopards are only sighted in their natural habitats. https://lnkd.in/dbyj5grX

Yes 💪 Dr David Manoa, Pride of Amboseli Manager, highlighting how essential it is that communities are at the heart of conservation 🧡

Our team has played a vital role in an international scientific conference in Kenya – a ground-breaking exploration of development, conservation and climate change. It was fantastic to create awareness on our important conservation initiatives protecting lions, elephants and giraffes, and the development of our ongoing projects in Meru National Park and the Amboseli ecosystem. Read more👇 https://lnkd.in/eMyJy5eT

Say hello to Macharia! He is Pride of Meru Conservation Ambassador and his main work is helping people and wildlife to coexist alongside one another. He has been working to implement eye-cow - where artificial eyespots are painted on the hindquarters of cattle to deter predators - and flash deterrent lights. Both these methods work to reduce conflict between humans and predators!

The UK has a new Labour government, but what will this mean for wildlife protection and the welfare of both free-living and captive wild animals? Our wildlife is in crisis. Countless animals continue to suffer. The need for real, effective protection for nature has never been more urgent. The job now for wildlife groups like Born Free is to hold the new government to account for its stated commitments, and to push it to go further. Much further. Our latest blog looks at what promises have been made, and what work needs to be done ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eFwiBW-Y #LabourGovernment #UKWildlifeProtection #NatureProtection