Press Releases
The Netherlands Decides to Ban Mink Fur Farming
Today animal welfare organizations in the Netherlands are celebrating a long-awaited victory. The Senate voted in favor of a ban on mink fur farming. The ban will come into force in 2024, which means that by that date, there is no more fur farming in the Netherlands.
Born Free USA’s National Bird Day to Focus on Birds in Captivity, Including How to Best Adopt and Care for “Pet” Birds
Jan. 5, 2013, is the 11th anniversary of National Bird Day, when Born Free USA, a leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, shines a spotlight on issues critical to the protection and survival of birds. The annual campaign focuses on education and action to improve standards of care for birds who have been adopted as pets, to educate consumers about adopting a bird from a shelter or rescue, to stop the international trade in wild birds, and to protect and appreciate birds in the wild.
Africa's Killing Fields Revisited
Mega-Ivory Seizure Puts Future of Elephants in Doubt
A massive seizure of 1,500 ivory tusks in Port Klang, rumored to weigh a staggering 20 to 24 English tons, has stunned the conservation world.
"Last year, 2011, was described by trade experts as the worst year for elephants in decades," said Will Travers, chief executive officer of the Born Free Foundation and Born Free USA. "This latest seizure coming, as it does, on top of 900 kilograms seized in New York in July, 1,500 kilograms in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in May and two seizures, one of 3,810 kilograms in October and another of 1,330 kilograms in November in Hong Kong, means the bloody ivory trade has reached new heights of destruction and depravity in 2012.”
More than 100 Animals Settling In at Their New Home at the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary Following Its Largest Transfer of Macaques in History
The happy ending of a two-year saga for 107 macaques and one baboon is finally here. In September, the last group of primates was successfully transported from their former home at the now-closed Wild Animal Orphanage (WAO) in San Antonio, TX, to their new home at the 186-acre Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary in Dilley, TX. Now, as the year comes to an end, Born Free USA reports that the animals are all adjusting and settling into their spacious digs — the place they will call home for the rest of their lives.
African Lions Roam Closer to Protection
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Issues Positive Finding on Groups’ Petition to List Lions as Endangered
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today (Nov. 26, 2012) that the African lion may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), following an initial review of a petition seeking to protect the species which was filed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Humane Society International (HSI), Born Free USA, Born Free Foundation, Defenders of Wildlife and the Fund for Animals. The groups thanked the federal agency for its preliminary positive 90-day finding on the petition to protect lions.
Record Year for International Retailers Committed to Go Fur Free
This year was the biggest year for the International Fur Free Retailer Program (www.furfreeretailer.com) since its launch in 2006, with more than 50 retailers signing on in 2012 and a record number (20) of countries served by the program, reports Born Free USA, founding partner and organizer of the program.
Queen Legend Brian May and Singing Sensation Kerry Ellis Re-Record Academy Award-Winning Song ‘Born Free’
Today (Nov. 5, 2012) marks the worldwide release of the Oscar-winning song “Born Free,” re-recorded by legendary Queen guitarist Brian May and West End and Broadway songstress Kerry Ellis. The classic hit single will be sold in aid of the international wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation.
Classic Hardware Teams with Born Free USA to Keep Wildlife in the Wild
Born Free USA, a leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, has announced its partnership with Classic Hardware of Burbank, CA, the vintage-inspired, cutting-edge jewelry and accessories company. The company will donate a portion of retail sales of its Endangered Creatures Collection at www.classichardware.com to Born Free USA beginning today, in time for the holiday season. Items range from $20 to $61.
