We’re proud to announce that Born Free has just received two exciting awards: a lifetime achievement award for Founder Virginia McKenna at the New York Wildlife Conservation Film Festival and a 2013 World Tourism Award. McKenna and her son Will Travers, CEO of Born Free USA, accepted the World Tourism Award at a high profile ceremony at the World Travel Market in London.
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Born Free just received double accolades in New York! Founder Virginia McKenna received a lifetime achievement award at the New York Wildlife Conservation Film Festival after an exclusive showing of “Elsa’s Legacy.” Her decades of work for wildlife protection have cemented her as a fixture in the wildlife conservation field. She accepted the award and, with Born Free USA’s Adam Roberts, fielded audience questions on our compassionate work for wildlife.
As the 30th anniversary of the Born Free Foundation approaches, it was very special to have been invited to New York for the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival. The Festival is the inspiration of Christopher Gervais; he brought together a fascinating group of film makers and conservationist films – including the BBC’s “Elsa’s Legacy,” the Born Free story. It was so reassuring to meet many people who share our determination to try to keep wildlife in the wild. In spite of the huge challenges we face – poaching, destruction of habitat, sport hunting, and the captive wild animal industry – I came away with a new sense of hope. May the festival go from strength to strength.
Days later, Born Free Foundation was announced as a recipient of a 2013 World Tourism Award for our tremendous impact saving wildlife and working with local communities across the globe. Since 1997, the prestigious World Tourism Award is presented each year in London to “recognize the extraordinary initiatives by individuals, companies, organizations, destinations and attractions for outstanding accomplishment in the travel industry.”
Along with the other honorees, Born Free Foundation was selected for our commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism development, and providing opportunities for the travel industry to assist local communities in overcoming challenging times. Born Free Foundation’s tireless work for animals was recognized for “its impact on wildlife conservation by supporting projects that protect animals, as well as, teach local communities how to live peacefully with these animals, thereby ensuring the enjoyment of wildlife in their natural habitat for generations to come.”
Proud honors indeed!