About Us

Our Vision and Mission

Born Free USA’s vision is a co-existent future where humans no longer exploit wild animals.

We work to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs.

Our Purpose

As a leading wildlife charity, we oppose the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and campaign to keep them where they belong – in the wild.

We promote Compassionate Conservation to enhance the survival of threatened species in the wild and protect natural habitats while respecting the needs and safeguarding the welfare of individual animals.

We seek to have a positive impact on animals in the wild and protect their ecosystems in perpetuity, for their own intrinsic value and for the critical roles they play within the natural world.

Our History

In 1966, Dame Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers MBE starred in the classic wildlife film Born Free. The film told the true story of conservationists Joy and George Adamson who rescued a lioness cub named Elsa and successfully returned her to the wild.

Virginia and Bill went on to make several wildlife films together, including in 1969 An Elephant Called Slowly with an elephant calf called Pole Pole. Although Virginia and Bill did everything they could to prevent this, when filming ended, Pole Pole was gifted to London Zoo by the Kenyan government. In 1982, Virginia and Bill went to visit Pole Pole at the zoo and the elephant, in clear distress, remembered Virginia and Bill and stretched out her trunk to reach them.

Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna reach out to Pole Pole at the London Zoo. Even in her distress, she remembers them. Virginia and Bill launched a campaign to give Pole Pole a better life but, in 1983, at age 16, Pole Pole died. Determined that her death would not be in vain, in 1984, Virginia, Bill and their eldest son Will launched Zoo Check – the charity that has evolved into Born Free.

Dame Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers MBE on the set of the “Born Free” film with one of the lionesses who played Elsa. Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Bill Travers MBE and Dame Virginia McKenna reach out to Pole Pole at the London Zoo. Even in her distress, she remembers them. Photo: Mail on Sunday.

In 2002, Born Free USA was launched in the United States to bring Born Free’s vision to the American public. In 2007, Born Free merged with Animal Protection Institute (API). Click here for a more complete history of Born Free’s inception »

Born Free operates one of the largest primate sanctuaries in the United States. The 175-acre sanctuary, located in south Texas, provides a safe, permanent home to hundreds of monkeys, many rescued from abuse in roadside zoos or as “pets” in private homes or retired from animal experimentation. Read more about the history and mission of Born Free USA’s primate sanctuary »

“I remember that movie having an impact on me… I couldn’t have been more than four or five, but I remember choking up on [Elsa’s release].”
Former President Barack Obama, noting that Born Free was among the first films he saw as a child.

Celebrating Two Decades of Wildlife Wins in 2022!

2022 marked Born Free USA's 20th anniversary year. Look back on our biggest victories of the last two decades and get inspired to help animals!

EXPLORE 20 YEARS

Our Victories

Celebrity Endorsements

“Born Free USA has it right. Stick to your cats and dogs, some animals are not meant to be pets! Wildlife belongs in the wild.”
Neal Doughty, REO Speedwagon

“I truly enjoy working with Born Free USA. They are a reputable powerhouse that truly cares about helping animals, and we share the same beliefs that animals should live a peaceful existence in the wild.”
Hannah Testa, Founder – Hannah4Change

Supporter Testimonials

“With the increased calls regarding wild species in our suburban area, the brochures from Born Free USA are a great tool to inform citizens about the facts. We currently utilize the Coexisting with Coyotes, Deer, and Wildlife brochures as hand-outs for our Animal Control Officer to educate the public regarding suspect behaviors of animals that are encountered.”
Perrysburg (OH) Police Division

“Thank you for all you do for animals. Let’s do more.”
Supporter from California

“Thanks for all you do. I gave $150 at the Wildlife Expo in San Francisco (I collect money from co-workers), and now with that that awful happening in Ohio it made sense to give you some more.”
Supporter from California

“I love that Born Free USA helps animals in so many ways — from strengthening laws to investigations to providing sanctuary to wild species in need.”
Online donor

“Thank you for all your work on behalf of the animals!”
Online donor

“Born Free USA manages to produce quality campaigns on a shoestring budget that often surpass what much larger organizations produce with quadruple the funds and workforce.”
Online donor

“Thank you for keeping up the Good Fight!!!”
Supporter from Florida

“A highly effective organization with a knowledgeable, dedicated, responsive staff.”
The Avian Welfare Coalition

“Thank you for working on behalf of elephant freedom from circuses and other animals.”
Supporter from Massachusetts

“Born Free USA is a relatively small organization but (it is) a powerhouse when it comes to wildlife protection.”
Long-time corporate partner

“I could not ask for a more responsive, informed, expert, caring organization than Born Free USA.”
TrailSafe Nevada

“Please continue to do good work for these wonderful animals. I trust you to do the right things for them!”
Supporter from Illinois

“This organization’s campaigns are well thought out, targeted and yet diverse. They approach issues with creativity and professionalism, backed with science and investigations. They are a small staff but turn out a huge amount of work.”
Online donor

Shop Our Store!

Born Free USA's online store has items for every animal lover, from books, to apparel, gifts for kids, and more!

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Support Born Free USA

Your generous contribution will help us continue – and expand – our vital work to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs.

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