Our Vision
“Is to create a world where every captive wild animal is able to thrive and live a good life.”
Our Mission
“To end the suffering of captive wild animals around the world, by uniting the world’s leading animal welfare organisations and captive wildlife facilities in providing expert, practical and sustainable solutions to improve animal welfare.”
We challenge practices that compromise animal welfare
Many animal welfare practices seen in captive wild animal facilities are indefensible and yet they continue. Lack of veterinary care, unsuitable animal enclosures, inappropriate animal performances and visitor contact and uncontrolled breeding, can all result in poor animal welfare. Such poor welfare conditions – be they in a zoo, aquarium, rescue centre or sanctuary – are often associated with socio-economic problems that feed into other troubling issues such as the illegal wildlife trade. Working with these facilities enables us to achieve national and regional changes, not only in animal welfare, but broader-based wildlife issues as well.
We improve captive animal welfare in sub-standard facilities
From providing basic animal care and welfare training to zoo keepers, to working with national legislators, we aim to get to the core of the issue and give practical support that helps improve welfare for wild animals in captivity. Making improvements in animal enrichment and husbandry practices, bringing in new welfare policies and legislation and offering better veterinary care all help to secure long-term changes in animal welfare.
We work with leading zoos, academic and animal welfare organisations
We work with all those working in the zoo and animal welfare fields who are also committed to making positive welfare changes through research and reform. We believe in supporting institutions and individuals making educated changes that result in improved animal welfare practices. We are reaching facilities others haven’t been able to, proving that a positive, inclusive approach rather than negative condemnation is key to making a difference to the lives of wild animals in captivity.
We respect cultural differences but don’t let them become an excuse for poor animal welfare
We embrace different cultures, values and behaviours, but use the most up to date animal welfare research to make improvements, helping ensure harmful, outdated practices become a thing of the past, while encouraging positive cultural action for the future.
What We Are Not
We are not a lobbying organisation
We make change happen. While lobbying and campaigning can be effective, we choose instead to work together with those key people who have the ability to make positive change for animals. Whether that is other NGOs like us, zoo directors, zoo keepers or government authorities, we build positive relationships and work on getting to the heart of the problem, providing the expert support that will make a difference to animals’ lives.
We do not rescue animals
We do not provide direct animal rescues, but we do support other animal welfare charities, sanctuaries and zoos, by providing funds and expertise that enables them to respond to emergency situations, ensuring that where wild animals are suffering, they can get the help they need.
We do not provide financial grants to sub-standard zoos
While an injection of funds may enable short-term improvements to be made, it does not instil the cultural change necessary for long-term animal welfare progression. We continually assess project success and help facilities that can act as ambassadors in their region and have a wider impact on lasting animal welfare improvements.
Our Core Values
Relationship-centered
We value every individual—human and animal alike—and believe that authentic relationships are the foundation of our work. Our commitment to compassion, integrity, and mutual trust shapes everything we do, as we build deep connections that inspire meaningful and lasting change.
Joy in the Journey
We strive to maintain a balance between dedication and joy. Laughter and camaraderie fuel our energy and resilience, helping us stay connected to each other and our mission. Even in difficult moments, we embrace the journey with a sense of playfulness and purpose.
Resilient Optimism
We maintain an unshakable commitment to the possibility of positive change, even when facing the toughest challenges in grim and difficult situations. It takes a certain kind of courage and gut to step into the situations we do, but with a determined mindset and resilient spirit, we bring hope where it’s needed most. Our optimism which is grounded in action, allows us to bring hope and transformation to the most difficult situations.
Leveraging Our Strengths
We believe in the power of collaboration and the value of diverse strengths. By aligning our unique abilities and embracing a spirit of curiosity and adaptability, we work together efficiently to create lasting impact. Our success is built on unity, flexibility, and continuous growth.
Unwavering Resolve
We treat each other with respect, compassion, and unwavering support, even in the most challenging times. In the face of adversity, we show up with tenacity and a shared commitment to achieving our goals. We value persistence and accountability, expecting all team members to bring their best selves to every situation. This tenacity fosters trust, collaboration, and resilience within our team, ensuring that we collectively strive toward meaningful and lasting change.
Steadfast Spirit
Our work requires both flexibility and determination. We navigate complex challenges with grace, drawing on deep personal relationships across diverse networks. Whether working with caregivers or collaborating with leaders, we adapt to evolving circumstances while maintaining integrity, empathy, and a commitment to real and enduring improvements in animal welfare.
Principles that Guide Us
Strategic Focus for Long-Term Impact
We prioritise projects that have the greatest potential for lasting change. Through careful planning, ongoing evaluation, and adaptability, we ensure our efforts lead to sustainable outcomes. Our approach is thoughtful and patient, designed to drive continuous progress while maintaining accountability for the welfare of animals.
Proactive and Reactive Support
We address both immediate welfare concerns and long-term improvements. We respond to facilities requesting assistance to evaluate and enhance animal care, building long-term relationships to implement recommendations. We also proactively teach welfare auditing and theory, empowering institutions to improve their own welfare programs and drive continuous improvement.
Data-Driven and Relationship-Focused
We assure that our actions are informed by the latest research and data, using evidence to drive our decision-making. At the same time, we rely on strong partnerships and collaborative efforts to achieve meaningful and lasting change for animals. By blending data-driven strategies with relationship-building, we create a powerful approach that maximises impact.
Balancing Cultural Sensitivities
We operate globally, navigating diverse cultural practices and perspectives surrounding animals. While we approach each context with cultural respect, we ensure that animal welfare remains a non-negotiable priority. Our strategy promotes the highest standards of care, adapting our methods as needed while maintaining a steadfast commitment to welfare improvements, regardless of cultural differences.
Responsibility to Animals
We actively promote enhanced welfare for wild animals in captivity by providing continuous guidance, resources, and expertise to support animal managers and caretakers. Our processes focus on identifying opportunities for welfare improvement and implementing strategies to create lasting, positive changes for animals in captivity.