How we helped in December 2022

Animal Survival International (ASI) works around the globe to help animals being pushed to the brink of extinction by habitat destruction, illegal poaching, degradation of marine ecosystems and climate change. Our life-saving work would not be possible without your support. Once again, your compassion supported critical projects last month.

Here’s how your donations made a difference in December.

Kuwait, Middle East

Transporting two lion cubs caged in a zoo to a sanctuary

In the Middle East, wealthy Gulf-state nationals buy wild animals as status symbols. These animals are illegally imported, reared in captivity, bred, abused and then often escape or are discarded. ASI was recently alerted to a heartbreaking case involving 13-month-old lion cubs Najla and Sara, who were rescued from the illegal pet trade. Following their confiscation, the cubs were taken to a temporary place of safety: a zoo in Kuwait where each female was confined to entirely unsuitable and cramped 6.5 square-foot (two-square-meter) enclosures.

Fortunately, the opportunity arose for Najla and Sara to be relocated to the Lions Foundation's sanctuary in Limpopo, South Africa. We urgently needed to raise money to cover the cubs' crucial flight to freedom. Once again, you were there for animals, and thanks to your donations, we were able to help Najla and Sara. Through your generosity, these precious lion cubs can now live in peace in a semi-wild sanctuary in South Africa where they will be content.

Africa

Supporting our partners as they fight to protect and preserve pangolins

Gentle, shy pangolins are in grave danger of extinction, and humankind’s never-ending exploitation of wildlife is to blame. These precious creatures are in high demand in several parts of Asia for their meat - considered a delicacy among the ultra-rich - and scales which are ripped from their bodies while the animals are still alive, to be used for unfounded traditional medicines. ASI supports critical pangolin conservation efforts in Nigeria and South Africa, but our partners there have recently experienced a massive influx of rescued pangolins and are in desperate need of ongoing aid.

We reached out to you for help and thanks to your generosity, were able to rush emergency funds to our partners on the ground. Your donations will cover crucial undercover sting operations, medical costs for sick, injured and traumatized pangolins, and high-tech satellite tags to closely monitor released pangolins.

Montenegro

Working to free Ljubo, the bear in despair, from a cage

In the tiny Balkan country of Montenegro, a sad and lonely brown bear has lived his entire life locked in a cage. This bear in despair is tormented by a daily onslaught of visitors who throw scraps of fruit and vegetables sold by his owner to feed him. Named Ljubo, the bear barely has enough room to stand up and stretch and is so traumatized that he has resorted to self-harm, repeatedly biting himself and chewing the bars that cage him.

The authorities have turned a blind eye to this cruelty, but thanks to your support, we are now able to fight to get Ljubo better living conditions, and ultimately moved to a suitable bear sanctuary.

Sad announcement: Our founder, Brian Davies, has passed away at the age of 87

On December 27, 2022, our founder, world-renowned animal welfare activist Brian Davies, died at the age of 87. Brian pioneered innovative projects to help animals worldwide, including pivotal successful campaigns against Canadian sealing, banning hunting with hounds in England, and stopping elephant culling in South Africa.

Thanks to Brian, through Animal Survival International, wild animals – from pangolins to elephants – have better lives. Right now, ASI is helping wild animals in Kenya, Madagascar, Montenegro, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, the UK, the US, Ukraine and Zimbabwe. Much, much more must be done for our planet’s precious wildlife, and our team pledges to honor our formidable founder’s memory by continuing his crucial work.

Read the obituary here.

From the News Desk:

At ASI, we are committed to taking action for animals on the ground and strive to stay abreast of the latest wildlife conservation news so we can keep you informed on the most critical issues surrounding animals today.

11 Sentenced to Death for 2017 Murder of Wildlife Activist Wayne Lotter

Five years after the murder of renowned anti-poaching activist Wayne Lotter, a Tanzanian court has sentenced his killers to death. Read more…

Climate Crisis to Wipe Out Puffin Nesting Sites in Western Europe by the End of This Century

Most of Western Europe’s nesting sites for puffins are likely to be lost by the end of this century as a result of climate breakdown. Read more…

Saving animals and the planet,

Campaign Director
Animal Survival International