Born Free USA

I have received several appeals from Born Free in last few months. When I
checked my records, I see that I made a donation in Nov. 2018. Also - that
check was not cashed until March.

Not only is this org. now on my "pest list" but they created a problem just
balancing my checkbook.
MB - E. Windsor, NJ

I do not know to much about this organization. I did inquire about why they are supporting to ban hybrid cats on California, and working with Big Cat Rescue, which uses domestic bunnies and feeds the bobcats their rehabiliting. How ADLF and this sanctuary can turn it ignore this abuse, especially when wildlife release specialist do not support this method. How these can blantly ignore this abuse is beyond me, as they say they love animals.

This ban they are supporting is horrid for owners and breeders with young generation. If they are Generation 1-3 and this ban passes, our beloved pets, and members of family, would be legally stolen from us. These beautiful animals would live with in sanctuaries with lions and tigers or be murdered by animal control. If you rescued a hybrid cat, and cannot prove their generation, they will die.

Is mass killing of a breed a act of a animal organization that cares for welfare of these felines? Not from my point of view, then they lie and say that we will not loose our cats, and they will be grandfathered in. That is if you have a older generation!

Any organization that truly cares about animals does not support legislation that kills them or removes them from loving homes. I own two Bengals, so I oppose this ban. I have been called a animal abuser. But this organization is, as is all the sanctuaries, are.

I am also a volunteer and a donor. This is a remarkable, highly efficient, motivated, skillful advocacy group. The DC-based EVP is well-known within the field. I have neve seen so much as a dollar's worth of waste leak from this organization. The USA operation has the strong support of senior UK management.

Fantastic organization working to end captive animal suffering, and rescue those that they can.

Excellent charity working to conserve wild animals and rescue captive animals in horrible conditions. Born Free are brilliant at raising awareness for animal welfare causes and educating people about protecting species.

I have served on the board of Born Free U.S.A. for four years. The board and the organization are committed to both the protection and welfare of animals and to being good stewards of donations recieved. The CEO, Executive Vice President and the entire staff are dedicated and work hours way past what would be the norm. I have been involved with animal protection and welfare for many years and continue to be impressed with what BFUSA does. Our primate sanctuary in Texas is like none other in the U.S. and gives primates rescued from labs, zoos, pet owners, etc. a chance to live as close as possible to how they were meant to live....in the wild. Open enclosures of 50 plus acres are a huge step forward from 4X 4 cages or dressed up as dolls in homes or submitted to terrible testing techniques in labs. The joy of seeing them finally putting their feet on grass or climbing and swinging from trees is heart warming beyond description. The knowledge of the staff in regards to exoctic animals in captivity is tremendous and was demonstrated by the sad incident involving exotic cats, etc. in Ohio in 2011. BFUSA was the leading authority on the tragedy and gave excellent advice on how to keep it from happening again. These are only a few of many examples of what an excellent job this non profit does. Mary Trimble

Perhaps a couple of years ago, I don't know how, I was introducted to Born Free USA as yet 'another' Save the Wildlife organization. I immediately learned they are not just 'another.' Born Free I consider my penpals to the world of help to those who cannot help themselves, as they say. They've filled my life with hope for the future of so many animals not yet protected, or should be. I read stories of meetings they've attended with woldwide organizations to form bonds to eliminate (or try) poaching, for example, a greed-oriented "disease," which with some help from many organizations, may diminish instead of diminish the number of animals they leave alive. So far I've only donated. I've been a proud sponsor to many of the Primates at their Sanctuary in Texas. I've donated "in-kind" articles to 'help' the Primates through the cold and heat of the seasons. I've actually felt a part of Born Free's dream. Their letters thanking me are to me personally as if I've been a friend for years. I receive gorgeous photos of my friends who I've sponsored at the Primate Sanctuary. I've learned how much more I need to learn about saving wildlife, how much more can be taught throughout the world about how they can save wildlife and yet live, sometimes in a closely knit area due to the encroachment of the environment on property that USED to belong for animals in which to live ONLY. Born Free is a pathway to the world of life, love of life, and the preservation of life. Their Chief Executive Officer, Will Travers, is not too time-consumed to answer silly questions of mine about possibly volunteering at their Primate Sanctuary in Texas! I have, I feel, a personal relationship with a few of the girls who work in the office in Sacramento. I'm thrilled, proud and want to volunteer when my schedule permits - soon! Just as soon as they need me! I write letters, suggested by Born Free, to the legislature supporting causes I believe in but did not know were at issue in the government. I cannot highly enough recommend this organization to any and or all of my friends! Donations are the 'easiest' for me right now, and perhaps with the economics being as it is, maybe that's not such a small thing after all. I hope not. I love every employee of Born Free, their volunteers, members, donators and, of course - Will. I thank him for allowing the organization to continue and be such a continuing and I believe even more powerful force in the struggle for the quality of lives of our wildlife - and the people who live in and around them.

I have been a Board Member for two years, but a donor to this organization and its predecessors for nearly 40 years. The organization is well run, and has staff members who are true believers in the causes they serve. I've been thrilled to be a part of BFUSA and will continue to donate both my time and money to their wonderful work.

Prior to joining the Board, I had heard of the goals of Born Free, and thought that its mission was a noble one, particularly given that it did not have the resources of a Humane Society, etc. Since joining the Board, I am pleased to learn that it truly attempts to achieve its goals. Merely by way of example, when the recent animal tragedy occurred in Ohio, Born Free found itself in the middle of much needed discussion about legislation to assure that the tragedy does not occur again in Ohio and elsewhere. It did so by making itself available, and informed on the topic, for the media - resulting in media opportunities to get this issue out to the public. The goal here not being to get in the spotlight, but to get the public engaged in a covnersation about much needed legislation. It is that quality that sets Born Free apart - pushing its mission without regard to its limitations.

I first joined this animal group when they were known as Animal Protection Institute in 1979. I've had nothing but good experiances with them. When they became Born Free USA they just got better. The CEO Will Travers I had the privalage to meet him twice. He is a very nice person who u feel very comfortable with. You can tell by talking to him that he genuinely loves animals!! Also the staff at Born Free is wonderful. I have had communication with Lorry Marvin who is friendly very informative and very pleasant to talk with. She has made me feel that what I donate monthly is so helpful even though it's not a huge amount you still feel that you are really making a difference!!! I have nothing but good things to say about this organization. It's nice that it is local also.

Our household budget for charitable giving includes animal welfare and legal defense organizations. Born Free USA is one of our targeted animal welfare groups because we are confident that our donation we will be spent wisely. In 2011 we donated Home Depot and Pet Smart prepaid gift cards to the Born Free Primate Center located in Texas. The cards that were used to help build the new facilities that were needed to accommodate the sudden influx of 113 new primates. These primates are the byproducts of research and unwanted pets. Frankly we cannot think of a better animal welfare organization to support than Born Free USA. We encourage you to take all that they do, their work also includes promoting and lobbying for animal anti cruelty legislation.

When I was the president of the Madison, WI bird club, Born Free helped me understand the issues facing pet birds sold in pet stores and the need for tougher legislation. With their help I was able to start a campaign to educate the community, pet stores and legislators. The people involved with Born Free are among the most dedicated and helpful where it concerns animal welfare. I would gladly work with them again.

I have been working with Born Free for a couple of years now. Their message for addressing avian welfare issues is really needed in the community and I appreciate that they approach this so professionally and thoroughly. They also make connections to the welfare for wild birds, which is an important link as health is interconnected no matter where the birds live. Furthermore they have been fantastic in supporting the people and parrots of Honduras - vitally important work for the ecological and human communities there that would not be happening without them. Thank you!

I love this group! Watching the movie Born Free is one of my earliest memories of seeing people devoted to protecting animals. I am so proud to support Born Free USA as they carry on the legacy of that movie. Protecting wild animals - whether they are here in the US or around the globe - is so critical. I love that Born Free USA helps animals in so many ways - from strenfthening laws to investigations to providing sanctuary to wild species in need. They give me easy ways to help, and to keep up to date on the latest issues affecting wild animals.

I have watched this organization (formerly API) over the past 15 years, and have been constantly impressed by the scale of output from such a small and dedicated team. On top of that, they manage to produce quality campaigns on a shoestring budget that often surpass what much larger organizations produce with quadruple the funds and workforce. The staff also practice what they preach. They regularly rescue individual animals from the streets and dig deeply into their own pockets to save lives.

A highly effective organization with a knowledgeable, dedicated, responsive staff. Born Free USA is among the few animal welfare organizations that is addressing the captive bird and exotic wildlife trade in a meaningful way!

The Avian Welfare Coalition is a small group, and we have been fortunate to partner with Born Free USA on several successful campaigns, including National Bird Day, a day of action and education for captive birds now in its 10th successful year. They truly understand the scope of the issues, and approach the solutions with finesse. Their guidance and support have been valuable assets to our efforts.

Denise Kelly, President & Co-Founder, The Avian Welfare Coalition

I have worked with and have great respect for several Born Free USA's staff, who are not only devoted to improving the welfare of animals nationally and worldwide, but have been very effective in their work. I appreciate the ways in which they offer positive alternatives (such as fffashion show, national bird day, etc) to cultivate compassion for animals. Having joined them at the capital in Sacramento on several occasions, I have seen their efforts effectively bring about legislative wins to protect animals from cruelty.

Born Free USA is a top-rated non-profit -- "Best in America"-- as dubbed by ICA, Independent Charities of America.
This is one of many recognitions the animal advocacy has received, and with great reasons.
Born Free addresses numerous concerns regarding the welfare of all animals, wild and domestic.
The subjects they focus on and the changes they make are of grand magnitude, even as a comparatively smaller organization.
It is clear that this non-profit obviously doesn't work for profit-- they truly work for the selfless reasons to make a better life for animals, and to bring awareness to humans and the wrong-doings that are happening to animals that we aren't typically aware of.
After personally working with and getting to know two of the staff members for Born Free, I was more than honored and privileged to collaborate with them, an organization and with people full of actions backed by facts as well as compassion. My own personal perceptive has shifted regarding the treatment of animals, and it was brought to my attention and many things we participate in condones the mistreatment of animals, specifically fashion where animal furs and skins are used and makeup products as well and also the simple truth about mistreatment of circus animals and such.
I am more than grateful that such an organization exists.
They have really moved mountains and hopefully will continue to.
Thank you for shedding much needed light, Born Free USA.

Born Free USA is a reIatively small organization but they are a powerhouse when it comes to wildlife protection.

One of the aspects of this organization I have been most impressed with, is their willingess to reach out to the grassroots level. A couple years back, my husband was working on incorporating avian welfare in a state bill, and staff from Born Free went out of their way to work with him. This is how the animals benefit, by our working together.

The following are just several of their other accomplishments.

They manage an assortment of campaigns, including Pet Shops Exposed, Animals in Entertainment, Trapping and Fur Trade, International Wildlife Trade, as well as specific projects like Parrots in Cameroon and Dolphins in Turkey.

They have gotten critical undercover footage of animal cruelty, which heightens public awareness.

They host a Fur Free Fashion show with the intention of promoting humane designs.

With all this, they still manage to run a sanctuary for previously abused and neglected primates, over 500 of them!

I am grateful to Born Free for their dedication and work to keeping wildlife where they belong - in the wild.

I'm a natural resources attorney based in Sacramento, do a significant amount of work in the area of state and federal endangered species law, and have been privileged to meet many of Born Free's leaders and staff. Add to that, I'm the father of a primate researcher who has personally visited one of Born Free's projects in Africa. Born Free's vision is global, but practical, and is as important to people here in the U.S. as it is to villagers in rural Africa and Asia. We 21st Century humans are blessed to still have so many wild animals and wild places in the world, but how do we protect them while still meeting the needs of a growing and troubled human population? Born Free is engaged in real, workable answers, sometimes at significant personal danger to its people around the world. There's no fat in Born Free's budget, and from CEO Will Travers of Great Britain (son of British "Born Free" actors Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, whose lives, and the lives of untold wild and captive animals, were changed by their experiences in Africa while filming that movie in the 1960s) down to the folks who answer the phones here in Sacramento, this is one loyal and dedicated group.

I know some of the people working for this organization and they are the real deal - they have dedicated their lives to the improvement of animal welfare. People who spend their spare time trapping cats for spay/neuter, fostering animals, etc.

You don't have a category for Related Organization and you should have because that's my connection to Born Free USA. As Director of TrailSafe Nevada, a statewide grassroots group lobbying for better trap regulation, I called on Born Free USA, the national group devoted to the trapping and fur trade issue, for help. A Senior Program Associate traveled to Nevada and stayed two days. She helped me lobby, she gave me expert advice on lobbying and on writing my proposals, she testified for us at our Legislative hearing. Our bill was heavily amended, but did survive, so now we have a law requiring our Wildlife Commission to regulate trapping in our most congested areas. Born Free USA are high on the list of those who helped make it happen.
The Program Associate continues to help me with tactics and strategy, with model laws from other states, and prompt answers to questions that come up. She is more than generous with her assistance. She also circulates our notices to her mailing list, thereby reaching thousands with our news and messages.
I could not ask for a more responsive, informed, expert, caring organization than Born Free USA.

This review is based solely on the campaign work that the organization is doing, I don't know much about the business side of the organization. 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. They fill an important niche in the wildlife conservation and animal protection movement in that they blend the two. They prove that you can be a conservationist and believe that individual animals matter. Compassion and Conservation together.

I've met some of the principal people, but always have to respect the CN rating. Two stars should be a huge red flag for anyone. What are they doing wrong financially? Until they get their rating up, I won't donate again. There are plenty of highly-rated charities that need every dollar.