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. 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. 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.
Excluding the trafficking of timber and fish, the illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth as much as $20 billion per year. Global commercialization of wild animals and plants causes extreme animal cruelty and serious population declines. Due in large part to the wildlife trade, species like elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers, pangolins, and countless reptiles, amphibians, and fish face an uncertain future.
read moreThe global trade in wild animals and plants is a multi-billion dollar industry. In terms of profitability, the European Commission reports that wildlife trafficking ranks third globally among criminal enterprises (behind the narcotics and illegal arms trades). Sadly, the wildlife trade is inextricably linked to animal suffering.
read moreWildlife crime, and particularly illegal wildlife trade, increasingly involves organized crime groups, criminal syndicates, violent gangs, and armed militia groups operating in Africa and beyond. These groups see wildlife as a low risk/high value commodity. Every year, millions of wild animals are brutally trapped, poisoned, shot, mutilated, or kept in appalling conditions. The animals and/or their body parts are traded by these criminal networks, who often rely on their political, military, or border point connections to move these animal “products” from their source to the market. Wildlife trafficking is also often linked to other related crimes, such as money laundering, fraud, and corruption.
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In the U.S., there exists a multi-billion-dollar industry of exploitation: the Exotic Pet Trade. In this cruel industry, thousands of exotic animals are taken from their habitats and sold as pets for American households, where they are inevitably released into unfit environments or even killed once they grow to be too difficult to care for. This cruel exploitation hinders the psychological and physical wellbeing of such wildlife, all for the sake of human entertainment. Wildlife typically captured and sold as domesticated pets include: wolves, bears, and tigers.
Born Free USA conducts investigations into wildlife trading and poaching.
We also conduct trainings and workshops to educate authorities about wildlife trafficking issues in specific regions.
Our organization participates in global-level conferences and meetings relevant to the protection of species heavily targeted by wildlife crime, such as CITES and CMS.
You can support our cause by supporting anti-wildlife traficking policies such as CITES and ProTECT, volunteering your time as an activist, or donating below.
Support our cause by using the options below to donate. Every dollar contributed goes directly to our efforts to end the illegal trading of wildlife as domesticated pets within the United States. Your support is vital for the survivial and overall well-being of individually exploited animals, as well as entire species as a whole.
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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