Close up of an orangutan looking through bars

Raise the Red Flag: Investigations

INVESTIGATIONS

Born Free receives thousands of reports about wild animals in captivity around the world.

All the information we receive is vital in providing evidence to support our advocacy efforts to secure policy change and effective legislation; our work seeking improvements to animal welfare; and to help individual captive animals.

Whilst we are not able to take direct action in every case, where possible, we conduct further research and investigations; raise awareness of individual animal welfare concerns; and call on the relevant national and international authorities to take positive action.

Find out more below about some of our ‘Red Flag’ investigations concerning captive wild animals at specific locations around the world.

Our investigations

A group of reindeer standing in a grim and barren enclosure at South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria

Safari Zoo, Cumbria

Born Free visited South Lakes Safari Zoo, Cumbria, to investigate conditions in which animals are being held, following up on our initial visit in October 2022, after which the zoo was issued with corrective orders by their local licensing authority. 

An orangutan dressed in child's clothing

Phnom Penh Safari Zoo

Born Free sent an investigator, environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, to visit Phnom Penh Safari Zoo, where numerous animals are exploited in the name of public entertainment.

A barbary macaque sitting on the pavement with a chain around its neck

Jemaa el-Fna Square

Born Free sent an investigator, environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, to visit Marrakesh following reports of animal exploitation and cruelty taking place in the bustling Jemaa el-Fna main square, a popular market location with locals and tourists.