News & Updates

Declaration unveiled by HRH The Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace. The Born Free Foundation supports today’s declaration (15th March), signed by approximately 40 corporations and agencies representing the global transport industry, aimed at cracking down on wildlife trafficking routes.

Born Free welcomes news that Malawi has today burned 2.6 tonnes (781 pieces) of ivory. Our partners, the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, who were present at the burn explained a little about the background to this specific case: “In 2013, two ivory traffickers, Patrick and Chauncy Kaunda, were intercepted in Mzuzu by the Malawi Revenue Authority with 781 tusks hidden under cargo at the bottom of a container. On 28th July 2015, the High Court in Mzuzu found the Kaundas guilty of money laundering and possessing ivory, fined them MK2.5 million/$5,000 each or a 7 year prison sentence, and ordered the destruction of the contraband ivory”.

Today marks 50 years to the day since the glittering Royal Film Performance of iconic wildlife film classic Born Free was held in London, with guest of honour Her Majesty the Queen.