OUR MISSION, VISION, & VALUES
OUR MISSION
To end the suffering of captive wild animals around the world, by uniting the world’s leading animal welfare organizations and captive wildlife facilities in providing expert, practical, and sustainable solutions to improve animal welfare.
OUR VISION
A world where every captive wild animal flourishes, living in environments that promote their emotional and physical health and well-being.
OUR CORE VALUES
Relationship-centered
We value every individual—human and animal alike—and believe that authentic relationships are the foundation of our work. Our commitment to compassion, integrity, and mutual trust shapes everything we do, as we build deep connections that inspire meaningful and lasting change.
Joy in the Journey
We strive to maintain a balance between dedication and joy. Laughter and camaraderie fuel our energy and resilience, helping us stay connected to each other and our mission. Even in difficult moments, we embrace the journey with a sense of playfulness and purpose.
Resilient Optimism
We maintain an unshakable commitment to the possibility of positive change, even when facing the toughest challenges in grim and difficult situations. It takes a certain kind of courage and gut to step into the situations we do, but with a determined mindset and resilient spirit, we bring hope where it’s needed most. Our optimism which is grounded in action, allows us to bring hope and transformation to the most difficult situations.
Leveraging Our Strengths
We believe in the power of collaboration and the value of diverse strengths. By aligning our unique abilities and embracing a spirit of curiosity and adaptability, we work together efficiently to create lasting impact. Our success is built on unity, flexibility, and continuous growth.
Unwavering Resolve
We treat each other with respect, compassion, and unwavering support, even in the most challenging times. In the face of adversity, we show up with tenacity and a shared commitment to achieving our goals. We value persistence and accountability, expecting all team members to bring their best selves to every situation. This tenacity fosters trust, collaboration, and resilience within our team, ensuring that we collectively strive toward meaningful and lasting change.
Steadfast Spirit
Our work requires both flexibility and determination. We navigate complex challenges with grace, drawing on deep personal relationships across diverse networks. Whether working with caregivers or collaborating with leaders, we adapt to evolving circumstances while maintaining integrity, empathy, and a commitment to real and enduring improvements in animal welfare.
PRINCIPLES THAT GUIDE US AND OUR WORK
Strategic Focus for Long-Term Impact
We prioritize projects that have the greatest potential for lasting change. Through careful planning, ongoing evaluation, and adaptability, we ensure our efforts lead to sustainable outcomes. Our approach is thoughtful and patient, designed to drive continuous progress while maintaining accountability for the welfare of animals.
Data-Driven and Relationship-Focused
We assure that our actions are informed by the latest research and data, using evidence to drive our decision-making. At the same time, we rely on strong partnerships and collaborative efforts to achieve meaningful and lasting change for animals. By blending data-driven strategies with relationship-building, we create a powerful approach that maximizes impact.
Balancing Cultural Sensitivity with Animal Welfare Standards
We operate globally, navigating diverse cultural practices and perspectives surrounding animals. While we approach each context with cultural respect, we ensure that animal welfare remains a non-negotiable priority. Our strategy promotes the highest standards of care, adapting our methods as needed while maintaining a steadfast commitment to welfare improvements, regardless of cultural differences.
Proactive and Reactive Support for Animal Welfare
We address both immediate welfare concerns and long-term improvements. We respond to facilities requesting assistance to evaluate and enhance animal care, building long-term relationships to implement recommendations. We also proactively teach welfare auditing and theory, empowering institutions to improve their own welfare programs and drive continuous improvement.
Responsibility to Animals in Captivity
We actively promote enhanced welfare for wild animals in captivity by providing continuous guidance, resources, and expertise to support animal managers and caretakers. Our processes focus on identifying opportunities for welfare improvement and implementing strategies to create lasting, positive changes for animals in captivity.
We strive to improve captive animal welfare world-wide
We promote excellence in animal welfare by teaching modern animal care practice such as environmental and behavioral enrichment, positive reinforcement training, enclosure design, and veterinary practices to those directly involved with captive animal care and management. Our global collaborations with local and national agencies, facilities, and organizations around the world allow us to focus on developing and implementing animal welfare improvement strategies. In most situations of animal welfare compromise, we are able to respond with strategic and practical guidance thus driving positive change.
Our multi-modal approach, which combines education, collaboration, and strategic planning and implementation, results in a deeper understanding of what embodies ‘thriving’ for captive animals. Equipped with a broader body of knowledge and a deeper understanding of animal welfare, can we hope to see significant positive change towards policies and legislation, and animal care standards. Working with facilities around the globe enables us to support and promote national and regional changes for improved animal welfare, as well as broader concerns adversely affecting wildlife.
We work with leading animal care facilities, academic, and animal welfare organizations
We collaborate with animal care and welfare professionals who are committed to creating positive welfare changes. We believe that by supporting institutions and individuals involved in science-based research, sustainable and enduring changes to animal welfare practices can be realized.
We have made strides in reaching facilities others have been unable to access by demonstrating that a positive and inclusive approach, rather than one of condemnation, is key to making a difference for wild animals living in captivity.
We respect cultural differences but don’t let them become an excuse for poor animal welfare
We embrace cultural differences, values, and behaviors. We work collaboratively with people across the globe. We use current and relevant animal welfare research to direct our path towards animal welfare improvements. We have both a professional and a moral obligation to help eliminate harmful, outdated practices that severely compromise welfare while encouraging positive cultural action for the future of wildlife.