ANNUAL REPORT 2019 WELCOME

I am pleased to comprehensive assessments of the threats share all of Born facing animals and training customs officers, Free USA’s activities judicial officials, and law enforcement. in our 2019 Annual In Canada, we made advancements in preventing Report. Together, human-wildlife conflict and ending culling of with our supporters deer and seals, in addition to advocating for by our side, we stronger laws to protect wildlife. Read more have made a about our work in Canada on pages 17 ‑ 19. difference in the world for animals – and a world of difference Whether it is improving the lives of the monkeys for individual animals in our care. in our care or advocating for protections for entire species, Born Free USA continues the fight The Born Free USA policy team attended the to achieve our vision of a co-existent future in 18th Conference of the Parties to the Convention which humans no longer exploit wild animals. on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) in June in Geneva, Every inch of ground gained in legislation and Switzerland. This international intergovernmental policy, every life saved, every monkey fed at our treaty provides important protections for wild sanctuary – everything we do – is possible only animals. You can read about the advancements because of our generous donors. Thank you for we helped influence on pages 13 ‑ 16. your dedication to helping wild animals with us!

We are always seeking to improve on the already For the Animals, high standards of animal care we maintain at our primate sanctuary in Texas, which is home to more than 400 monkeys. In 2019, we completed several major capital improvement projects (pages 4 ‑ 5), including two new enclosures that gave 66 of our residents larger, tree-filled homes. Dozens P.S. You are likely reading this in 2020, and so much of other monkey residents befitted from the has changed since 2019 drew to a close. Within addition of heated houses to their enclosures. three months, we moved to a remote workforce, Despite the challenges of the current Administration, “locked down” our primate sanctuary for the safety we advocated for introduction of important federal of staff and monkeys, and cancelled events and legislation to protect wildlife and fought against personal visits. Protecting wildlife, securing their the rollback of protections offered under the habitats, and ending human contact with and Endangered Species Act (more on pages 6 ‑ 9). trade in wild animals is more pressing now than ever before. Our operation may look different in Born Free USA also continued its support of current times, but our mission and our dedication West African governments’ capacity to fight to saving the lives of animals is unwavering. wildlife crime (pages 10 ‑ 12) by conducting

2 BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 BORN FREE USA ANNUAL REPORT 2019

PRIMATE SANCTUARY...... 4 2019 was a year of significant development at our primate sanctuary, with new or upgraded housing being provided to 116 of our more than 450 monkeys.

U S. . CAMPAIGNS...... 6 Born Free USA continued to work to bring about meaningful change on the issues impacting wildlife.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION ...... 8 Born Free USA championed a number of important federal bills in 2019!

WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA ...... 10 Born Free USA’s expert team, working in collaboration with local authorities, conducted threat assessment missions in West African countries.

BORN FREE USA AT CITES ...... 13 Born Free USA advocated for strong protections for wildlife species at CITES!

CANADA...... 17 Born Free USA countered harmful wildlife management policies, fought hunting and wildlife trade, and advocated for stronger legal protections for animals in Canada.

FUNDRAISING ...... 20

BOARD & STAFF ...... 22

FINANCIALS...... 23

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 3 was a year of significant development at our primate sanctuary, with new or upgraded housing being provided to 116 of our more than 450 monkeys. This 2019comprised the construction of a brand new five-acre enclosure to house 57 of our Japanese macaques, the majority of whom formerly lived in our 56-acre enclosure but who had come into conflict with another troop in their original home. The new space allowed this troop of monkeys to establish their own territory, where they were joined by other existing residents who previously lived in other areas of the site. The enclosure, named Kyoto as a nod to the native land of the Japanese macaques, now provides

PRIMATE SANCTUARY PRIMATE a lush, green, and varied environment for the monkeys to thrive.

Photo of Jacob and Nicholas: Born Free USA BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 4 In addition to Kyoto, our group of nine long-tail macaques moved to a brand new open-top enclosure with a new warm room for them to take shelter in during hot and cold weather. This provided a larger environment than any of them had ever lived in before and they quickly began to make the most of the trees, exciting foraging opportunities, and extra space their new home afforded them.

In addition to these outdoor spaces, we embarked on an ambitious construction project to provide cinder block warm houses for 12 of our existing outdoor enclosures. These houses will replace the outdated wooden heat box system that we had in place previously to protect the animals from inclement weather. During 2019, five of the 12 houses were built for our most vulnerable and elderly monkeys, with the remaining seven houses to be built when funding is secured.

Thanks to the significant new construction work, the additional enclosures and warm rooms created extra work for our hardworking team. We were pleased to be able to augment our staff in order to support the increased workload, bringing our entire team up to 12 people.

As the year drew to a close, we were contacted by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), who asked us to provide a home for life to five monkeys – two macaques and three baboons – confiscated from a deplorable roadside zoo following legal proceedings. As such, our year ended on a high note, with further construction work and planning being carried out to welcome the new arrivals: Mrs. Wilkin, Anna, Marlin, Violet and Presley, early in the New Year.

Dr. Liz Tyson, Programs Director Photo of Houdini: Born Free USA

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 5 U.S.U S. . CAMPAIGNS

Trapping Campaign Fur Trade Campaign Born Free USA continued to work with local As part of the global coalition, Fur Free Alliance, advocacy groups to bring about meaningful Born Free USA supported calls to implement change on this important animal welfare issue. fur bans in various states and cities across the Throughout 2019, we worked to strengthen existing country. Successes included the aforementioned laws by campaigning to reduce trap check times, ban on fur sales in California – making it the first ban leg-hold traps, and protect specific species, state in the U.S. to take this important step. This such as bobcats. This work forms part of our pioneering move will form an important foundation long-term campaign to bring an end to the cruel to encourage other states to take similar steps. trapping of animals across the United States. This campaign, which operates across multiple countries around the world, really shows the impact We saw victory in California with the passage that we can have when we work together with of the state’s Wildlife Protection Act of 2019, others to achieve positive change for animals. which passed into law in September 2019. The act bans the commercial or recreational trapping of fur-bearing and non-game mammals and the sale of most raw fur. This law effectively closes the door on the trapping and fur industry in California and came about thanks to collaboration between a number of groups and individuals, including Born Free USA and our supporters.

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 6 U.S. CAMPAIGNS

Defense of the Endangered Animals in Captivity and Massachusetts and also Species Act Born Free USA believes in keeping addressed South Dakota’s In 2019, Born Free USA fought wildlife in the wild and that no Department of Game, Fish, hard to protect the Endangered wild animal should be caged and Parks to oppose mountain Species Act (ESA) from multiple for entertainment or otherwise lion trophy hunting in the state. aggressive legislative attacks, exploited in captivity. Our work Coexisting with Wildlife including proposals for a complete this year included support for So-called “killing contests” overhaul, which would have seen the important S.B. 160/H.B. invite people to gun down as multiple species delisted and 244, which was presented to many animals as possible in a their very survival threatened as the Alabama State Senate and designated time frame in return a result. Close to 7,000 Born Free Assembly. If successful, the bill will for prizes. In 2019, we worked USA supporters joined us in our ban the sale, trade, or breeding alongside state and local successful demands on the U.S. of big cats, wolves, and bears. advocacy groups to support Fish and Wildlife Service to protect Wildlife Trade Campaign efforts to pass bans on these the iconic grey wolf. We continue Born Free USA worked alongside barbaric competitions. State to work with members of Congress other organizations to support legislation prohibiting these to ensure that other vital elements the passage of laws prohibiting, killing contests has been active of the ESA remain intact and doing among other things, the sale, in New Mexico, Arizona, and exactly what it was intended to possession, or trade in certain Massachusetts during our first do: protect our country’s most animal parts, such as elephant year of work on this issue. vulnerable species from harm. ivory, rhinoceros horn, and shark fins. We worked on wildlife Julie Kluck, Campaigns Associate trade legislation in Rhode Island

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 7 Captive Primate Safety Act (H.R. 1776/S. 2562) The Captive Primate Safety Act was reintroduced in both the House and Senate in 2019. This bill prohibits interstate or foreign commerce of any nonhuman primate for the exotic pet trade. We were leaders in crafting this bill, which is close to our hearts because of the dozens of former pets at our primate sanctuary.

The CECIL Act (H.R. 2245) In April 2019, the CECIL Act was reintroduced in Congress. This bill restricts the import of trophies of species that have been proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and prohibits imports of elephants and lions from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. It also requires that any trophy imports to the U.S. enhance the conservation of the species, requires trophy importers to cover the full administrative costs of permit processing, strengthens language in the ESA mandating public notice when an exemption or permit application for endangered or threatened species has been filed, and terminates the Trump administration’s sham International Wildlife Conservation Council. Born Free USA has backed this initiative since 2015, when an American trophy hunter killed the beloved lion, Cecil. FEDERAL LEGISLATION THE USE OF CRUEL BODYGRIPPING TRAPS VIOLATES THE MISSION OF THE NWRS AND IS A THREAT TO THE SAFETY OF WILDLIFE, HUMANS, AND PETS .

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 8 The Big Cat Public Safety this bill for years and will continue to help Act (H.R. 1380/S. 2561) it advance through the legislative process. Reintroduced in the House and Senate, The Refuge from Cruel this bill would strengthen existing law to Trapping Act (H.R. 5127) prohibit the private possession of big cat Introduced in the House in November species. This bill also bans public contact 2019, this bill would prohibit the of big cats — such as cub petting and possession or use of body-gripping traps photo ops — that drives the rampant, within the National Wildlife Refuge System irresponsible breeding and interstate (NWRS). Body-gripping traps include trade of captive big cats in the U.S. Big snare, Conibear, and steel-jaw leghold cats, such as lions, tigers, leopards, and traps. The purpose of NWRS lands is pumas, are not pets and keeping them clear: to be an inviolate sanctuary for in captivity is both cruel to the animals native wildlife. The use of cruel body- and potentially dangerous to the public. gripping traps violates the mission of The ProTECT Act the NWRS and is a threat to the safety (H.R. 4804) of wildlife, humans, and pets. Born Free Introduced USA has been a leader against cruel, in the House indiscriminate trapping and will continue in October to push for this important legislation. 2019, this bill We also worked on bills to end the would prohibit the shark fin trade in the U.S. Shark( taking of any Fin Sales Elimination Act of 2019; endangered or H.R. 737/S. 877); to rebuild the North threatened Atlantic Right Whale population (SAVE species in Right Whales Act; H.R. 1568/S. the United 2453); and combat wildlife trafficking States as a (Wildlife Conservation and Anti- trophy, and Trafficking Act of 2019; H.R. 864). would also prohibit the Jennifer Place, Director of Government importation Relations, Pike Associates, LLC of any such trophy into the U.S. The U.S. is the world’s largest importer of wildlife trophies, and yet the vast majority of Americans oppose trophy hunting and wish to protect wildlife. Born Free USA has been a driving force behind

9 BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 Assessing the Threat to enforcement in each country assessed. Wildlife in Africa These recommendations are made Born Free USA’s expert team, working available to national authorities who in collaboration with local authorities, go through a validation process before conducted threat assessment missions turning the recommendations into in West African countries including formal guidance for the development Benin, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Mali of a national response to wildlife crime. (previously assessed countries in 2017- Country guidance then feeds into 2018 included Burkina Faso, Ghana, regional discussions on the measures Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Togo). needed to tackle wildlife crime in the West African region as a whole. Regional The purpose of these missions is to findings are then translated into practical gain a better understanding of wildlife actions to strengthen the wildlife law crime as a threat to biodiversity in the enforcement capacity of the Economic West African subregion by interviewing Community of West African States key stakeholders, such as customs and (ECOWAS) member countries through law enforcement experts and NGOS. the development of tools and training After each threat assessment mission, tailored for all authorities involved in experts develop recommendations on the wildlife law enforcement chain. priority actions to strengthen wildlife law These missions will continue in THE PURPOSE OF THESE 2020 in Niger and The Gambia. MISSIONS IS TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WILDLIFE CRIME AS A THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY IN THE WEST AFRICAN SUBREGION . WEST ANDWEST CENTRAL AFRICA

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 10 Training Customs Officers Customs and law enforcement officers at international borders play a vital role in the enforcement of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

The training program developed by Born Free USA aims to give customs officers the skills they need to implement CITES requirements, including how to control CITES permits, how to identify protected species, what wildlife smuggling methods are commonly

Benin Training, 2019 used, and how to target controls. Photo: Born Free USA Trainings Held in 2019 From February 11 - 16, we held a training in Cotonou, Benin for customs officers and representatives of CITES Management Authorities from Benin, Gabon, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire. From November 11 - 16, we held a training in Accra, Ghana for customs officers and CITES Management Authority representatives from Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, and Cabo Verde.

This work will continue in 2020 with trainings for officials in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Nigeria.

Ivory Coast Training, 2019 Photo: Born Free USA

11 BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 Training Judges and Prosecutors Public Education & Outreach Judges and prosecutors have a crucial Born Free USA, working in collaboration role to play in wildlife law enforcement with the West Africa Biodiversity and to ensure that that wildlife criminals Climate Change Program, developed are sanctioned to the fullest extent of a leaflet and posters focused on the the law. Born Free USA developed a species most commonly found in illegal training program to strengthen their trade (pangolins, elephants, primates, capacity to successfully prosecute timber, reptiles, marine species, birds, wildlife criminals by gaining a better and big cats) to raise public awareness understanding of CITES requirements about wildlife trafficking. These posters and associated legal frameworks. are available in French, Portuguese, and English and will be widely distributed In 2019, a training for judges and throughout airports, ports, and border prosecutors was held in Abidjan, points in West African countries. Côte d’Ivoire from October 21 - 24, with Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin, Togo, and Senegal each sending one judge, one prosecutor, and one representative of CITES Management Authority. JUDGES AND PROSECUTORS In 2020, Born Free USA plans to HAVE A CRUCIAL ROLE organize a similar training in Ghana TO PLAY IN WILDLIFE with participants from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. LAW ENFORCEMENT . WEST ANDWEST CENTRAL AFRICA

12 BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 BORN FREE USA AT CITES

BORN FREE USA ATTENDED THE 18TH MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA

The 18th Meeting of the The Born Free USA team tusks to illegal international Conference of the Parties to was involved in efforts to markets. According to the IUCN the Convention on International provide greater protection African Elephant Status Report of Trade in Endangered Species from international trade for 2016, elephant populations across of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) the following species: Africa declined by 93,000 – 111,000 (CoP18) took place in August 2019 between 2006-2015, which the Elephants in Geneva, Switzerland. Born biggest decline for 25 years. African elephant (Loxodonta Free USA’s team attended this africana) populations continue At CoP18, 10 countries, including Conference and advocated for to decline due to poaching, six West African countries, stronger protection of key targeted land transformation, and submitted a proposal to transfer species, while supporting national rapid human expansion. the populations of African authorities from West Africa in elephants of Botswana, Namibia, the initiatives they proposed to It is estimated that 20,000 or more South Africa, and Zimbabwe fight against wildlife crime through elephants are killed by poachers from Appendix II to Appendix I. stronger CITES enforcement. across Africa each year to supply

Born Free USA’s Canada office was heavily involved in preparations by the international wildlife protection and conservation movement, primarily through involvement, especially on the editorial panel, with the Species Survival Network and helped ensure the Canadian contingent had all the information it needed on the various positions we advocated for with regard non-Canadian species.

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 13 BORN FREE USA AT CITES

Currently, populations of Another document, submitted wild elephants, in particular that Botswana, Namibia, South by four West African countries the proposed recipient of a live Africa, and Zimbabwe are listed (Burkina Faso, Liberia, Niger, elephant is suitably equipped in Appendix II for the exclusive and Nigeria) together with to house and care for it. purpose of allowing, for example, other countries, called for Giraffes trade in hunting trophies for non- restriction on the trade in live This emblematic African species, commercial purposes, as well as elephants by amending the which plays an important role in the trade in hides and in hair. definition “appropriate and the savanna ecosystem and once All the other populations of African acceptable destinations.” inhabited much of the African elephants are listed in Appendix I. The capture of wild elephants to continent, has declined in the past, The African elephant is be sent to zoos abroad is allowed and continues to decline today. categorized as threatened with under CITES, but the adoption The wild giraffe population has extinction according to IUCN Red of these amendments at CoP18 decreased from about 157,000 List criteria. In a context where now tightens the restrictions on individuals in 1985 to about 97,500 elephant populations are declining the trade of wild elephants, and in 2015. In West Africa, historic due to continued poaching for in particular calves, captured in giraffe populations ivory, land transformation, and Zimbabwe and Botswana and sent extended from rapid human expansion, the to foreign captive facilities. Only in Senegal to Lake listing of all African elephant situ conservation programs within Chad, but today populations in Appendix I would the natural range of elephants only a small offer maximum protection under will be considered “appropriate population CITES in the face of the ongoing and acceptable destinations.” threat posed by the unsustainable The trade in live elephants causes demand from the ivory trade. the deaths of many wild-caught The proposal was supported by elephants either in transit or upon 32 countries, but was rejected. arrival at the destination and, therefore, this is major victory that Conversely, Zambia submitted a will cut back significantly on the proposal to transfer its elephant number of wild elephants sent to population from Appendix I overseas zoos. This decision will to Appendix II. This proposal enable better monitoring of the was rejected; had it been trade of wild elephants, describe accepted, it would have made the conditions that zoos and other it possible for Zambia to export recipients of African elephants registered raw African elephant must meet in order to import ivory for commercial purposes them, and provide a framework under certain conditions. for the monitoring of trade in

14 BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 (around 400 individuals) of the Black Crowned Cranes The species was identified as a West African giraffe Giraffa( Parties accepted by consensus conservation priority for West camelopardalis peralta) remains the proposal submitted by Africa and the proposal received in Niger, and IUCN has assessed Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and support from the Economic this West African subspecies as Senegal to transfer black crowned Community of West African “endangered.” Decline is due to cranes (Balearica pavonina) from States (ECOWAS) and the African habitat loss and conversion, legal Appendix II to Appendix I. Black Union. Senegal introduced and illegal harvesting, and use crowned cranes are listed as the proposal to the floor and in trade. Giraffes are targeted for “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red Côte d’Ivoire provided further bushmeat and as hunting trophies, List and are experiencing a rapid introductory remarks. Nigeria and are also used for jewelry, population decline primarily due also spoke in support of the bracelets, skins, mounts, carved to habitat loss and trapping for proposal, notably mentioning bones, tails, and handbags. domestication. Black crowned that this bird has disappeared In addition, they have a low cranes are either trapped live or from their country even though reproductive rate, making them their eggs and chicks are removed it is the emblem of Nigeria. vulnerable to over-exploitation. from the nests to be raised Otters in captivity and sold to local, At the CoP18, Parties agreed to Two species of otter – the small- regional, or international markets list giraffes in Appendix II. While clawed otter and the smooth- for considerable profit. This it will not stop the trade of the coated otter – have been awarded species is reportedly highly prized giraffe and the species’ parts Appendix I protection. These in private collections. For example, and products, this decision will species are some of many that are in Mali, where the species is improve giraffe conservation, as it threatened by their “cuteness,” close to being extirpated due will enable the CITES community with social media driving the exotic to continued capture and illegal to monitor international trade in a pet trade in these animals. The trade, there are now more cranes way that will ensure that the trade listing in Appendix I entails that all in captivity than there are in the in this species will not reduce the international commercial trade in wild. Declines have been reported wild population to a level at which these species will be prohibited in populations in Nigeria, Benin, its survival might be threatened and will therefore enable better Burkina Faso, Gambia, Mali, by trade or other threats. conservation of these two species. Sudan, South Sudan, and Togo. 15 BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 BORN FREE USA AT CITES

West African vultures Woolly mammoth monitoring by officially listing them Six species of West African Although the woolly mammoth is in Appendix II. While these listings vultures, among the most an extinct species, the trade in its will not prohibit commercial threatened groups of migratory ivory is almost totally unregulated trade, they will ensure that such birds in the world, are now and undocumented. As it is trade is legal and sustainable and listed in CITES Appendix II: not easy to distinguish woolly that the species are not driven Egyptian Vulture (Neophron mammoth ivory from elephant further towards extinction. percnopterus), White-headed ivory without expertise, there is Timber species Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis), a risk of illegal international trade In addition to advocating for Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes in elephant ivory being facilitated stronger protections for wildlife, monachus), White-backed Vulture by deliberately mislabeling Born Free USA also pushed for (Gyps africanus), Rüppell’s Vulture elephant ivory products as trade protection for plant species, (Gyps rueppelli), and Lappet-faced mammoth ivory in order to important for the conservation of Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos). circumvent rules and restrictions. ecosystems. Several proposals As scavengers, vulture species The initial proposal to list this related to timber were adopted play a fundamental role species in Appendix II was by consensus at CoP18, with providing critical environmental withdrawn, but the CoP adopted three of these proposals, for cleaning services by keeping a decision to commission a study, Widdringtonia whytei (Mulanje both natural and man-made subject to external funding, on cedar), Pterocarpus tinctorius habitats free of carcasses and trade in mammoth ivory and its (Mukula), and Pericopsis elata waste, thereby helping to limit impact and contribution to the (Afrormosia), strongly supported the spread of diseases. illegal trade in elephant ivory by West African countries. The and the poaching of elephants. adoption of these proposals, A document tabled by Burkina together with the submission of the Faso, Niger, and Senegal led to The report and the findings that Accra Declaration on combating the adoption of CoP decision. will result from this study will be illegal trade in rosewoods, Discussions centered around the considered by the CITES Standing timber, and forest products in serious population declines faced Committee at its 74th meeting West Africa, adopted on July by vultures in West Africa, notably and will serve as a basis to make 31, 2019, confirm the will of the due to sentinel poisoning and recommendations to the CoP19. West African states to collaborate illegal poaching activities. In some Marine life regionally and internationally areas of West Africa, vultures Government officials at CITES to improve conservation of have completely disappeared. CoP18 voted in favor of granting important tree species. The CoP agreed to create several marine species, including a working group to address mako sharks, guitarfishes, and key gaps in knowledge. wedgefishes, increased trade

16 BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 was a big year for Born Free USA’s Canada office. We countered harmful and dangerous 2019 wildlife management policies, fought hunting and wildlife trade, and advocated for stronger protections for CANADA animals under the law. These important efforts in 2019 have laid the groundwork for even greater success in 2020.

Working to End Wildlife Culls and Mitigate Conflicts between Wildlife and People 2019 saw a significant reduction or ending of mule deer culling in British Columbia. There was still some culling in the interior, but the Oak Bay cull has ended and research into mule deer population dynamics and the use of immunocontraception have been employed. This effort started thanks to the work of Born Free USA’s Director of Canadian and Special Programs, Barry Kent MacKay, who produced a report that turned Oak Bay’s mayor from pro- to anti-cull (he has since been replaced, but the policy holds), and then was part of an effort to find funding to assist in a two-part approach:

1. The use of immunocontraception that has not received full federal approval for such use in Canada (thus Born Free USA’s participation in the effort to get the exception granted), and

2. The purchase and deployment of radio telemetry collars to try to more objectively ascertain if the deer population in question is isolated by urban habitat from more distant populations (which is the working assumption), or is fluid, moving in and out of the area. If the former, the immunocontraception should slowly reduce the local population, and bode well for controlling native and humanely eliminating exotic deer species on Mayne Island where hunting is now employed to maintain “social carrying capacity.”

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 17 We also worked on ongoing efforts to protect the endangered eastern wolf reduce or end the culling of deer at found only in Ontario and Quebec. Short Hills Provincial Park, which we Countering Hunting and have identified as the most egregious Wildlife Trade Policies example of provincial and federal park We fought a plan to allow mass killing of deer culls in Canada, and so this has double-crested cormorants in Ontario, not become a flagship issue in 2019. yet implemented, and against the Ontario In addition, we successfully prevented government’s plans, the opposition to the culling of pinnipeds (seals and which succeeded, therefore disallowing sealions) off the Pacific coast. non-residents to hunt black bears in CANADA spring (although none could do so The Canadian office also continued to because of COVID-19 travel restrictions). take part in the Human-Wildlife Conflict Advisory Group, which advises several 2019 also saw start of a twenty-year relevant provincial ministries (such as review of the position we took on agriculture, health, and natural resources) the enhanced hunt of snow geese on issues pertaining to conflicts (and later Ross’s geese), essentially between people and wild animals. validating the anti-hunt position taken two decades earlier. This might help to In March 2020, Canada ended the use of end the expanded hunt altogether. strychnine to kill ground squirrels (thus ending the use of strychnine overall). Advocating for Stronger Wildlife This decision is the result of our efforts Protection Laws and Building throughout 2019. The ban on strychnine Public Awareness about the Issues use has led to an increase by western Impacting Wildlife in Canada provincial governments to scapegoat We acquired, with varying degrees of wolves for declines in caribou, and a lot success, enhanced protection of an of work was done with varying degrees of endangered west coast population of success and failure to protect the wolves orcas and for the endangered northern from culling in western and northern right whale in Canada’s Atlantic waters. Canada, and, so far successfully, to One major challenge to the famed

THE BAN ON STRYCHNINE USE HAS LED TO AN INCREASE BY WESTERN PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS TO SCAPEGOAT WOLVES FOR DECLINES IN CARIBOU

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 18 “southern resident population” of orcas, closed-down private zoo in southwestern found in shared U.S. (Washington State) Ontario (an ongoing battle), and tried to and Canadian waters, was stopping close the loophole that allows “mobile a federally planned major port facility live animal programs (MLAPs)” from enhancement to allow deep water oil bringing exotic animals, under the rubric transport, done without considering of “education,” into municipalities where the welfare of the orcas. There has they are otherwise prohibited. The Roaring been mixed, but positive, success in Cat Zoo sued the municipal government, limiting commercial salmon fisheries in Grand Bend, Ontario, for $5 million, (this orca population is salmon- arguing the municipality could not pass

CANADA dependent). For North Atlantic right a bylaw without grandfathering what whales, we expanded areas protected was already in place (but not open to from fishing (fish-gear entanglement is the public). Court cases are on hold due a major mortality factor) and noise by to the pandemic. We failed to convince having federally mandated slowing of those municipalities (such as Hamilton) boat traffic in areas of sightings – the that MLAPs and related enterprises slower the speed the less ambient noise, should not be exempted on educational which interferes with whale behavior. grounds, but these are new reactions to prior successes in municipal exotic Provincially, we worked to include abuse animal bans and so we are educating of wildlife in the new Ontario animal municipal politicians and hope to have welfare legislation enacted in 2019. We future success despite this setback. worked to prevent the relocation of a

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 19 FUNDRAISING

ELSA’S LEGACY WILDLIFE CIRCLE FOUNDATION AND GOVERNMENT SUPPORT Estate of Caryl Ambrose Ahimsa Foundation Estate of Prudence Bernstein American Anti-Vivisection Society Estate of Constance J. Brady Born Free Foundation Bricchi Family Trust Burt Family Foundation Joel M. Brown Living Trust and IRA Beneficiary Trust The Fitzpatrick Foundation Estate of Elizabeth Buley James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation Estate of Lisa Ann Campbell Josephine Peiser Charitable Foundation Davies/Warren Trust Julius L. and Libbie B. Steinsapir Family Foundation The Estate of Mr. Jack Weldon King National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Estate of Lynn Lewis Olsen Animal Trust Estate of Amy Jeanne Martin Rights, Education, Adoption, and Protection for Estate of Joyce Nitsche Animal Welfare Foundation, Inc. (R.E.A.P.) Estate of Lille Reib Rhode Island Community Foundation Estate of Arlette Sharp Saul Levy Foundation Estate of Marian Stewart Shreiber Animal Foundation Enterprise The John Howard Tyler Trust USAID Estate of Anna Lou Wooldridge

Estate of Beverly Wyllie

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 20 FUNDRAISING

CORPORATE PARTNERS Our corporate partners span from large, international corporations to local, small business.

We appreciate all of their gifts, large and small, financial, and in-kind.

SPECIAL THANKS ALSO GOES TO R&R Implements

OUR PLANET SOAP

A special thanks to the very gracious individuals who Savanna Images supported and contributed so much to our 2019 galas and fundraising events:

Corry Bazley Sean Cassidy & Gerry Logue Ed Hochman Barry Kent Louise Linton Virginia McKenna OBE Rebecca Torrey

Will Travers OBE

TIME TO BE HERD

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 21 BOARD & STAFF

OUR 2019 WILDLIFE Rebecca Torrey Barry Kent MacKay AMBASSADOR Board Member Canadian & Special Charles Siebert Mary Mitchell Trimble Programs Director Board Member Alex Medina The Born Free USA Wildlife Primate Caregiver Ambassador Award honors STAFF Amanda Pauli individuals who have a positive (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019) Primate Caregiver impact on wildlife through education, Angela Grimes Holly Roberts media, art, or science. In 2019, Chief Executive Officer Primate Caregiver Born Free USA awarded the Wildlife Brayden Bosch Dale Rubury Ambassador Award to author, Primate Sanctuary Maintenance Primate Sanctuary Assistant Manager poet, journalist, essayist, and Eva Bryant contributing writer for The New York Primate Caregiver Alice Stroud Africa Policy & Capacity Times Magazine, Charles Siebert, Erin Bruce Building Director for his work exposing the horrors Primate Caregiver Rebecca Strunc and fallacies behind elephants Maria Cadena Development Assistant in captivity. His July 2019 article, Primate Caregiver "Zoos Called It a 'Rescue,' But Are Melissa Tomlinson Manisha Chaudhari Development Director the Elephants Really Better Off?" Accounting Clerk uncovered the myths promoted to Elizabeth Tyson Kathryn Conway justify the continued capture of life Primate Sanctuary Director Primate Caregiver elephants to be sold into captivity. Shanay Dickey BOARD MEMBERS Primate Sanctuary Manager Sean Cassidy Suzanne Emerson Board Chair Development Associate Brook Ashley Garrett Johnson Board Vice-President Communications Director Will Travers OBE Kathleen Johnson Board Treasurer and Primate Sanctuary Veterinarian Born Free President Julie Kluck Jessica Nelson Campaigns Associate Board Secretary Karen Lauria Jane Lodato Digital Communications Manager Board Member Aurora Luongo Michael Reyner Africa Policy & Capacity Board Member Building Program Associate

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 22 FINANCIALS

Born Free USA United with Animal Protection Institute Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2019

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 587,005 Grants and Contributions Receivable 50,027 Accrued Interest 4,846 Inventories 12,116 Prepaid Expenses and Deposits 10,476 Investments 715,165

Total Current Assets 1,379,635

Property and Equipment - Net 1,027,938

Security Deposits 5,954 Total Assets $ 2,413,527

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable $ 53,907 Pass-Through Payables 20,195 Accrued Expenses 116,565 Deferred Rent 16,362 Total Current Liabilities 207,029 Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions 2,075,149 With Donor Restrictions - Perpetual 131,349 Total Net Assets 2,206,498 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 2,413,527

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 23 FINANCIALS

Born Free USA United with Animal Protection Institute Statement of Activities For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

SUPPORT WITHOUT DONOR WITH DONOR TOTAL RESTRICTIONS RESTRICTIONS – PERPETUAL Grants and Contributions $ 1,124,863 $ – $ 1,124,863 Bequests 920,131 – 920,131 Investment Income - Net 168,389 – 168,389 Special Events, Net of Related Expenses of $83,942 2,919 – 2,919 Other 31,812 – 31,812

– Net Assets Released from Restrictions – –

Total Revenues 2,248,114 – 2,248,114 Expenses

Program Services Education and Advocacy 1,129,009 – 1,129,009 Rescue & Care 866,038 – 866,038 Total Program Service Expense 1,995,047 – 1,995,047 Supporting Services General and Administration 196,738 – 196,738 Fundraising 266,855 - 266,855 Total Supporting Service Expense 463,593 - 463,593

Total Expenses 2,458,640 - 2,458,640 Change in Net Assets (210,526) - (210,526) Net Assets, Beginning of Year 2,285,675 131,349 2,417,024 Net Assets, End of Year $ 2,075,149 $ 131,349 $ 2,206,498

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 24 FINANCIALS

Born Free USA United with Animal Protection Institute Statement of Functional Expense For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

EDUCATION RESCUE GENERAL & AND ADVOCACY & CARE ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDRAISING TOTAL Personnel $ 302,060 $ 453,089 $ 100,687 $ 151,029 $ 1,006,865 Consulting and Professional Fees 717,036 5,919 59,439 41,577 823,971 Office Expense 22,017 52,063 7,315 30,298 111,693 Feed - 136,740 – – 136,740 Occupancy 11,140 71,566 3,713 5,570 91,989 Conferences and Travel 7,534 15,917 2,511 3,768 29,730 Veterinary Care – 26,911 – – 26,911 Telecommunications 3,010 4,515 1,003 1,506 10,034 Insurance 9,661 14,492 3,220 4,831 32,204 Board of Directors 7,336 11,004 2,445 3,669 24,454 Advertising and Promotion 989 1,484 330 495 3,298 Other 3,072 4,608 1,024 1,535 10,239 Depreciation and Amortization 45,154 67,730 15,051 22,577 150,512 Total $ 1,129,009 $ 866,038 $ 196,738 $ 266,855 $ 2,458,640

BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 25 FINANCIALS

REVENUE 1

9 9

EXPENSES 11

26 BORN FREE USA ︱ ANNUAL REPORT 2019 P.O. Box 32160, Washington DC 20007 • 301- 448-1407 • [email protected] • www.bornfreeusa.org

KEEP WILDLIFE IN THE WILD® • BORN FREE USA • @bornfreeusa @bornfreeusaorg