Washington, D.C. — Today, Born Free USA, a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, launched “Fur for the Animals,” a donation drive to collect coats, hats, and other accessories made from animal fur and donate them to wildlife rescue rehabilitation centers across the country. The facilities will use them to provide familiar comfort, warmth, and bedding to injured, young, and sick wildlife in their care. The “Fur for the Animals” drive will run from the first day of spring (March 20, 2014) to May 30, 2014. Items can be dropped off at two Born Free USA offices (Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, CA) or shipped from anywhere around the country. [teaserbreak]
According to Adam Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA, “Animal trapping and fur farming are not only barbaric to animals but also are horrifying public safety and environmental issues. One of our key organizational campaigns is to reduce the supply, demand, and social acceptance of fur and end the cruelest forms of trapping in America. Our ‘Fur for the Animals’ drive offers a simple solution to the compassionate question Born Free USA often receives: “What can I do with this old fur?” Consumers and retailers across the globe are going fur-free and we applaud each and every one of them!”
On June 1, 2014, Born Free USA will send the collected fur items to four wildlife rehabilitation centers:
Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley is a 501(c)3 non-profit in San Jose, California with approximately 120 volunteers. The center cares for more than 4,000 birds and mammals annually from more than 150 species, providing high quality care and rehabilitation for injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife. Through educational programs, the center fosters positive coexistence between the public and wildlife, and encourages an interest in, and concern for, wildlife conservation issues.
The Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center (ARL) was formed in 1909 by a group of citizens with a shared concern for both animal welfare and the public health. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, ARL has remained true to its mission of helping all animals in need, regardless of species or breed. The Wildlife Center rehabilitates wild animals native to Pennsylvania who have been harmed or displaced by encounters with humans.
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation (WRR) was founded in 1977. In 2004, it was relocated to a 212-acre facility near Kendalia, Texas, providing a permanent home for a variety of mammals (e.g., wolves, bears, big cats, and primates) and non-indigenous birds and reptiles. Each year, more than 7,000 animals are brought to WRR, the majority of whom are rehabilitated and released or given permanent sanctuary.
Wildlife Rescue Center, located in Ballwin, Missouri, rehabilitates injured, sick, and orphaned native wildlife and releases healthy animals to their natural habitats. Through educational outreach, the center provides environmental awareness, promotes a harmonious relationship with native wildlife, and encourages the community to protect our delicate ecosystems.
Donations for Born Free USA’s “Fur for the Animals” drive can be dropped off in person (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday) at either of our Born Free USA office locations. Or, furs can be shipped to either office. Our locations are: Born Free USA, 2300 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 100B, Washington, DC 20007 and Born Free USA, 1220 H Street, Suite 103, Sacramento, CA 95814. For more information, visit www.bornfreeusa.org/facts.php?p=4167&more=1.
Born Free USA is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to North America the message of “compassionate conservation” — the vision of the United Kingdom-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son, Will Travers. Born Free USA’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. More at www.bornfreeusa.org, www.twitter.com/bornfreeusa, and www.facebook.com/bornfreeusa.
Media contact: Rodi Rosensweig, publicrelations@bornfreeusa.org, (203) 270-8929.