The spread of the coronavirus is a global concern and, with rapidly changing circumstances, I want to assure you that Born Free USA is taking positive and preemptive measures to mitigate its impact and protect the animals in our care, our staff, and others – all while continuing our work for wildlife.
Our Primate Sanctuary, a lifetime home to more than 450 monkeys, is located in a remote area of south Texas. We have strict hygiene and bio-security protocols in place as a matter of normal operations and have increased these protocols in recent weeks to further protect both staff and monkeys. We are doing everything we can to ensure that staff remain healthy and continue to provide the highest level of care for all of the monkeys at the sanctuary.
The campaigns and policy teams, well-equipped to operate remotely, are working hard to continue supporting legislative and education efforts and press for policy changes to secure much-needed protections for wildlife – including those that reduce the pressure that humans impose on wild species. The link between wildlife trade and human health could not be more relevant than it is today.
We are acting with compassion for our staff and constituents. We are carefully reviewing all domestic and international travel plans and whether or not to attend or host meetings and fundraising events. The main office in the DC area is fully capable of handling all administrative and operational functions as a virtual office. While we take pride in having a real person answer our phones, during this time, you are asked to leave a message, and we will get back to you promptly.
These are challenging times – you, our staff, and everyone around the world is affected by this situation. While we all experience “social-distancing,” I look forward to creating more virtual opportunities for you to interact with Born Free USA and find ways to come together and support one another and the animals.
You can count on Born Free USA to continue its mission to end the cruel captivity and exploitation of wild animals. We will proceed one day at a time – and one animal at a time – to make this a better world for all creatures.
Thank you for your support of Born Free USA.
In Health and Happiness for All,
Angela
