Will has been an integral part of the Foundation since before the founding of "Zoo Check" by his parents Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna in 1984. The movie, Born Free, in which Bill and Virginia starred, was the inspiration for the founding of Born Free. Will serves as the Executive Director and is responsible for seven major campaigns to help wildlife in need including the Zoo Check Project, Elefriends Project, Wolf Project, Orca Project, Primate Project, Big Cat Project and UK Wildlife Project.

One of the world's leading great ape conservation experts Ian Redmond will be running in the 2004 London Marathon in aid of the Ape Alliance and Born Free ape projects - from Gentil and other chimp orphans at Lwiro Sanctuary in Congo, to the UN Great Apes Survival Project.

Born Free will be monitoring his progress as he juggles his vital conservation work with preparation for the great race and Caribzones is proud to be associated with this worthy cause.

Ian's Promise: To remove the chain from Gentil's neck.

Lwiro Primate Sanctuary, eastern DRC*
“How long has he been chained like that?” I asked. “All his life,” replied Chantal sadly. She has to keep him chained. The fledgling sanctuary she runs in DRC has no other way to keep this young chimpanzee from raiding neighbours’ crops. As I playfully tickled Gentil’s ribs I looked into his clear brown eyes and made a promise to him to get him off that chain.

He may still remember life before chains. Like the other primates in Lwiro - eight chimpanzees, one bonobo and several monkeys - he was born in a forest, and cared for by his mother. But she was killed, probably for bushmeat.

Gentil was illegally sold as a pet and destined to live his life on a chain, until the Congolese authorities rescued him and brought him to the sanctuary.

One of the worlds leading great ape conservation experts Ian Redmond will be running in the 2004 London Marathon in aid of the Ape Alliance and Born Free ape projects - from Gentil and other chimp orphans at Lwiro Sanctuary in Congo, to the UN Great Apes Survival Project.

We are increasingly receiving donations from supporters who have run in other national races including the Great North Run, the Great South Run and the Flora Light Marathon for Women - all raising money for our wildlife projects.

If you are taking part in any of these events or others no matter how big or small contact bornfree@caribzones.com if you would like to raise funds for Born Free.

Caribbean Holidays