Voordierenblogger: Video 2024 a year of compassion in action: Groundbreaking achievements making an impact on the world for animals (read the real story)

Reunion of elephant Madhubala from Karachi Zoo with Sonia and Malika at their new enclosure in Karachi Safari Park, Pakistan.

A highlight in 2024: Madhubala arrived at her forever home

At the end of November, Madhubala was relocated from the unsuitable conditions of Karachi Zoo to her brand-new, specially designed enclosure at Karachi Safari Park in Pakistan. After 15 years apart, Madhubala finally was reunited with her sisters, Malika and Sonia.

Tragically, Sonia passed away shortly after their reunion, which left us heartbroken. However, the moments they shared show how deep the bonds between elephants are and how important it is that they have companionship. For Madhubala, the chance to connect with her sister Sonia, even briefly, was invaluable.

Now, Madhubala has become a source of strength for Malika. They are finding comfort in each other as they adjust to their new home. Together, they will slowly heal from the loss of their sister.

Their story shows the importance of our efforts to improve the lives of animals in Pakistan.

A rescue mission against all odds: Saving starving lions from Sudan

Rescued from starvation in war-torn-Sudan, these lions were brought back from the brink of death in one of our most challenging missions ever. They arrived at our LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa emaciated and weak but their transformation is remarkable. Their story shows the power your gift can make!

From a tiny cage to a cool pond: Chinh’s new beginnings

In May, we freed the last remaining bear from a bile farm in Vietnam. He lived in a small cage for years and suffered indescribable pain when his bile was drained. In our BEAR SANCTUARY Ninh Binh, Chinh felt the soft grass under his paws and the warmth of the sun on his fur for the first time in years.

From fear to freedom: Snow and Sky thrive at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary

In August, we rescued Snow and Sky from private ownership in Slovakia. These young tigers lived in miserable conditions, without proper care. Now they live in the beautiful LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa, where they run around and play to their heart's content in their spacious enclosure. They are still very shy but already feel much more confident in their new surroundings.

FOUR PAWS / VIER PFOTEN attend the climate strike in Vienna.

This year has been a historic one for animal welfare

Our work affects the lives of individuals directly when we rescue them. But our campaigns change the lives of millions of animals.

The European Commission appointed its first-ever Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, marking notable progress for animals in the EU. Max Mara committed to going fur-free after our joint powerful global campaign this year, sparing countless animals from cruelty. And Australia and UK took bold steps to end live animal exports, protecting the animals from horrific journeys.

These victories are proof of what we can achieve, if we all stick together. Thank you for being part of it, Erna!

Thanks again for all your support throughout 2024, Erna. You have no idea how much it means to us! We wish you, your friends and your family a great start to the new year and all the best.

Kind regards,

Lisinka Summer
International Fundraising Team

Bear Amelia during snowy weather in the outer enclosure of Arosa Bear Sanctuary

Photo of the month: Bear Amalia at AROSA Bear Sanctuary in Switzerland.

Follow our animal welfare journey on social media 

In our newsletter, we send you only the most pressing matters. However, due to our involvement in animal welfare issues all over the globe, there are countless more stories to be told. If you want to see, read and hear more from our daily work and all the wonderful animals we get to work with and see footage from our sanctuaries, rescues and projects, follow us on our social media channels.