So Born Free

Virginia McKenna said how overwhelmed she was by the response to a recently broadcast documentary on Channel 4 showing the story of how the film ‘Born Free’ was made and the profound effects it had on the lives of herself, her late husband and her son Will.

She is extremely touched and grateful for the loads of kind emails and messages she received from everyone who took the time to write.

In response to the many people wanting to know what they can do to help, Virginia said her son Will has made the following very useful suggestions.

Please let your voice be heard, as we speak on behalf of our treasured wildlife, who cannot speak for themselves. Most of us have our favourite wild animal, be it elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes or pangolins.

However, it is incumbent on all of us to do what we can to protect all the magnificent wildlife, in particular the endangered animals. We have to make certain that our elected leaders make the protection of wildlife a top priority. You can write to your MP or, if you wish, to the Prime Minister herself – why not go straight to the top!

For nearly 33 years the Born Free Foundation has been championing wildlife both in captivity and in its fragile natural habitat.

Fortunately, millions of people care deeply about the continued survival and advancement of Africa’s wildlife. We simply must spread the word.

You are invited to become part of the family of Born Free, through adopting one of their rescued or free-living animals or by joining Born Free and helping make their voice, their impact and their influence even stronger.

The final words belong to Virginia McKenna: “I was so incredibly lucky, over 50 years ago, to make a film with Bill that opened our eyes and changed the way we looked at the world. We could not have done that without the Adamsons, and especially George who became a lifelong friend. Thanks to them, the Spirit of Elsa burns brightly and Born Free is the torchbearer for this and future generations. I do hope you will want to help keep the flame burning.”