Dear John,

Knowing how you love and respect wild animals, it’s particularly tough when we have to bring you upsetting news. But, after a long Born Free campaign, a new BBC investigation has exposed devastating wild animal suffering in a UK zoo.

We have to change the future for wild animals in desperate need. Please donate today to our Clawing at the Cages appeal.

It’s like something from a grotesque nightmare, here on our doorstep. After years of Born Free investigating and highlighting concerns, the BBC has reported animal anguish at South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria.

This includes disturbing accounts from previous employees revealing distressing animal injuries, suffering and death. You can clearly see the misery in our recent photos and footage:

Heartbroken? Your gift today could help us take action to end big cat suffering in zoos.

When you think about terrible zoos, it is all too easy to imagine them far away, on the other side of the world. But this suffering is going on here, in the UK, under our current, legal zoo licensing system. It clearly shows how this system is so deeply flawed, why it needs to change, and why big cats don’t belong in zoos.

Born Free is leading the charge to make that change a reality. But to stop the suffering, end the needless killing, halt the exploitation, we need your help. We must do all we can to humanely phase-out the keeping of big cats in zoos. We can’t sit back and let future generations of big cats face a life of endless futility and a soulless existence.

This is your chance to take a stand for wild animals. Please give today to help us fight to end big cat suffering in zoos. Every pound you donate helps us move towards a kinder, better future.

With my heartfelt appreciation,

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