Dear John

We have got off to a great start in 2026, thanks to you!

Our collective message of animal freedom is reaching further across our socials, our petitions and actions are being signed by more and more people and it feels like there is real momentum building against the captivity of animals.

🐧Free the Fifteen Continues…

Merlin Entertainments can’t ignore our shared call for change! Freedom for Animals recently met with Merlin executives alongside Born Free Foundation and PETA to stand up against the captivity of animals for entertainment.

The incredible stamina, speed and spirit of the Gentoo penguins cannot be suppressed by Merlin Entertainments any longer! A more fulfilling life is inching ever closer to them, and they have you to thank for that. So, if you have signed the petition, showed up for the many protests outside the aquarium or shared the campaign THANK YOU! 

🦌 The Fight for Reindeer is Not Over!

It may feel strange to talk about reindeers in February, but our Festive Campaign is drawing to a close. We've checked the numbers, and 47 of the 146 events that used live animals in 2024, and received our joint letter, hosted animal-free events in 2025! This is a huge win for reindeers! 

We are currently contacting all the event organisers who chose to ‘use’ live reindeers in their events in 2025. We will not let them ignore the evidence of cruelty, or that the public are calling for a move to reindeer-free events. 

🗺️ Fighting for the Right to Protest!

The right to protest is vital in the fight for animals’ rights and for any movement striving for change. A new amendment classifying Life Science infrastructure as Key National Infrastructure threatens the right to peaceful protest! This could have devastating consequences for animals. 

Thank you to everyone who took action via the Naturewatch Foundation petition! We stand with those fighting for all animal freedom because when they come for one of us they come for us all. Today may see the decision come through and we are waiting for news!    

The year has just begun, but we have so many big plans for the rest of 2026 to help end the suffering of animals and their captivity, including the release of a new report coming very soon. 

We are so grateful to have you with us as we set out to help even more animals facing a lifetime in captivity. 

For the animals,


Laura Walton
Co-Director
Freedom for Animals

P.S. Thank you for being there for animals in captivity; their struggle is real and causes so much suffering. Can you help animals today by sending a gift to help put an end to this cruelty?