About Care for the Wild International
Care for the Wild International (CFTWI) provides immediate aid to wildlife in distress anywhere in the world. It works with local people and government bodies in an attempt to alleviate the suffering of wild animals.
In Britain the charity funds rescue centres and animal protection groups throughout the country, helping a wide range of wildlife such as hedgehogs, badgers, otters, foxes, sea-birds, seals and dolphins. Overseas CFTWI helps projects in Africa and Asia, supporting vital work to protect tigers, elephants, rhinos, orangutans, gibbons and chimpanzees.
Funding for these projects is raised through direct appeals to supporters and animal adoption programmes. Standing order donations, the Gift Aid scheme and the sale of CFTWI merchandise all ensure the charity can provide immediate aid to where it is needed most.
CFTWI is directly involved with the fight against the illegal trade in wildlife. It funds undercover investigations and participates in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Education also plays an important part in its work and it sponsors key people who are already working in the wildlife sector. CFTWI believes that by funding further education, such as M.Scs and PhDs, for people living in under- privileged countries, it helps both the animals and the people working with them.
Our history
Care for the Wild International was founded in 1984 by renowned wildlife vet Dr Bill Jordan, who realised that, although many organisations were working for the conservation of wild animals, none were working for their welfare.
Since then CFTWI has successfully continued to tackle the problems of suffering and exploitation of wildlife both in Britain and abroad.
Jordan's philosophies provide the corner-stone of the charity's work. A firm believer that wild animals belong in the wild, he is especially keen to support projects for the rehabilitation of orphaned or injured animals.
His experience in the field has proved invaluable to policy-makers. The public outcry which followed his report on the state of zoos in Britain led to legislation (the Zoo Licensing Act) and Jordan persuaded London Zoo to organise training courses for zoo keepers. He has advised the European Parliament Economic and Social Committee on conventions for migratory species, habitats and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
Jordan was a founder member and secretary to the British Veterinary Zoological Society. He established the Wildlife Department of the RSPCA and was responsible for overseeing the welfare of over one million creatures per year which passed through the RSPCA animal hostel at Heathrow Airport. Appalled by the high mortality and terrible conditions endured by these animals, he drafted guidelines for the transportation of wild animals and birds for CITES.
As well as undertaking numerous wildlife investigations around the world, Jordan has also worked in Africa and the Middle East. Founding Care for the Wild International has enabled him to put his wealth of experience to the best possible use.