BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
World Animal Protection has long been at the forefront of fighting animal cruelty, with initiatives aimed at ending the exploitation of animals in tourism and advocating for better welfare standards globally. In celebration of World Animal Day (October 4th) the organization announced its finalists for the 2024 Wild Animal Unique Personality Award, highlighting remarkable wild animals and the sanctuaries that provide them safe, dignified lives.
This prestigious award, created in memory of Audrey Mealia, a respected member of World Animal Protection’s wildlife team who passed away in 2021, is designed to recognize animals whose personalities shine brightly in sanctuaries committed to high standards of animal welfare. Beyond celebrating these creatures, the award also aims to elevate the importance of responsible tourism and education, reminding the public that wild animals are sentient beings, not commodities.
As Roberto Vieto, Global Animal Welfare advisor at World Animal Protection, explains, “Recognizing the unique personalities of wild animals is key to understanding their sentience and a powerful reminder of their intrinsic value. This award not only celebrates these remarkable beings but also highlights the tireless efforts of the venues that protect them from exploitation.”
Meet the finalists: wild souls with unique personalities
These animals have been rescued from situations such as illegal trafficking, the entertainment industry, or the pet trade. Now, they are thriving in spaces that are dedicated to their well-being, where their true personalities can shine.
Darling is a 60-year-old elephant who exudes elegance and grace. Known for her love of hosting mud baths and leafy spa sessions, Darling resides at the Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment (ELIE) and the Elephant Valley Project (EVP) in Cambodia. She is described as calm, faithful, and a true matriarch of her herd, embodying a serene and nurturing spirit.
Frankie is a 15-year-old crane who loves being the center of attention, often putting on a quirky display, particularly for male visitors. Frankie lives at the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) in Cambodia and is known for her inquisitive and chatty nature. Her love for interaction makes her one of the standout personalities in her sanctuary.
Marco is a 4-year-old West African chimpanzee bursting with energy and enthusiasm. He’s always ready to cause a bit of playful chaos and has a mischievous streak that delights his caretakers at the Chimpanzee Conservation Center. His protectors describe him as sassy, empathetic, and a constant source of amusement.
Born into the entertainment industry, Sundara the tiger now lives safely at the Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary. At seven years old, she is full of beans and endlessly curious about her environment. Sundara is described as both brave and smart, always ready to explore her surroundings and learn new things, traits that have flourished in the peace of her sanctuary.
Akouba, a 7-year-old chimpanzee, is known for his resilient and clumsy nature. Rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, he now resides at Akatia Sanctuary, where he enjoys exploring his habitat and sampling new treats. Akouba’s protectors highlight his mischievous yet gentle personality, making him a beloved figure at the sanctuary.
Promoting responsible tourism and animal welfare
Each of the sanctuaries where these finalists live focuses on the conservation of endangered species and the rehabilitation of animals who cannot return to the wild. They maintain strict standards of care, ensuring that the animals’ behaviors are natural and not the result of training or captivity stress. By adhering to responsible tourism standards, they prohibit direct contact with animals, selfies, or the use of animals for entertainment. This ensures that the animals can live with dignity and without exploitation.
These facilities also serve as important educational hubs, raising public awareness about the dangers of illegal wildlife trafficking, the entertainment industry, and the pet trade. They demonstrate how it’s possible to give these animals a second chance while respecting their instincts and personalities.
The Wild Animal Unique Personality Award, with a prize of USD 10,000 for the winning facility, encourages sanctuaries worldwide to maintain high standards of care and to prioritize the animals’ well-being above all else. It also serves as a reminder that protecting animals from exploitation is an ongoing effort—one that requires both public support and global collaboration.
How you can get involved
The public has already been invited to vote as of October 4th, World Animal Day, and the opportunity will remain open until October 25th. The winner will be announced on November 8th. By participating, you can lend your voice to celebrate not just these incredible animals, but also the sanctuaries that work tirelessly to ensure their welfare.
This award and the ongoing work of World Animal Protection are important reminders that every animal deserves to live free from cruelty and exploitation. As we celebrate the unique personalities of these wild animals, we are also acknowledging the larger movement toward a world where animals are treated with respect, compassion, and care.
