Celebrating Animal Heroes: Animal Action Awards 2024
The Animal Action Awards are back, celebrating everyday heroes who go above and beyond for animals. This year, the awards honored nine individuals and organizations from the UK that have championed animal conservation, rescue, and welfare — plus one extraordinary dog.
Hosted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the 2024 Animal Action Awards took place at BAFTA in London on October 17th. British wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin led the event, shining a spotlight on the UK’s biggest animal heroes making a real difference in conservation, reported The Scottsman. Here are some of the top honorees.
The Dog Saving Scotland’s Seabirds
According to a press release from IFAW, this year’s Animal of the Year award went to Reid, a six-year-old springer spaniel from Liverpool. Reid’s mission? Protecting endangered seabirds on Scotland’s islands.
Seabird populations, like Atlantic puffins, Leach’s storm petrels, and great skuas, have been declining due to invasive rodents preying on their eggs and chicks. Reid is trained to patrol 38 islands, including Bass Rock, home to the world’s largest colony of Northern Gannets, and St. Kilda, the UK’s largest puffin colony. His hard work has earned him well-deserved recognition.
Reid’s handler, Rachel Cripps, is incredibly proud of her canine companion: “I’m so proud of Reid. He works so hard and often has to endure difficult boat journeys. This is such a big achievement, and I really hope it goes to show the potential for how dogs can play a vital role in conservation,” she said in the press release.
(Courtesy IFAW)
Bringing Beavers Back to Britain
Dr. Roisin Campbell-Palmer also received an award for her work restoring Britain’s beaver population. After 400 years of absence, beavers are now making a comeback. As the Head of Restoration at the Beaver Trust, Campbell-Palmer has been instrumental in reintroducing beavers to the UK. Thanks to her efforts, the population has grown to around 3,000 across the country.
Campbell-Palmer is driven by her passion to save beavers. “I’m very passionate about this species. I want to see it restored, and I want to see people embrace the benefits they can bring. There’s still so much work to do – it’s a great job, it’s hard work, but seeing the animals back out there really spurs me on. Wild releases are always special.” she told The Scottsman
(Courtesy IFAW)
Protecting the World’s Most Trafficked Animal
PhD student Charles Emogor was honored for his work to protect the white-bellied pangolin in Nigeria.The pangolin is the most trafficked animal in the world, hunted for its meat.Emogor collaborates with local communities in Nigeria, educating poachers, school children, and regional chiefs on the importance of pangolin conservation.
According to a press release from IFAW, Emogor leads pangolin conservation efforts through global interventions and research. He founded Pangolino, a global foundation raising awareness on pangolin trafficking.
The 2024 Animal Action Awards showcased the incredible dedication of people and organizations working tirelessly to protect animals and their habitats. These heroes are reminders of the power of compassion, innovation, and collaboration in the fight for animal welfare and conservation.
(Courtesy IFAW)
