London / Edinburgh, 24th January 2026 – The quality of life for captive wild animals is heavily influenced by the knowledge and experience of their human caregivers. Unfortunately, access to professional training and development opportunities is limited in many parts of the world. In 2021, the global charity Wild Welfare took action to address this issue by launching ‘Wild About Welfare’, a free Digital Education Programme. Over the past five years, this program has provided valuable skills and knowledge to animal care staff in 70 countries, resulting in measurable improvements for potentially thousands of captive wild animals.
On International Day of Education, Wild Welfare released a comprehensive impact report, titled ‘Wild About Welfare: Five Years On’. The report highlights the significant impact of this online course in transforming the lives of captive wild animals around the world. It also outlines the program’s growth and future objectives.
The idea for the online program stemmed from the urgent need to support animal care staff who lack access to formal education or language-appropriate resources on animal welfare. Despite advancements in the science of animal welfare, this knowledge remains out of reach for many dedicated caregivers. For those in non-English speaking regions, this creates a significant barrier to improving care and welfare standards. In collaboration with the University of Edinburgh’s Animal Welfare Centre, Wild Welfare developed a digital solution that is scientifically sound, practical, and easily accessible.
Sarah Bonser-Blake, Wild Welfare’s Animal Welfare Field Manager, explains, “Studies have found that the majority of wild animal welfare literature (87%) is published in English, making it difficult for many caregivers in zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and rescue centers to access continued professional development.” She adds, “We wanted to address this issue by providing affordable and practical resources, while also equipping staff with the confidence to ensure the animals in their care can truly thrive.”
By combining Wild Welfare’s on-the-ground expertise with the University’s established approaches to digital pedagogy and delivery of digital education, the team created eight core modules covering essential topics such as animal behavior, nutrition, and enrichment. These modules combine welfare science with practical guidance for daily husbandry, giving caregivers a thorough understanding of both the “how” and “why” of good animal care. To date, the program has achieved the following milestones:
– Over 33,000 downloads from users in more than 70 countries.
– Five language translations, including Japanese, Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, and Hindi.
– 45% of participants have reported implementing tangible improvements, such as enhanced environmental enrichment and modified feeding routines.
– Since 2022, the digital course has supported in-person blended learning workshops, reaching nearly 100 zoo staff members across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The real impact of this popular online tool is best described by the users themselves. One participant from Pakistan shared, “It helped me understand the enrichment needs of species like lions and bears. As a result, boulders and platforms have been installed in the enclosures to improve their welfare.”
Dr. Louise Connelly, Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, emphasizes the importance of this strong partnership: “The Animal Welfare Centre is pleased to have collaborated with Wild Welfare on this e-learning program. It is making a tangible impact for animals and those who care for them. We look forward to further developments and wider outreach in the years to come.”
Looking ahead, Wild Welfare’s vision is even more ambitious. The organization aims to reach 60,000 downloads and additional language translations by 2030, creating a future where more captive wild animals can receive high-quality care from skilled, compassionate, and confident professionals.
ENDS