Celebrating unique wild animal personalities: Vote now!
News
A gentle elephant, a leaf-launching chimp, or a showstopper crane? It’s time to vote for your favourite unique wild animal to help them win USD$10,000 for their home sanctuary.
Wild animals deserve to be celebrated for their unique personalities. Every year, World Animal Protection shines a spotlight on the distinctive personalities of wild animals and the venues that protect them from a life of exploitation.
The winner of the Wild Animal Unique Personality Award will be gifted a prize of USD$10,000 which goes directly to their home sanctuary. The Award encourages sanctuaries around the world to maintain high standards of care and to prioritise each animal’s well-being.
Meet the five finalists for 2024
Each animals’ journey highlights the urgent need to protect wildlife from industries that prioritise profit over well-being. And their unique personalities remind us that every animal is more than just a number.
1. Darling the Mud Bath Matron
Age: Over 60 years old
Personality: Calm, Faithful, Elegant
Protectors: Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment and Elephant Valley Project
Unique traits: Rescued from a life of exploitation in wildlife tourism, Darling is a gentle giant who loves pampering herself with “spa days”, which involve covering herself in red mud and spending time with her best friend Doe.
2. Frankie the Showstopper Crane
Age: 15 years old
Personality: Inquisitive, Quirky, Chatty
Protectors: Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity
Unique traits: Saved from the clutches of the illegal wildlife trade, Frankie is a confident Crane who loves to steal the spotlight with her loud calls and curious nature.
3. Marco the Leaf-Launching Chimp
Age: 4 years old
Personality: Sassy, Mischievous, Empathetic
Protectors: Chimpanzee Conservation Center
Unique traits: Marco is a West African Chimpanzee busting with energy and always ready to have some fun. He was rescued from the wildlife entertainment trade and is now thriving in his peaceful home.
4. Sundara the Half Tiger, Half Mermaid
Age: 7 years old
Personality: Full of beans, Brave, Smart
Protectors: Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary
Unique traits: If Sundara could talk, she’d say “Everyone in the pool. NOW!” She was born into the Hollywood entertainment industry, and now lives safely in a sanctuary where she loves splashing and making lots of noise.
5. Akouba the Affectionate Foodie Chimpanzee
Age: 7 years old
Personality: Resilient, Mischievous, Clumsy
Protectors: Akatia Primate Sanctuary
Story and unique traits: After being rescued from horrific conditions, Akouba has been thriving in her sanctuary home where she’s known to be the ultimate foodie. She was once caught with her head in the banana bucket, savouring her favourite fruit!
Have you picked your favourite personality yet? Get voting now to help amplify the important work of these wildlife sanctuaries. Voting will remain open until October 25th and the winner will be announced on November 8th.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating the distinctive personalities of wild animals and the venues that protect them from a life of exploitation.
Decide who will take home the 2024 crown
Only one venue can win the USD$10,000 prize. So, explore their incredible journeys and discover what makes them truly unforgettable. Who will you choose?
Our work
We're working in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world to end the needless suffering of animals by inspiring people to change animals’ lives for the better.