Animal heroes of the world honored at the BAFTA, London with a special award

London – 17 October 2025 – A manatee rescuer, an animal rights lawyer, a visual storyteller and an extraordinary animal, are among the honorees being recognized by IFAW for their remarkable conservation efforts. 

The prestigious annual Animal Action Awards, now in its 25th year, puts a spotlight on the unsung animal heroes from around the world that are making a big difference. This year’s awards ceremony, held at the BAFTA, London, was presented by wildlife presenter, Michaela Strachan, known for her much-loved shows including Springwatch, The Really Wild Show, and countless wildlife programmes.  

This year’s winners are: 

Women in Conservation Award: Ever Vimbai Chinoda 
Zimbabwean lawyer Ever Vimbai Chinoda has influenced national policy, advised parliament, and developed legal tools to combat poaching. ​Her pivotal moment came in 2016 when Cecil the lion was slain by a trophy hunter from the USA - Ever was tasked with legal monitoring of the case. She is a trailblazer in a male-dominated field, shaping the next generation of conservation lawyers and ensuring animals have a voice in the justice system. 

Wildlife Rescue Award: Jamal Galves 
Known as the ‘manatee man,’ Jamal Galves from Belize leads the national stranding network, rescuing and rehabilitating manatees, dolphins, turtles, and whales. ​Since starting as a volunteer at age 11, he has trained more than 3,000 boat captains and tour guides on reducing collisions with animals, published key research, and spearheaded Belize’s first marine life rescue and education centre. 

Storyteller of the Year Award: Cristina Mittermeier 
Acclaimed photographer and marine biologist Cristina Mittermeier, originally from Mexico and now residing in Canada, has pioneered the field of conservation photography, using visual media to inspire global action. She has spent more than three decades documenting marine and landscape conservation, supporting Indigenous communities, and advocating for the establishment of marine protected areas. Her photography, films, and advocacy have reached millions worldwide. 

Animal of the Year Award​: Henry the dog 
As a wildlife crime detection dog, Henry supports the UK’s National Wildlife Crime Unit. He can detect odors including raptor carcasses, satellite tags, and hedgehogs, playing a key role in uncovering evidence of illegal killings of birds of prey. Providing crucial support to investigations and prosecutions, Henry is a valuable ally in protecting some of Britain’s most threatened species. 

Innovator of the Year Award: Baidu 
As a founding member of the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online, Baidu has set a global standard for how technology companies can support conservation. ​The company has pioneered the use of artificial intelligence to combat illegal wildlife trade online. In partnership with IFAW, Baidu has developed the AI Guardian tool, which identifies images of protected species and wildlife products with high accuracy, helping remove millions of illegal listings from the web. 

Fighting Wildlife Crime Award: Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) 
Through investigations and rescues, Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) combats illegal wildlife trade in Indonesia. ​JAAN runs multiple rescue and rehabilitation centers, operates Asia’s first K9 wildlife crime unit, and works closely with police and government agencies to protect animals and strengthen national wildlife law enforcement. 

Lifetime Achievement Winner: Dr. Abdullahi Ali 
Kenyan Conservationist Dr. Abdullahi Ali, founder of the Hirola Conservation Program, has performed groundbreaking work to save the critically endangered hirola antelope, of which there are thought to be fewer than 500 individuals left. Combining science, habitat restoration, and community action, his leadership has made him a global voice for community-led conservation. 

According to Azzedine Downes, President and CEO, IFAW: “Now in its 25th year, the long-standing Animal Action Awards has established itself as a key moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements of animal heroes from across the globe. Every year we are fortunate to be presented with a stellar lineup of incredible nominees. Each and every one of them brings their own inspirational story that shows unwavering commitment to conservation, a deep sense of stewardship, and an enduring positive impact for animals, people, and the place we call home.” 

The winners received their award at IFAW’s prestigious Animal Action Awards event at the BAFTA, London on October 16. 

Ends 

Notes to editors 

• For more information, photos or to arrange interviews please contact Kirsty Warren, Senior Communications Manager, IFAW UK, on mobile 07809 269747 or email kwarren@ifaw.org. 
• Awardees were nominated by members of the public.