Animal heroes of the world honoured at the House of Lords with a special award

London – 18 October 2022 – Six awards are being handed out to people (and an animal), from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at the House of Lords, London, to celebrate their contributions that make a big difference to both animals and people.  

This prestigious annual event puts a spotlight on the unsung heroes that across the country, but this year, for the first time, a number of winners from around the world will also be recognised. The international winners will be presented with their awards from world renowned ethologist Dr Jane Goodall, and the national winners will be presented by IFAW President and CEO Azzedine Downes. 

This year’s international winners are:   

• Daniel Leturesh, Kenya, awarded the International Conservation Award for his work preserving his homeland, securing to date 26,000 acres for wildlife including elephants and leopards.  
• Marina Bayeva, USA, awarded the International Emergency Response Award for her work to co-ordinate help for animal shelters across Ukraine.  
• Jim and Jenny Desmond, Liberia, awarded the International Wildlife Rescue Award for their work with chimpanzees at their sanctuary and conservation centre, rescuing chimps who are victims of the illegal bushmeat and pet trades. 

This year’s national winners are:   

• Graham Burton, South Wales, awarded Technology for Good Award for establishing the Drone SAR for Lost Dogs UK group, which has reunited over 2,750 missing dogs with their owners, using its volunteer network of drone pilots and ground searchers.   
• John and Vicky Anderson, Northumberland, awarded the UK Wildlife Rescue Award for setting up Blyth Wildlife Rescue which takes in more than 2,000 wild animals each year.  
• George Durgan, Lancashire, awarded Animal of the Year Award for this role as a therapy dog, where he visits prisons mainly but also schools as part of a reading scheme.  

Dr Jane Goodall, DBE, said: “We all have a role to play in developing our relationships with animals, communities and the environment so I am always delighted to see inspiring stories of individuals who are doing just that.  

“What I like about these awards is that it shows that there is not just one route to making positive change – it can be done in a way that uniquely works for you, wherever you are in the world.” 

Azzedine Downes, President and CEO, IFAW, said: “The Animal Action Awards are our long-standing commitment to honour and herald the animal heroes that make a big difference. I’m thrilled we’re now able to showcase inspiring people from all around the world – from all different walks of life. Like us, their fresh thinking and bold actions are making a difference for animals, people and the place we call home.” 

The winners receive their award at IFAW’s prestigious Animal Action Awards event at the House of Lords on October 18. 

Ends 

Notes to editors 

• For more information, photos or to arrange interviews please contact Kirsty Warren, Senior Communications Manager, IFAW UK, on mobile 07917 507717 or email kwarren@ifaw.org.    
• If you would like to nominate someone for an Animal Action Award for 2022 please write to: IFAW Animal Action Awards, Second Floor, 209-215 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NL or email awardnominations@ifaw.org  

About Dr Jane Goodall, DBE – Global Ambassador for IFAW 

Dr Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, is a world-renowned ethologist and conservationist inspiring greater understanding and action on behalf of the natural world. Dr Goodall is known for her ground-breaking studies into the lives of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, now in its 62nd year, which forever changed our understanding of our relationship to the rest of the animal kingdom. 

Jane’s work builds on scientific innovation, growing a lifetime of advocacy including trailblazing efforts through the Jane Goodall Institute which has offices in 25 countries (including the UK) advancing community-led conservation, animal welfare, conservation science and empowering young people of all ages in more than 65 countries under the Roots & Shoots programme. Jane is a global icon spreading hope and turning it into meaningful positive impact to create a better world for people, other animals, and the planet we share. www.janegoodall.org.uk