2026 Animal Action Awards Programme

Azzedine Downes Photo: Jesse Maree / © IFAW

As CEO of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), I am delighted to welcome you to BAFTA this evening in celebration of the 2026 Animal Action Awards, where we collectively have the honour of recognising the extraordinary impact of this year’s winners.

Representing some of the most selfless examples of unyielding resolve and commitment, this year’s winners have profoundly impacted the noble fields of animal welfare, rescue, and conservation.

Hundreds of worthy nominations were submitted worldwide, with each honouree embodying the fierce determination to create a future where both animals and people thrive together.

The theme of this year's event is harmony. The stories you'll hear tonight demonstrate how that vision becomes reality, through communities, scientists, governments and conservationists uniting behind a shared purpose.

Our awardees this year hail from many parts of the globe—from Kenya to Zambia, from Zimbabwe to Brazil, and from the UK to the UAE—and far beyond. Each has left a unique and indelible mark in their field, where their efforts are desperately needed. Their work reminds us time and again that impact is achieved through resolve, collaboration, and understanding—where hope remains the North star. May this evening’s celebration continue to build on the momentum of a movement that upholds the ideals of conservation, and may this evening inspire you as deeply as it has inspired me.

I thank you for joining us as we honour these remarkable individuals whose stewardship of the world’s beloved animals remains a steadfast foundation for us all.

Azzedine Downes
President & CEO

18:30 – Drinks and small plates served

Ray Dolby Room

20:00 – Award ceremony

Princess Anne Theatre

21:30 – Dessert served

Ray Dolby Room

Michaela Strachan

We are delighted that Michaela Strachan will be hosting the 2026 Animal Action Awards.

Michaela is one of the UK’s most beloved wildlife presenters, with a broadcasting career spanning almost four decades. She first gained popularity on children’s television in the 1980s and later as the presenter of The Really Wild Show, Countryfile, and—as part of the team of ‘The Watches’—Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Winterwatch.

Her work is deeply rooted in her passion for conservation, animal welfare, and environmental advocacy. Michaela has travelled widely, filming for wildlife and nature programmes around the globe, and has used her voice to raise awareness of the threats facing animals and habitats.

We are honoured to once again welcome Michaela Strachan to our Awards and look forward to her guiding us through this inspiring evening.

Dr. Mukami Ruoro-Oundo Photo: © Liz Muthoni

Dr. Mukami Ruoro-Oundo

Kenyan wildlife veterinarian Dr Mukami Ruoro-Oundo has devoted her career to treating and caring for injured and sick wildlife. Working with the Kenya Wildlife Service, she has provided care for species including elephants, rhinos, big cats and pangolins, while helping pioneer protocols for the treatment of rescued pangolins. One of the first female wildlife veterinarians to join the organisation in more than 16 years, she has also worked to create opportunities for more women to enter the profession.

Flávia Miranda founder of Instituto Tamanduá Photo: © Flávia Miranda

Flávia Miranda

Brazilian biologist Flávia Miranda has dedicated more than two decades to protecting anteaters, armadillos and sloths across Latin America. As founder of Instituto Tamanduá, she has combined conservation science, wildlife rescue and environmental education to support some of the continent’s most unique species. She has also made significant contributions to scientific knowledge, describing six new species of anteater and contributing to the description of a new species of sloth.

Rachael Murton Country Director of Game Rangers International Photo: © Rachael Murton

Rachael Murton

Originally from the UK and now based in Zambia, Rachael Murton established the Elephant Orphanage Project in 2008 to rescue, rehabilitate and release orphaned elephants back into the wild. As Country Director of Game Rangers International, she now oversees conservation and wildlife protection programmes across Zambia. Under her leadership, the orphanage has reached a significant milestone, with more orphaned elephants now living successfully in the wild than remaining in rehabilitation.

Liomba-Junior Mathe wildlife biologist Photo: © Liomba-Junior Mathe

Liomba Junior-Mathes

Zimbabwean wildlife biologist Liomba-Junior Mathe has dedicated more than a decade to helping people and lions coexist around Hwange National Park. Through the Long Shields Lion Guardian Programme, he helped develop practical, community-led solutions including Lion Guardians, early-warning systems, predator-proof mobile bomas and non-lethal deterrents to reduce conflict between people and large carnivores. His work has helped protect wildlife while supporting rural livelihoods and has informed coexistence efforts across the region.

Photo: © Kevin Lacks-Kelly

Kevin Lacks-Kelly

Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly has spent more than two decades tackling wildlife crime and exposing its links to serious organised crime. As Head of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, he has helped lead major investigations into wildlife trafficking, animal fighting, online animal abuse and other wildlife crimes. His work has played a significant role in demonstrating how wildlife crime is often connected to wider criminality, helping transform the way these offences are understood and investigated.

Photo: © Dr Rima Jabado

Dr Rima Jabado

Marine scientist Dr Rima Jabado has spent more than 15 years advancing the conservation of sharks and rays around the world. Originally from Lebanon, raised in Greece and now based in Dubai, she advises governments and international bodies on shark and ray conservation and serves in several senior leadership roles within the IUCN. Through her scientific research and evidence-based approach, she has helped strengthen understanding, management and protection of some of the ocean’s most threatened species.

Sgiath the dog Photo: © Dr Texa Sim

Sgiath the dog, with handler Dr Texa Sim

Scottish labrador Sgiath became what is believed to be the first dog in the world trained to detect the invasive marine organism Didemnum vexillum, commonly known as ‘sea vomit’. Working alongside her handler, marine ecologist Dr Texa Sim, Sgiath can rapidly detect the species by scent, helping pioneer a new approach to marine conservation. Originally trained as a mountain rescue search dog, she is now contributing to conservation research and efforts to tackle invasive marine species in UK waters.

Host: Michaela Strachan

Michaela Strachan is one of the UK's most loved wildlife broadcasters, with a television career spanning more than three decades. Best known for BBC's Springwatch and The Really Wild Show, she has introduced generations of viewers to animals, conservation and the natural world, combining expert knowledge with her trademark warmth and energy. A passionate advocate for wildlife conservation both in the UK and internationally, she returns as host again for the 2026 Animal Action Awards—an evening celebrating some of the most inspiring people and animals working for a better future for wildlife.

Wildlife Vet of the Year Award

Presenter: Professor Judi Wakhungu

Professor Judi Wakhungu EGH is one of Kenya's most distinguished environmental leaders, with a career spanning science, diplomacy and public service. A geologist by training and one of Kenya's pioneering women in STEM, she served as Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources from 2013 to 2018—leading reforms including Kenya's ban on single-use plastic bags and the destruction of its ivory and rhino horn stockpiles. She has since represented Kenya as Ambassador to France and beyond, and is a member of IFAW's Board of Directors.

Conservation Changemaker Award

Presenter: Lord Zac Goldsmith

Lord Zac Goldsmith is one of the UK's best-known environmental advocates, having spent more than two decades championing conservation, animal welfare and climate action. As a journalist, campaigner, parliamentarian and former Minister of State for Overseas Territories, Commonwealth, Energy, Climate and Environment, he has worked to strengthen protections for wildlife, tackle the illegal wildlife trade and place nature at the heart of political decision-making—driven by a belief that lasting environmental action depends on inspiring people to value the natural world.

Wildlife Rescue Award

Presenter: Riyadh Khalaf

Riyadh Khalaf is a wildlife and science filmmaker, social media personality and presenter who has worked with BBC The One Show, BBC Morning Live and BBC Reel. Before entering the world of media, Riyadh worked as an educator in marine aquatic wildlife. In 2024, he accidentally discovered an abandoned duck egg in Devon. His digital series of rescuing, incubating, hatching and raising the duckling named Spike captured the hearts of people around the world amassing over 300 million views.

Conservation Coexistence Award

Presenter: Professor David Macdonald CBE

Professor David Macdonald CBE is one of the world's foremost conservation scientists and a leading authority on carnivore conservation. As founder of Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), he has dedicated his career to understanding wildlife and finding practical ways for people and animals to coexist. Widely respected for both his scientific contributions and his mentorship of emerging conservation leaders, David has helped shape conservation efforts across Africa and beyond.

Wildlife Crime Award

Presenter: Mete Coban MBE

Mete Coban MBE is London's Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, leading the capital's work to become greener, cleaner and more resilient across climate action, biodiversity, air quality and green spaces. Throughout his career he has championed community engagement, environmental action and social justice, founding successful youth development initiatives before joining City Hall and receiving an MBE for services to young people. He brings a strong public-service perspective to the Wildlife Crime Award.

Marine Conservation Award

Presenter: Zandi Ndhlovu

Zandi Ndhlovu is an ocean advocate, founder of The Black Mermaid Foundation and the first Black freediving instructor in South Africa. Recognised as one of the BBC's 100 Women, she works from the belief that people protect what they feel connected to—breaking down the barriers that keep communities from the sea. Through education, storytelling and outreach, she has inspired a new generation of ocean enthusiasts and championed greater diversity within marine conservation and exploration.

Animal of the Year Award

Presenter: Dr Marc Abraham OBE

Dr Marc Abraham OBE, widely known as Marc the Vet, is a practising veterinary surgeon, broadcaster, author and one of the UK's leading animal welfare campaigners. Throughout his career he has combined clinical practice with advocacy—driving public awareness, education and legislative change, and serving as Secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group. His work has been recognised with an OBE for services to animal welfare, and his lifelong dedication to the bond between people and animals makes him a perfect fit for this award.