FREE THE WILD
Free The Wild endeavours to stop the suffering of wild animals in captivity and educate global communities on the importance in sustaining wildlife. We aim to move mistreated animals into sanctuaries or rehabilitate them for release into the wild. We work to educate and improve on zoos and likened establishments through professional carers, handlers and veterinary support.
Financial health, per its FY2024 accounts
The accounts state that the charity held unrestricted reserves of £212,821 at the end of the year, which exceeds its stated policy target of maintaining between three and six months' expenditure with a minimum of £20,000. The charity reports being liquid with £105,872 in the bank and notes that it has virtually no overheads, being supported predominantly by its Trustees.
What the accounts disclose
“It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. This has been outlined with a minimum reserve of £20,000.” — page 11
“During the year, Kruger Cowne Ltd, a company in which G Nelthorpe-Cowne and M Nelthorpe-Cowne are also directors, covered the running expenses for the charity to the amount of £168,206 (2023: £994). As at the balance sheet date, £112,949 (2023: £64,543) was owed by Kruger Cowne Ltd.” — page 19
“During the year, a charity controlled by one of the Trustees of Free The Wild made donations totalling £397,897 (2023: £48,444) to Free The Wild.” — page 19
“During the year, Kruger Cowne Ltd, a company in which G Nelthorpe-Cowne and M Nelthorpe-Cowne are also directors, covered the running expenses for the charity to the amount of £168,206 (2023: £994). As at the balance sheet date, £112,949 (2023: £64,543) was owed by Kruger Cowne Ltd.” — page 19
“During the year, a charity controlled by one of the Trustees of Free The Wild made donations totalling £397,897 (2023: £48,444) to Free The Wild.” — page 19
Trustees
- Mark Nelthorpe-Cownechair
- Anika Sleem
- CHER
- Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2024 | £453k | £324k |
| 31/12/2023 | £85k | £50k |
| 31/12/2022 | £71k | £96k |
| 31/12/2021 | £187k | £223k |
| 31/12/2020 | £174k | £66k |
Common questions
Is FREE THE WILD financially healthy?
Per its FY2024 accounts: The accounts state that the charity held unrestricted reserves of £212,821 at the end of the year, which exceeds its stated policy target of maintaining between three and six months' expenditure with a minimum of £20,000. The charity reports being liquid with £105,872 in the bank and notes that it has virtually no overheads, being supported predominantly by its Trustees. Its FY2024 accounts were independently examined.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE ANTHONY V MARTIN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION | 4 | £217k |
| MRS D M FRANCE-HAYHURST FOUNDATION | 3 | £238k |
| THE BERYL EVETTS AND ROBERT LUFF ANIMAL WELFARE TRUST LIMITED | 3 | £19k |
| MARJORIE COOTE ANIMAL CHARITY TRUST | 3 | £13k |
| SYLVANUS CHARITABLE TRUST | 2 | £36k |
| THE JEAN SAINSBURY ANIMAL WELFARE TRUST | 2 | £35k |
| THE ROSE ANIMAL WELFARE TRUST CIO | 2 | £25k |
| THE MILLENNIUM OAK TRUST | 1 | — |
Charities like this
- CUAN WILDLIFE RESCUE
- WILD WELFARE
- THE WILDLIFE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
- THE WILDLIFE AID FOUNDATION
- FREE THE BEARS UK
- WILD FUTURES
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREE THE WILD | £453k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| CUAN WILDLIFE RESCUE | £1.0m | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| WILD WELFARE | £283k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| THE WILDLIFE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION | £2.9m | — | — | above | — | no doubt |
| THE WILDLIFE AID FOUNDATION | £2.0m | £60,000 - £69,999 | 1 | unclear | 3.1% | no doubt |
| FREE THE BEARS UK | £567k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |