World Animal Protection is a leading international non-profit organization dedicated to ending animal cruelty and suffering worldwide. With a mission to transform the way the world works for animals, the organization focuses on exposing exploitative systems, promoting humane alternatives, influencing policy changes, and inspiring global action to protect animals from harm.
History and evolution
Founded in its current form in 1981, World Animal Protection traces its roots to earlier groups. It emerged from the merger of the World Federation for the Protection of Animals (established in 1950) and the International Society for the Protection of Animals (founded in 1959). Previously known as the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), it rebranded to World Animal Protection to better reflect its global scope and ambitious goals. Headquartered in London, with offices and operations around the world (including a strong U.S. presence), the organization has been active for over 75 years through its foundational entities, making it one of the longest-standing voices in animal welfare advocacy.
Mission and key focus areas
World Animal Protection works to end the exploitation of animals in all forms. Its core efforts include:
- Wildlife protection — Combating the wildlife trade, ending cruel practices in tourism (such as elephant rides, bear bile farming, and captive attractions), and promoting ethical alternatives. Recent advocacy has highlighted risks in wildlife tourism, including incidents like macaque attacks in Thailand.
- Farm animal welfare — Pushing for better conditions in industrial farming, such as improved lives for billions of chickens, and reducing factory farming practices.
- Disaster response — Providing emergency aid and rescue for animals affected by natural disasters, conflicts, or crises.
- Policy and legislative change — Influencing governments, international bodies (like the G20), and corporations to adopt animal-friendly laws and standards.
The organization emphasizes systemic change over individual rescues alone, often through investigations, public campaigns, coalition-building, and mobilizing supporters to demand reforms.
Fight against bear bile farming
One of World Animal Protection’s most prominent and long-standing campaigns targets bear bile farming, a profoundly cruel industry prevalent in parts of Asia. In this practice, Asiatic Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus) (commonly known as Moon Bears) are captured from the wild or bred in captivity and confined in tiny, often filthy cages for years or decades. Their bile—a digestive fluid from the gallbladder—is extracted repeatedly through painful, invasive methods, such as inserting a large needle or creating a permanent fistula into the abdomen, often while the bear is restrained in a “crush cage” that prevents movement or defense. This causes chronic pain, infections, abscesses, liver issues, and severe psychological distress to these highly intelligent animals. The extracted bile is sold for use in traditional Asian medicine, despite safe, effective synthetic and herbal alternatives existing since the 1950s.
World Animal Protection has campaigned against this exploitation for over 30 years, partnering with local groups, governments, and other NGOs under initiatives like “Wildlife. Not Medicine.” Key achievements include:
- Vietnam: Since 2005, when bile extraction was outlawed following pressure from World Animal Protection and partners, the organization has supported government efforts to phase out the industry. This included registering and microchipping captive bears to prevent illegal trade and confiscate unregistered ones. The number of bears on farms has dropped dramatically—by about 96% from around 4,000 in 2005 to roughly 190 or fewer in recent years (with ongoing rescues and pushes to rehome the last remaining bears to sanctuaries).
- South Korea: Starting in 2003, World Animal Protection collaborated with Green Korea United to build public awareness, advocate for welfare improvements, and push for legislative change. This led to a sterilization program to prevent breeding (ensuring no new cubs enter the industry) and a landmark 2022 agreement with the government and bear farmers to prohibit bear bile farming and extraction. Effective January 1, 2026, ownership, breeding, trade of bears and bear parts, and bile extraction are banned, with fines and criminal penalties enforced. This historic victory marks the end of the industry in South Korea, protecting remaining captive bears (with a grace period for transition and plans for humane care or relocation) and serving as a model for regional change.
- Ongoing focus: Efforts continue in China, where bear bile farming remains legal and widespread, affecting over 20,000 bears. The organization highlights the unnecessary nature of the practice and calls for phase-outs, enforcement, and greater adoption of alternatives.
These campaigns demonstrate World Animal Protection’s commitment to exposing cruelty, driving policy wins, and reducing suffering through persistent, evidence-based advocacy.
Recent achievements and impact
World Animal Protection has reported significant progress in recent years. In the last few years alone, it claims to have positively impacted over 1.12 billion animals, mobilized more than 1.1 million people to call for an end to the global wildlife trade, and worked with retailers and producers to improve conditions for hundreds of millions of farmed animals.
In early 2026, notable developments include:
- The Republic of Korea’s full implementation of the ban on bear bile farming and extraction, effective January 1, 2026—a major milestone after decades of advocacy.
- Indonesia prohibiting elephant rides in a landmark move for ethical wildlife tourism, including announcements from venues like Bali Zoo ending such practices.
- Ongoing campaigns addressing captive wildlife attractions and risks in tourist-heavy areas like Thailand.
These victories demonstrate the organization’s influence in shifting policies toward greater animal welfare.
How to get involved
World Animal Protection encourages public participation through petitions, donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness. Supporters can take action on active campaigns via their website, join monthly giving programs, or follow updates on social media platforms like Instagram (@world_animal_protection), where they share stories and calls to action.
The organization maintains a strong reputation in the charity sector, often receiving high ratings from evaluators like Charity Navigator for its impact and transparency.
To explore their work, learn about current campaigns, sign petitions, or make a donation, visit their official websites:
International site:
https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/
United States site:
https://www.worldanimalprotection.us/
By supporting or learning about their work, individuals can contribute to a future where animals live free from cruelty and exploitation.
