Nine-year-old Thea Caine has today been unveiled as Born Free’s newest Junior Ambassador in recognition of her significant contribution towards wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

Thea, who lives in Burnopfield, County Durham, has been passionate about making a positive difference for wild animals for the past four years. She is delighted to have been recognised by the leading wildlife charity, co-founded by actress and campaigner Virginia McKenna OBE, her late husband Bill Travers MBE, and their eldest son Will Travers OBE, in 1984.

Alongside organising local fundraising events for Born Free, including completing the Junior Great North Run, Thea has been volunteering with local wildlife groups, whilst raising awareness of wider conservation issues through a series of documentary films.

Thea Caine Recognised By International Wildlife Charity For Her Passion To Protect Wildlife
Thea Caine

This year, her film ‘Farming for Nature’ was selected as the winner in the 11 years and under film category of Born Free’s Youth Wildlife Filmmaker and Photographer of the Year Competition.

Thea also regularly writes to MPs and decision-makers about wildlife and climate issues. In 2020 she was invited to Westminster by the Climate Coalition as a Green Heart Hero Future Leader Award Finalist for her awareness-raising work.

Thea Caine Recognised By International Wildlife Charity For Her Passion To Protect Wildlife
Thea Caine with Theresa May

After learning she would be joining Born Free’s fellow Junior and Youth Ambassadors Bella Lack, Katie Marshall and Hector Bateman, Thea said: “I am absolutely honoured to become a Junior Ambassador for Born Free and I look forward to helping them make a difference. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. So, let’s work together to help wildlife.”

Born Free’s Head of Education, Laura Gosset, said: “Born Free’s Junior and Youth Ambassador Programme offers young people a chance to be heard and play a vital role in the shaping of our shared future. We are so excited that, today, Thea joins our other Ambassadors! Despite being only nine years old she is confident, clear and driven in her desire to give a voice to the voiceless.”


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