Ep64 David Neale on the Animals Asia Foundation and the importance of education and collaboration for animal welfare

<p>David Neale has been the Director of Animals Asia Foundation since 2002.</p> <p>David shares with us how when he was 14, he saw chimpanzees used as photo props whilst in Majorca, Spain, and how it ignited his passion for animal welfare. Sabrina shares similar memories of seeing Africa Greys, snakes, and a Tiger. She also mentions apps where the public can record these animals to influence change.</p> <p>David says his study choices were limited, so studied Environmental Science and then a postgraduate in Conservation Biology. After graduating, David worked as an ecologist for a river restoration charity in England, which aimed to restore lost habitats. When David surveyed for European water voles (a species that declined due to pollution, habitat loss and the release of mink), he determined the mink would need to be culled. This introduces an animal welfare element. David did not want to contribute to this, so embarked on a trip to Asia and South America to determine an alternative career.&nbsp;</p> <p>Whilst travelling, he visited zoos and sanctuaries, reporting his observations to the Born Free Foundation. David shared with us a key moment in Vietnam, where he observed two caged bears, one of which was a cub. He learnt they were destined to be milked for bile at a bear farm. Horrified, he reported this to Born Free who referred him to the recently established Animals Asia Foundation by Jill Robinson. Through communications with Jill, David helped establish Animals Asia in the UK, spending approximately eight years giving talks to all manners of people.</p> <p>Concurrently, David wanted to contribute to the welfare of farmed animals beyond being a vegan, so he volunteered as a Political Coordinator for the British Hen Welfare Trust. This trust rehomes laying hens after they have stopped being economically viable.</p> <p>From here David, attended Asia for Animals, a conference of all organisations which occurs every two years to discuss relevant issues and increase collaborations, although this was ra