Annual Report 2003.pdf - International Fund for Animal Welfare

Establishing Models for Success
This has been a profound year for animal welfare. The historic vote at the International
Whaling Commission to establish a conservation committee marks a turning point in
whale protection. ifaw championed this initiative throughout the convention and its
success was one of my proudest moments.
ifaw Emergency Relief experts were called in to help care for animals at the war-torn
Baghdad Zoo and to rehabilitate hundreds of oiled birds in the wake of the Prestige
spill o∑ the coast of Spain. More and more, communities and governments in disaster
situations are turning to ifaw for expert advice and hands-on help. Our topnotch team
is gaining worldwide recognition in emergency relief.
The outstanding success rebuilding the infrastructure and security forces at Meru
National Park —and returning endangered elephants, rhinos and other indigenous
species to their rangelands—is serving as a model of habitat and community restoration.
In the months ahead, ifaw will embark on similar habitat protection partnerships
in additional world-class reserves.
Last summer, scientists aboard Song of the Whale conducted pioneering surveys
searching for increasingly rare harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea. With the launch of a
new state-of-the-art research vessel this May, ifaw will continue to lead marine
mammal research and advocacy e∑orts across the world’s seas.
As you read through ifaw’s annual report for fiscal year 2003, I hope you will be as
proud as I am of this fine organization’s commitment to making the world a better
place for animals and people. It is a direct reflection on your commitment to ifaw, and
I am very grateful to you for your vision and support.
Fred O’Regan
President and Chief Executive O≈cer
sharing results
ifaw ceo Fred O’Regan speaks at a
gathering of donors and celebrities
about ifaw’s ongoing work in East
Africa. © ifaw/j. aronson
reintroducing wildlife
Opposite: ifaw helped move nine highly
endangered white rhinoceroses to Meru
National Park, the first in the park in
20 years. © ifaw/d. willetts
5