Inspiring Person
24
VIRGINIA MCKENNA, OBE
Her passion for acting eventually lead to a most memorable role in the 1966 film, Born Free, in which she played the part of Joy Adamson, the real-life naturalist who wrote the book that inspired the film. Inspired by her part in the film (and, indeed, by Joy and George Adamson themselves), McKenna developed a strong interest in animal conservation, actively offering support for their rights and pushing for the protection of their natural habitat.
Established in 1998, the Born Free Foundation was named after the film which has ignited McKenna’s passion for conservation (and, as such, the story of Elsa the Lion being returned back to the wilds of Africa.) Despite its close ties to Africa, the Born Free Foundation serves as an umbrella organisation for other causes such as the Zoo Check Campaign, Elefriends Campaign, Wolf Campaign, Dolphin Campaign, Primate Campaign, and the Bear Campaign. Animal welfare is at the centre of the foundation, and McKenna continues to work in conservation and towards public awareness for the cause. She firmly believes in putting an end to animal abuse, and aims to keep wildlife within its natural habitat.