We Are All Mammals
Report of Trustees for the period ending 31[st] December 2023
One focus of the work of the Charity in 2023 was to increase awareness of the published Standards for the Management and Welfare of Elephants in human care in Southern Africa and to design and pilot test methods of inspecting facilities that hold elephants. Three new facilities were inspected and assessed, with further inspections planned. Our progress in this area was presented by our Director at the International Elephant Conservation Conference in Chiang Mai (Thailand) in November 2023.
A second focus in 2023 has been to initiate research and wider consideration on the impact of zoo visitor “animal interaction” programs on the welfare of animals. Many zoos around the World subject their animals to “meet” and interact with visitors, yet little is known about how these activities impact animal welfare. Our first step in this area is to examine the impact of housing and display on Koalas, which are one of the most popular animals for these sorts of “animal interaction” programs.
A third focus in 2023 has been in ensuring the long-term success of WAAM. Some of our founding trustees have either stepped down, or will do so in the near future, and this has required us to find and appoint suitable trustees and personnel to continue the vision of WAAM.
Lastly, as usual, regular educational postings have been made via social media to encourage knowledge of mammal behaviour and emotions, success stories and connections between humans and other mammals, and inspiring action. These have increasingly featured our own activities that foster improved relationships between humans and other mammals, and promote greater awareness of animal welfare and conservation.
The trustees believe the charity return and accounts provide a true and fair record of our activities for the period.
Income under $10,000 in 2023 hence the following financial report:
| Current account Balance 1/1/23 | 2040.20 |
|---|---|
| Income | 5657.45 |
| Outgoing | 5470.05 |
| Current account Balance 1/1/24: | 2227.60 |
| Deposit account balance 1/1/23 | 5701.74 |
| Income (interest) | 48.11 |
| Outgoing (to current account) | 1000 |
| Savings account balance 1/1/24 | 4749.85 |