ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
Livingstone Lions
Email address: admin@livingstonelions.com
Tel: 07731 451 229 Address: 33 Coniston Road, Earlsdon,
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from Chair of Trustees_______ 4 Charity Objectives________ 7 Impact and Achievements_______ 8 Financial Summary _________10 Future Plans and Goals_________11 Contact Details__________12
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LETTER FROM FOUNDER & CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
Dear Friends and Supporters
As the Chair of Trustees for Livingstone Lions, it is with great pride and responsibility that I present our annual report for the year 2023/24. This year has been pivotal in our journey, allowing us to fulfil our goals set in 2022/23 and strengthen the core principles upon which our charity is built. Our objectives have remained focused on the critical areas of maintaining and enhancing the physical infrastructure of our sanctuary, fostering community engagement and outreach, generating sustainable income, and above all, prioritising the welfare of the lions entrusted to our care.
This past year has been undeniably challenging from a financial standpoint, a reality that many organisations and individuals have faced due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The repercussions have extended beyond the UK, influencing the livelihoods of people worldwide, which, in turn, has led to a noticeable decline in sponsorship for our initiatives. However, I am pleased to report that our resilience has shone through during these tough times. By diversifying our income streams and leveraging the benevolent support of many dedicated individuals and organisations, we have managed to maintain our financial viability. Initiatives like the Sponsor A Lion programme, funds raised through platforms such as JustGiving and Vinted, and generous charitable donations have allowed us to sustain our operations. Coupled with the invaluable free services provided by various supporters, we have successfully met our charitable objectives throughout the year.
On the ground in Livingstone, we have worked alongside a commercial enterprise to make significant repairs and enhancements to fencing, which is crucial for the safety and security of the captive lions there and the local community who live alongside them. Through well-established relationships with local farmers and suppliers, we have secured regular access to water and appropriate nutrition for these lions, ensuring they receive the care they need. Additionally, our collaboration with skilled local veterinarians has guaranteed high-quality veterinary care and created opportunities for veterinary students to gain vital hands-on experience working with African lions under supervision. We remain committed to educating visitors about the lions’ history, ecology, cultural significance, threats, and conservation requirements. Cultivating strong partnerships with the local community, NGOs, and government organisations has been central to our operations, allowing us to foster mutual benefits and enhance conservation efforts for the lions.
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Despite these successes, we remain fully vigilant to the numerous challenges that lie ahead, many of which are influenced by external factors beyond our control. The lingering effects of the cost-of-living crisis in the UK suggest that we may continue to experience fluctuations in financial support, while rising prices in countries including Zambia have notably affected fuel and food costs. Given these circumstances, we are committed to further diversifying our income sources and strengthening our partnerships with individuals and organisations that can provide essential assistance and services.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of you. None of our accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support of our donors, partners, and community members. Your generosity and dedication to the welfare of lions inspire our team to pursue our mission with even greater passion and commitment. We are truly humbled by your steadfast belief in our cause. As we look forward to the coming year, we remain resolute in our mission to ensure that the captive lions in our care not only survive but thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. Together, we can make a lasting difference in their lives and work toward a future where these magnificent creatures are protected and cherished. Thank you for being a crucial part of this journey.
Dr Jackie Abell Founder and Chair, Livingstone Lions
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Livingstone Lions is a non-profit charity run entirely by volunteers. We are passionate about the welfare of the lions within our care and the well-being of their human neighbours.
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CHARITY OBJECTIVES
Livingstone Lions Charity Objectives are:
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I. To promote humane behaviour towards animals by providing appropriate protection, treatment and security for captive African lions which are in need of care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage and to educate the public in matters pertaining to captive lion welfare in genera and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among animals
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II. To generate financial support for captive African lions in need of care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage, through fundraising and commercial activities
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III. To promote for the benefit of the public, the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the African lion
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IV. To advance public education in the care of captive lions
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IMPACT AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Milestones
The year 2023/24 has ushered in remarkable growth for Livingstone Lions, marked by significant achievements and impactful contributions to lion conservation and community welfare. Here are some of the highlights from this transformative year.
Lion Welfare and Safeguarding
Our commitment to the welfare of the lions in our care remains unwavering. This year, we have prioritised sourcing high-quality, reliable suppliers for fresh meat, ensuring that our lions enjoy a nutritious and balanced diet. This has been achieved against a backdrop of unprecedented challenges in terms of rising costs and food shortages in Zambia. We've undertaken essential repairs and enhancements to our infrastructure, including restoring boreholes and fortifying secure fencing to protect our lions. Access to veterinary care is consistently available, and our lions benefit from daily behavioural enrichment activities designed to stimulate their natural instincts and promote overall well-being. Through meticulous monitoring, we can swiftly identify signs of illness or injury, facilitating prompt interventions. Over the course of the year, every lion has undergone thorough treatments, including deticking, deworming, and routine vaccinations, reinforcing our commitment to their health and safety. As a result, the lions are in very good health.
Community Engagement and Education
Livingstone Lions has fostered a deep connection with the local communities living alongside our sanctuary. We continue to employ casual labour from these rural areas, who assist with essential tasks such as lion feeding, enclosure maintenance, and environmental management, including grass slashing. This initiative provides a vital source of income for community members and ensures that our sanctuary operates smoothly. We encourage local communities to visit the lions, fostering a sense of ownership and understanding. Our conservation education materials and toolkits are readily available for rural schools, enhancing awareness of lion husbandry and the importance of wildlife preservation. Additionally, we proudly offer veterinary students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with lions under the supervision of highly qualified veterinarians, bridging the gap between education and practical application.
Volunteer and Supporter Engagement
Our sanctuary continues to welcome visitors from both near and far, who come together to support the lions through various activities. These dedicated individuals contribute significantly to the care of the lions, essential maintenance of the grounds, and outreach efforts within the community. Their presence enriches our daily operations, and their generous donations provide invaluable resources for our charity, benefiting local communities and schools in the process.
Sustainable Tourism
Recognising the immense potential of eco-tourism as a sustainable financial resource, we have implemented guided tours and educational experiences for visitors to Dambwa in partnership with reputable sustainable local tour operators. In collaboration with like-minded NGOs, such as Njovu, we have created opportunities for learning and engagement. While we do not impose a fee for these experiences, we invite participants to make donations to Livingstone Lions. This initiative has sparked considerable interest and support, creating a
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robust platform to raise awareness about lion conservation and the myriad challenges faced by these magnificent creatures in the wild.
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FINANCIAL SUMMARY
| Unrestricted | Restricted / | Total for this | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Designated | period | |
| £ | Funds | £ | |
| £ | |||
| Receipts and Payments | |||
| Receipts | |||
| Sponsorships & Web | 7610.19 | 976.59 | 8586.78 |
| Donations | |||
| 7610.19 | 976.59 | 8586.78 | |
| Payments | |||
| Project Funding (Zambia) | 7054.80 | 976.59 | 8031.39 |
| UK Bank Fees | 245.00 | 0.00 | 245.00 |
| 7299.80 | 976.59 | 8276.39 | |
| Cash carried from previous | 1300.12 |
0.00 | 1300.12 |
| year | |||
| Balance | 1610.51 | 0.00 | 1610.51 |
| Statement of Assets | |||
| and Liabilities | |||
| Cash in current account | 1610.51 | 0.00 | 1610.51 |
| Other monetary assets | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Other tangible assets | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Current Liabilities | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
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A designated donation was received specifically to upgrade the fencing at the project.
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The charity holds no other assets and has no liabilities.
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FUTURE PLANS AND GOALS
Building a Strong Future for Captive African Lions
As we continue to grow, we remain steadfast in our commitment to rescuing and safeguarding captive African lions abandoned during the global pandemic. We will deepen our engagement with local and global communities and expand our impact through conservation education and sustainable initiatives. Looking ahead, our key priorities include:
1. Strengthening Infrastructure
To ensure the safety and well-being of the lions in our care, we will continue to maintain, repair, and enhance facilities and husbandry care. This includes improving enclosure fencing, upgrading security measures, and making necessary improvements to existing infrastructure and husbandry practices.
2. Expanding Community Engagement & Education
We are committed to raising awareness about lion conservation and responsible captive care. Our efforts will continue to focus on providing freely accessible, timely, appropriate and current conservation education and lion husbandry guidance. We will build partnerships with schools, NGOs, and other reputable organisations to facilitate educational visits, allowing the public to learn about captive lions, their ecological role, and broader conservation challenges.
3. Ensuring Financial Sustainability
To secure long-term stability, we will further diversify our income streams through strategic fundraising and sustainable initiatives. Our plans include:
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Organising more fundraising campaigns, including events, online crowdfunding, and corporate partnerships.
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Seeking grants from international organisations and environmental foundations to support specific projects.
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Expanding the Sponsor a Lion program.
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Developing guided educational tours, offering visitors an opportunity to support our work through donations.
With these initiatives, we are confident in our ability to protect and care for rescued lions while making a lasting impact on conservation efforts worldwide.
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Contact Details
Registered Address:
Livingstone Lions 33, Coniston Road
Earlsdon
Coventry
West Midlands
CV5 6GU
U.K.
Website: www.livingstonelions.com Email: admin@livingstonelions.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liv_lions/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livlions
Charity Registration Number: 1197735