12 Organisations Tackling Emerging Animal Welfare Challenges received grants in 2024
The Joanna Toole Foundation (JTF), a United Kingdom based charity with its HQ in Exmouth, is delighted to announce that last year they awarded over £100,000 in grants to 12 outstanding organisations and individuals dedicated to advancing animal welfare. The 2024 year’s grants specifically focused on animal welfare issues that are innovative, under-represented and increasingly impacted by the effects of climate change. These grants underscore the JTF’s commitment to supporting transformative work for animals facing new and heightened challenges.
Each of the grantees was chosen for their clear vision and their commitment to achieving ambitious, improvements in animal welfare. They demonstrated a keen understanding of how their cause is under-represented and the welfare challenges faced by the species proposing innovative approaches in mitigation.
“We are incredibly proud to support these 12 outstanding projects, which represent forward-thinking and innovative work in animal welfare today,” said Adrian Toole, Chairman “Joanna was deeply committed to protecting animals and these grants allow us to carry forward her vision of a world where every animal is treated with compassion and respect.”
The 2024 year’s grants also reflect the Joanna Toole Foundation’s commitment to filling critical funding gaps, particularly in areas where support is limited and the work is complex. ZooAtronic Productions were one recipient of a grant; they intend to open an interactive facility without live animals.
“The amazing support we’ve received from The Joanna Toole Foundation means the world to us at ZooAtronic Productions. Our goal is to strengthen the bond between people and nature, uplift sustainability champions, and advocate a shift away from unnecessary wild animal captivity. JTF’s support is especially meaningful to me because I had the privilege of working alongside Joanna for a short time, and witnessing her deep commitment to animal welfare” Katie Tostevin-Hobbs, CEO.
Several of the selected projects address species and issues that have historically been overlooked yet are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to environmental and economic pressures. Among them was the Aquatic Life Institute’s initiative to ban octopus farming globally, a vital step toward protecting these intelligent and sensitive creatures.
“On behalf of Aquatic Life Institute, I want to thank you so much for your generous grant. Your support will enable us to continue advocating for aquatic animal welfare and driving positive change in the seafood supply chain. Your commitment to this cause enables us to push forward with greater determination, and we are eager to share the positive impact made possible through your foundation’s generosity.” Cecilia Valenza, Corporate Engagement Lead.
We were also delighted to fund the Ethical Seafood Research (ESR) along with its partners Bryant Research and the Animal Welfare Consultancy on a unique project to research the welfare of sturgeon for their farming of cavier.
“The Ethical Seafood Research (ESR) along with its partners Bryant Research and the Animal Welfare Consultancy are delighted to have been awarded this grant to conduct this important study on the highly neglected group of aquatic animals that are sturgeons. Various species of sturgeons are farmed for their eggs (caviar) under questionably ‘ethical’ conditions and we believe that this study will allow us to shed light, for the first time, on some of the cruel practices that are commonly used in rearing these majestic, long-lived animals. By studying these conditions, we hope to lay the foundation for the future creation of a welfare standard to which caviar farms can be audited, and to carry on Joanna Toole’s legacy by fighting to achieve the protection of all aquatic animals.” Wasseem Emam, Director & Lead Researcher.
By funding these forward-looking initiatives, the Foundation aims to build resilience and protection for animals affected by climate-driven challenges, inspiring others to consider animal welfare as part of a broader environmental response. For example, another project by the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, is to complete the build of a seal-holding unit in Northumberland in the NE of the UK. Climate change is resulting in more frequent and severe storm activity in this region that has resulted in high mortality and mass casualty event for seal pups.
“BDMLR can rescue several seal pups each week quickly using up the rehabilitation space in seal hospitals. The seal holding unit allows the seals to stay for a few nights until they recover enough for release or for a place to become available in a seal hospital. BDMLR would not have been able to complete this build without the grant from the Joanna Toole Foundation. I am personally delighted that Jo’s name can live on helping marine mammals which she loved so much”. Alan Knight, OBE Chairman.
Animal welfare is central to the Foundation’s mission, and every grant awarded represents a step towards a kinder world in which animals are afforded the respect and care they deserve. In memory of Joanna’s legacy, we continue to champion the belief that every animal, no matter how overlooked, deserves compassion, protection, and a voice. Through supporting these projects, we are taking meaningful steps to ensure that all animals can thrive in a rapidly changing world.
About the Joanna Toole Foundation:
The Joanna Toole Foundation was established in memory of Joanna Toole from Exmouth, England, a dedicated advocate for animal welfare who devoted her life to creating a kinder, more compassionate world for animals. The Foundation has been set up to continue Jo’s work, calling on her spirit of compassion, determination, selflessness and ‘quiet leadership’ for the protection of all animals and the world they live in. Through grants, the Foundation continues Joanna’s legacy of compassionate leadership in animal welfare.