Ep64 David Neale on the Animals Asia Foundation and the importance of education and collaboration for animal welfare

David Neale has been the Director of Animals Asia Foundation since 2002.

David shares with us how when he was 14, he saw chimpanzees used as photo props whilst in Majorca, Spain, and how it ignited his passion for animal welfare. Sabrina shares similar memories of seeing Africa Greys, snakes, and a Tiger. She also mentions apps where the public can record these animals to influence change.

David says his study choices were limited, so studied Environmental Science and then a postgraduate in Conservation Biology. After graduating, David worked as an ecologist for a river restoration charity in England, which aimed to restore lost habitats. When David surveyed for European water voles (a species that declined due to pollution, habitat loss and the release of mink), he determined the mink would need to be culled. This introduces an animal welfare element. David did not want to contribute to this, so embarked on a trip to Asia and South America to determine an alternative career. 

Whilst travelling, he visited zoos and sanctuaries, reporting his observations to the Born Free Foundation. David shared with us a key moment in Vietnam, where he observed two caged bears, one of which was a cub. He learnt they were destined to be milked for bile at a bear farm. Horrified, he reported this to Born Free who referred him to the recently established Animals Asia Foundation by Jill Robinson. Through communications with Jill, David helped establish Animals Asia in the UK, spending approximately eight years giving talks to all manners of people.

Concurrently, David wanted to contribute to the welfare of farmed animals beyond being a vegan, so he volunteered as a Political Coordinator for the British Hen Welfare Trust. This trust rehomes laying hens after they have stopped being economically viable.

From here David, attended Asia for Animals, a conference of all organisations which occurs every two years to discuss relevant issues and increase collaborations, although this was rare between conferences. David wanted a more long-term collaboration between organisations so established Asia for Animals Coalition. It aims to allow the sharing of information to improve animal welfare. Within the coalition are species-specific working groups.

David introduces us to his blogs on preventing future pandemics through altering the way livestock animals are managed and the consumption of animals both domestic and exotic to be more sustainable. He shares how the covid pandemic has highlighted this to the public.

David continues by sharing his career progression through Animals Asia, by being more hands-on in China. Here he worked with the China Zoo Association to remove circuses within their businesses to improve animal welfare. This change occurred in 2011. Animals Asia then progressed to provide advice and knowledge to further improve welfare in Chinese zoos through workshops.

David shares with us the education programme to instruct the public on the wild behaviour and needs of species and why scenarios such as bear farms are bad for the species. He then mentions their work with the Chinese veterinary medical association, educating their students on how their care can impact their welfare. Animals Asia invested in outside veterinary experts to teach in universities which have resulted in overall improvements.

David then discusses the illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam and working with the Government to set up a sanctuary in Tam Dao National Park for formally farmed bears, and capacity building across centres to improve welfare and knowledge.

David then talks about replacing elephant riding with ethical elephant tourism in Vietnam. This entails guided tours that follow the elephants within their habitat, this benefits all stakeholders including the elephants and creates more income.

David concludes by telling us the story of a 60-year-old elephant, who was rescued by the team from her life of being used for rides. She lived four years within the reserve where she interacted with a wild male elephant and ventured outside the reserve.

Listen to our podcast with Jill Robinson HERE

Read the "eating animals at the zoo" paper HERE

Read about the Asia for Animals Coalition HERE

Read about the Animals Asia HERE

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