Animal heroes from around the world honoured at the IFAW Animal Action Awards

London-16 October 2026-A trailblazing conservation dog, a marine scientist, a pioneer of human-wildlife coexistence and a wildlife crime fighter are among the inspiring animal heroes being recognised by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) for their extraordinary contributions to conservation and animal welfare.

The prestigious annual Animal Action Awards, held at BAFTA in London and hosted by wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan, celebrate six individuals and one four-legged hero making a difference for wildlife around the world. This year's awards honour those driving innovative solutions to conservation challenges, protecting vulnerable species, advancing scientific understanding, combating wildlife crime and helping people and animals thrive together.

This year's winners are:

Animal of the Year Award: Sgiath the dog, with handler Dr Texa Sim

Presented by Dr Marc Abraham OBE

Scottish labrador Sgiath became what is believed to be the first dog in the world trained to detect the invasive marine organism Didemnum vexillum, commonly known as 'sea vomit'. Working alongside her handler, marine ecologist Dr Texa Sim, Sgiath can rapidly detect the species by scent, helping pioneer a new approach to marine conservation. Originally trained as a mountain rescue search dog, she is now contributing to conservation research and efforts to tackle invasive marine species in UK waters.

Conservation Changemaker Award: Flávia Miranda

Presented by: Lord Zac Goldsmith

Brazilian biologist Flávia Miranda has dedicated more than two decades to protecting anteaters, armadillos and sloths across Latin America. As founder of Instituto Tamanduá, she has combined conservation science, wildlife rescue and environmental education to support some of the continent's most unique species. She has also made significant contributions to scientific knowledge, describing six new species of anteater and contributing to the description of a new species of sloth.

Conservation Coexistence Award: Liomba-Junior Mathe

Presented by: Professor David Macdonald CBE

Zimbabwean wildlife biologist Liomba-Junior Mathe has dedicated more than a decade to helping people and lions coexist around Hwange National Park. Through the Long Shields Lion Guardian Programme, he helped develop practical, community-led solutions including Lion Guardians, early-warning systems, predator-proof mobile bomas and non-lethal deterrents to reduce conflict between people and large carnivores. His work has helped protect wildlife while supporting rural livelihoods and has informed coexistence efforts across the region.

Marine Conservation Award: Dr Rima Jabado

Presented by: Zandi Ndhlovu

Marine scientist Dr Rima Jabado has spent more than 15 years advancing the conservation of sharks and rays around the world. Originally from Lebanon, raised in Greece and now based in Dubai, she advises governments and international bodies on shark and ray conservation and serves in several senior leadership roles within the IUCN. Through her scientific research and evidence-based approach, she has helped strengthen understanding, management and protection of some of the ocean's most threatened species.

Wildlife Crime Award: Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly

Presented by: Mete Çoban MBE

Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly has spent more than two decades tackling wildlife crime and exposing its links to serious organised crime. As Head of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, he has helped lead major investigations into wildlife trafficking, animal fighting, online animal abuse and other wildlife crimes. His work has played a significant role in demonstrating how wildlife crime is often connected to wider criminality, helping transform the way these offences are understood and investigated.

Wildlife Rescue Award: Rachael Murton

Presented by: Riyadh Khalaf

Originally from the UK and now based in Zambia, Rachael Murton established the Elephant Orphanage Project in 2008 to rescue, rehabilitate and release orphaned elephants back into the wild. As Country Director of Game Rangers International, she now oversees conservation and wildlife protection programmes across Zambia. Under her leadership, the orphanage has reached a significant milestone, with more orphaned elephants now living successfully in the wild than remaining in rehabilitation.

Wildlife Vet of the Year Award: Dr Mukami Ruoro-Oundo

Presented by: Professor Judi Wakhungu

Kenyan wildlife veterinarian Dr Mukami Ruoro-Oundo has devoted her career to treating and caring for injured and sick wildlife. Working with the Kenya Wildlife Service, she has provided care for species including elephants, rhinos, big cats and pangolins, while helping pioneer protocols for the treatment of rescued pangolins. One of the first female wildlife veterinarians to join the organisation in more than 16 years, she has also worked to create opportunities for more women to enter the profession.

According to Azzedine Downes, President and CEO of IFAW: "Each year, it is an honour to shine a spotlight on some of the world's most inspiring and often unsung conservation champions at the annual Animal Action Awards.

"Though these awardees hail from different countries, cultures, and disciplines, they are fundamentally united by a common goal-to create a more hopeful future for animals and the communities that live closely alongside them. Their tireless work demonstrates that harmony is possible, and that people and animals can indeed thrive together. Celebrating their achievements and the positive impact they are creating for animals around the globe is a unique and very special opportunity. It is a cornerstone at the very essence of the Animal Action Awards."

The winners received their awards at IFAW's Animal Action Awards ceremony at BAFTA, London, on 15 October 2026.

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Notes to editors

• For more information, photos or interview requests, please contact Kirsty Warren, Senior Communications Manager, [email protected].
• Awardees were nominated by members of the public. Following a review and shortlisting process, winners were selected from across the globe to receive an Animal Action Award.