WFFT was founded in 2001 by Edwin Wiek with the help of the local people from Petchaburi province, including the Abbot of Wat Khao Look Chang who loaned a large piece of land to the foundation to house rescued animals. WFFT is a NGO (non-governmental organisation). We receive help from other animal protection organisations such as the International Primary Protection League (IPPL), Free The Bears, and Care for the Wild International, as well as many individuals with a passion for change. WFFT is a nationwide effort involved in rescuing domesticated/ captive wild animals. Edwin Wiek still heads this project with the help from a team of full time staff, mostly from the local village, and a team of international volunteers who pay for their stay. Without the dedication of volunteers, WFFT would not be able to continue to help these animals. We have volunteers from all over the world. Mostly, volunteers are from Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand, with a broad age range from 18 to 75. They represent various backgrounds from gap-year students, wildlife conservation/animal husbandry related students and scientists, career- breakers and retirees. Everyone has to live and work together, so please be considerate and respectful to others and be flexible with an open mind. We are passionate about changing the habits of international tourists who visit Thailand, who unknowingly fuel the illegal trade and the exploitation and abuse of Thailand’s wildlife.