Animal adoption - are charities reliable?

[DanglyThings]

Last Christmas I adopted a family of pangolins for my DS10, or at least I've paid the money and he got a toy pangolin and a few magazine things. The question is, are these charities reliable? I am thinking of getting an orangutan for him this time, but he even says himself, "are you sure this isn't all a scam?!" Does anyone know if is all legit or am I being totally naive?

Place marking, as I would like to see replies from people in the know. I have travelled, and seen excellent work by some charities-

oxfam,
sos childrens villages,
Samaritans purse,

these are not animal related though, so I would like to hear from anyone who has first hand Info about adopted animal charities.

I am particularly interested in Club Ocean

The one I use is Born Free

How about wwf?

The Born Free Foundation is completely legitimate. What ‘adoption’ actually constitutes is another thing though. Presumably it’s just a way to support the charity in general.

If you want to adopt in this country go to Monkeyworld ape rescue centre in Dorset they have rescue orangutans. Although I have adopted from Born free in the past which is fine they are not scams but its more of a symbolic adoption .

monkeyworld.org/

Thank you for this. So many awful stories behind those rescued creatures: and I’ve learned today that it’s completely legal to keep monkeys as pets in the UK. Monkey World adoption packs will be Christmas gifts for several family members this year.

well you’re not actually financially supporting a specific animal, you’re just supporting the charity and in return you get stuff related to the animal you like

Thanks everyone, good to hear that Born Free are ok. I realise the money goes to help them in general rather than a specific animal, but just wanted to check it's not all going to the chief exec and his holiday fund! I'm a bit too trusting, but a friend of mine is always going on about being wary of charities...

@ComtesseDeSpair it's a lovely place even though some of the stories are horrible they have a lovely life we have visited twice you get a free pass with your adoption

I think charities staff have to be paid or they wouldn't run efficiently I know the big figure salaries can stick in your throat.. Have a look at smaller charities ,rescue centres home and abroad read into where your money goes and decide.