Dedicated Bakers Deliver A Decade of Support for Orangutans - Celebrating Cakes for Apes 10th Anniversary

Henry Bird & colleagues

The month of April marks International Animal Rescue's (IAR) 10th Anniversary of Cakes for Apes. The month-long 'bake-off' encourages people to bake cakes to fundraise and support orangutan conservation efforts.

Recently TV Bake Off contestant Henry Bird joined IAR to host an afternoon tea at Brighton's Hotel Du Vin. 

The celebration welcomed nearly 100 attendees who enjoyed an afternoon filled with inspiration and reflection, joined by conservationists and some special guests while indulging in delectable cakes.

Since launching back in 2015, Cakes for Apes has brought together passionate bakers across the globe who have generated close to £100k to support orangutan conservation efforts.

These funds have been essential to support IAR's crucial efforts, which, along with their Indonesian partner YIARI, have supported the rescue, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and release of orangutans back into the wild.

Attendees enjoyed an exclusive Afternoon Tea with lavish cakes, scones and finger sandwiches to support an important cause. 

Guest speakers included Esteemed guests who delivered powerful talks to mark the event. TVs Great British Bake Off former contestant Henry Bird spoke about his dual interests in baking and wildlife preservation, and President of IAR Alan Knight OBE and CEO Gavin Bruce discussed global efforts to save and rehabilitate animals during the event.

Guests received exclusive Cakes for Apes goody bags to show appreciation and remind them of their support for orangutans in need. The bag also contained a handmade cupcake Henry Bird had created for every attendee.

The Afternoon Tea began a month-long " Ape-ril " campaign that encouraged supporters worldwide to organise bake sales and similar gatherings to support orangutan conservation efforts.

"Celebrating 10 years of Cakes for Apes shows the power of community when they come together. 

"With their support, we have rehabilitated and released over 170 orangutans, and more recently, we've witnessed five live births in the wild, which is remarkable. 

"The support and dedication from our community members have been truly motivational, and it was great to honour this occasion together," said Alan Knight OBE, President of IAR.

He went on to say: "We really cannot thank our supporters enough. There's still time to join us & make a difference by hosting your own cake sale."

You can learn more at www.cakes4apes.org

Together, we can create meaningful change by baking one cake at a time!

'Carols for the Animals' Thanks Supporters whilst Raising Funds for International Animal Rescue

Photo: Roger Allen for IAR

"International Animal Rescue (IAR) is always grateful for our supporters" said a spokesperson.

"And as a small gesture of our appreciation, we held our Carols for the Animals event on the evening of 11th December 2024 at the iconic St. Botolph-without-Bishopsgate Church in London. 

"The heartwarming celebration of music and song symbolised a thank you to IAR's supporters who provide vital funds for IAR's mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect animals worldwide."

Carols for the Animals featured beautiful performances by the Choir of St. Botolph's, famed for their impeccable artistry, as well as an exceptional performance by the Massive Violins, a group of singing cellists whose unique blend of cello melodies and powerful vocals captivated the audience. 

"We are incredibly grateful to Peter Egan, national treasure and actor, and Steven Cree, actor and star of Outlander, two of IAR's wonderful patrons, who attended and shared their personal stories of commitment to IAR's work."

In a heartfelt. passionate message to attendees, Alan Knight OBE, President of International Animal Rescue, expressed his deep gratitude to those who support the organisation's life-saving work:

He told the audience: "None of this would be possible without our loyal supporters, like you here today, whose generosity allows us to respond to emergencies and plan for the long-term protection of vulnerable species. 

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Together, we're building a future where humans and animals can coexist harmoniously. Thank you for standing with us every step of the way, we could not do this without you."

IAR's mission is to rescue animals in need, provide lifelong sanctuary for those unable to return to the wild and restore habitats for endangered species. Through the generous support of donors and patrons, the event raised essential funds for the organisation's ongoing work, including its rescue and rehabilitation programmes in Costa Rica, India, Armenia and Indonesia.

"Every penny raised tonight will help us rescue and rehabilitate animals in urgent need, provide lifelong sanctuary, and protect vital habitats for wildlife. Your support transforms lives," Alan Knight emphasised.

As part of IAR's commitment to sustainability and long-term impact, the organisation has launched its new Friends of IAR regular giving programme. This initiative allows donors to contribute on a monthly basis, providing a stable and secure foundation for IAR's ongoing projects in 2025 and beyond.

The evening's success highlighted the power of community and generosity in creating a better world for humans and animals. IAR is deeply grateful for the continued support and looks forward to a future where compassion and care lead the way to lasting change.

For more information about International Animal Rescue and to support their work, visit www.internationalanimalrescue.org