Horses need herds. Throughout the ages, they’ve galloped around the globe in groups of up to 20 strong. But today, these close-knit families are barely intact. The number of wild horses roaming free in the United States of America has decreased by 98% in the last century. With their habitat decreasing in the west, these animals have to compete for resources with private livestock in grasslands already affected by climate change. As a result, the government began capturing herds and often separated them in holding facilities, which restricted their movement and ability to socialise. To rein in hope for the species, Neda DeMayo founded Return to Freedom, the first sanctuary dedicated to rescuing entire family bands. The 300-acre ranch in California provides over 500 wild horses and 51 burros a place of refuge, while also raising awareness and restoring their habitat. Visit returntofreedom.org/donate/ to contribute to the conservation of their wild horses. Footage by Return to Freedom was used in the creation of this film.
Up Next in Season 2
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Damien Cole
Everything has a limit, even the ocean. With an estimated eight million tonnes of plastic streaming into the sea every year, this rich ecosystem is reaching its end. Born out of the conservation efforts of four Californian surfers in 1984, the Surfrider Foundation is now one of the largest non-pr...
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Robin Beaman
The Earth’s surface is 71% water but less than 20% of the ocean floor has been mapped, leaving most of the seabed a mystery. The length and depth of what we’re missing is inconceivable. Marine geologist Robin Beaman is working to change that. Using 3D-mapping technology and underwater robots, Bea...
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Ashley Emerson and Érika Pellegrino
Our rainforests are in crisis. To reverse the harmful effects of global heating and restore vitality to the planet and its people, we need to start listening. Health In Harmony, a global team of doctors, nurses, scientists, and agriculturalists, partners with rainforest experts - local communitie...
