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Success Story – Rob Laidlaw
“If you want something done, you’re going to have to be the one to do it.”
Rob Laidlaw is an award-winning nonfiction writer, a chartered biologist, and founder and director of Zoocheck, a Canadian wildlife protection organization. He is part of ACTAsia’s advisory group and has been connected to Pei (founder of ACTAsia) for decades.
Introducing Rob: Activist, Author, Biologist
Rob has dedicated his life to animal protection. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, “I was always the kid that loved animals,” he says. Rob founded and directs the Canadian-based international wildlife protection organization, Zoocheck. In addition, he has been the chief inspector for Canada’s Humane Society for two years and spent five working for World Animal Protection (formerly WPSA). Rob holds chartered biologist status with the Royal Society of Biology and is a prolific author of children’s books. He received the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies Frederic A. McGrand Award in 2014 for outstanding contribution to animal welfare in Canada.
“If you want something done, you’re going to have to be the one to do it.”
In 1984, Rob was driving near Georgian Bay in Ontario when he came across a zoo off the highway. He was horrified by what he encountered. “It looked like a scrapyard,” says Rob. Zebras, hippos, primates, big cats and other animals entrapped in horrible conditions. He recalls a black bear cub at the back of the zoo, chained by its neck in a travel crate. The cub was crying. “I had never seen anything like it in my life.” Rob asked about the cub and found out that she was to be transferred to another zoo nearby, which Rob immediately drove to. “It was even worse” he discovered.
Rob knew he had to do something about these zoos and their inhumane conditions. “What I thought was going to be an 18-month initiative turned into a lifelong project.” Zoocheck was founded in 1984 in response to roadside zoos in Ontario but quickly grew into something much bigger. Over the past four decades Rob Laidlaw and Zoocheck have been integral players in bringing about a paradigm shift in wildlife captivity in Canada. “Roadside zoos have completely gone in Ontario. Private ownership is now 5% of what it used to be 40 years ago,” he shares.
In addition to Zoocheck, in 2009 Rob began writing books for children and teens. His books carry a pro-animal message and have been immensely successful. They have been translated across the world, used in curriculums, and can be found on bookshelves in national parks. “Pro-animal messages are absent in a lot of children’s literature and kids can do amazing things”
Rob’s Connection to ACTAsia
Rob is linked to ACTAsia through founder and CEO, Pei Su. The two were connected through the World Animal Protection, having both worked there at the same time. “I have worked with Pei across Asia,” says Rob. “Part of the value of working in organisations is creating connections. There are things we can learn from each other.”
“I kept in touch with Pei when she started ACTAsia.” In China, says Rob, “people were becoming aware of animal issues, but didn’t have the same access to information as people in Europe or North America.”
“Education for children is one of the foundational tenets of advocacy,” says Rob. “The premise of ACTAsia is that it is creating a foundation. ACTAsia is incredibly comprehensive. Children’s education, education for consumers, fur-free, higher education through the Institute for Change, and more… it is a comprehensive and ambitious project.”
Rob continues to support ACTAsia as a member of our advisory group. “I only speak when I am asked,” he chuckles humbly.
Overcoming Challenges by Looking to the Future
When asked about the most challenging elements of his work, Rob replies quickly: “There are not enough hours in the day.” There are so many causes, so many issues to address. The volume of work in which Rob and Zoocheck try to take on feels never-ending, impossible to keep up with. However, it is through a commitment to the cause and a belief in the future that keeps him motivated.
“I don’t really believe in legacies, but if there is such a thing, then I would like Zoocheck’s to be that we not only fought some battles and helped a few animals, but that we’ve built the army.”
We’ve got to realise that these things are relentless. We will win battles, we may not win the war, but we need to make sure that other people follow in our footsteps and learn from our mistakes.”
ACTAsia is proud to welcome Rob’s continued support and collaboration. Thank you, Rob, for your incredible work in children’s education and wildlife protection.
If you are inspired by Rob’s story and the battle against animal abuse, please consider supporting ACTAsia’s work by making a donation or getting involved. Every donation counts no matter the size. Together, we can build a more compassionate world for animals, people, and the environment.
