Rewilding programmes that reintroduce predators and other large mammals offer ecological benefits but raise genuine welfare questions about the animals reintroduced and those they interact with.
Rewilding reintroductions create welfare obligations for the individual animals involved. Pre-release preparation, health screening, post-release monitoring, and intervention protocols for animals in distress are all welfare requirements. The welfare of prey species — and livestock in farming areas — must also be considered in planning reintroductions of predators. Successful programmes integrate ecological ambition with veterinary welfare standards, community engagement to manage conflict, and long-term monitoring. The animals ambassadors of rewilding deserve individual welfare consideration alongside their ecological role.