For decades animal rights advocates have pro-actively released wild animals from imprisonment, and back into their natural surroundings. From deer on venison farms, to badgers in DEFRA traps, and from foxes on fur farms to rabbits in experimental research farms.

Arguably one of the most effective and certainly most publicised wild animal release in recent years took place late one December night in 2005.

On their second visit in less than 5 months, animal liberation volunteers removed hundreds of yards of re-enforced fencing around a wild boar farm in West Anstey, Exmoor. Within days the national press was descending upon this quite rural village, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of some of the 100 boar who had taken one look at the shredded fencing and bolted for freedom.

The effectiveness of the action is clear on three levels. Firstly, about 30 boar were able to leave the farm, and have not been seen since (many of the 100 released were slowly rounded up). There can be no arguing that these animals have suddenly had a huge rise in their fortunes - even the farm owner stated "it's a Garden of Eden of nuts, roots and mushrooms out there for them." The second level of effect is the sheer volume of (positive) media interest. As with other high profile cases such as the Tamworth Two, many people have been put of not only boar meat, but also the flesh of other animals after watching the adorable (and now uncommon) animals returning to their natural instincts. Of course there have been many actions which have resulted in saved lives and media covergae, but what makes the boar of Exmoor unique, is that this one action has returned a once native species back to it's natural environment. As boar farmer Mr. Dedames stated, "You have got a wild boar population in Devon and Somerset now."

The public have largely acted with (albeit somewhat bemused) delight at the reintroduction of this handsome, and generally gentle mammal. They are only prone to aggression if injured or confronted. If you ignore them then they will ignore you. One local resident commented to the press, "Personally, I would hope there is some room for the wild boar in this country."

The boar in Exmoor joined a growing population in the UK, with escaped herds already established in Sussex and Kent. Since the incident in Exmoor, there have been several attempts, both succesful and otherwise, to release even more boar into the wild. It seems inevitable that the UK boar population will not only thrive, but continue to increase.

In a very strange twist to the Exmoor saga, the local hunt decided they would try and recapture the boar. It is important to remember that the only reason boar became extinct in this country 300 years ago is because they were grossly over hunted. The hunt spread the word, and they set out with half the nations media in tow, and the biggest group of hangers on they had probably ever seen.

After a long days hunting, they finally (and it is reported by absolute luck) found 1 boar. The animal turned around and marched back up to the farm. Fortunately the first boar hunt in 3 centuries had drawn so much attention that a kindly member of the public stept in to help the recaptured animal. "Hercules" was bought from the farmer, and now lives in a sanctuary, and no longer has the threat of death hanging over him.

Whilst we do not encouage any illegal act, we can recommend one way of helping save boar. Every person who gives up (or even cuts down on) meat consumption is helping save lives. The less animals you eat, the less are killed - it really is that simple. Please click here for information on going veggie or vegan.