My Story

Jan, John, and Julie – The Ward Family Legacy Continues

It is with deep sadness that Bob and Tim Ward announce the passing of their beloved Mum and Dad, Janette and John Ward. 

For those who knew Jan, her love for wildlife and unwavering support for Born Free's Big Cat Sanctuary were well-known.

We invite you to join us in celebrating and continuing their legacy by donating to Born Free in their memory to continue their story and help protect the wildlife and wild places they dearly loved. By doing so, you can support Born Free’s work in their name. We invite you to donate in lieu of flowers, leave heartfelt messages, and share precious memories on this tribute page.

Eight years after her daughter Julie tragically lost her life in Kenya in 1988, Jan Ward, our inspirational mother, was moved by the remarkable rescue of Anthea and Rafi, a lion and lioness, from a dismal rooftop cage in a Tenerife restaurant. Determined to make a difference, she teamed up with Born Free to raise funds for an African lion sanctuary.

Born Free named their rescue and education centre at Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa in memory of our inspirational sister.

A year later, thanks to the indomitable spirit of Jan and the incredible generosity of Julie's family and friends, Anthea and Rafi became the first residents of Born Free's South African big cat sanctuary. Amidst the captivating landscapes of Africa, the sanctuary provided spacious and secure bush enclosures, offering the big cats the freedom, privacy, and safety they deserved.

Two years later, Mum worked with Born Free to organize the poignant 'Gentle Nature' exhibition in London, showcasing Julie's photographs and letters from her final African adventure. The funds raised from this exhibition supported the sanctuary and the establishment of a new education centre at Shamwari. On September 29th, 1999, the Julie Ward Rescue and Education Centre was officially inaugurated, accompanied by blessings, the presence of three rehomed big cats, and a special performance by acclaimed singer Kiki Dee.

Through the incredible resilience and determination of Jan Ward, the centre stands as a testament to her enduring legacy. Today, the education centre proudly carries Julie's name, welcoming local children to learn about wildlife and the challenges faced by captive animals. The rescue centre continues to provide refuge for lions and leopards rescued from distressing conditions.

Dame Virginia McKenna DBE, Born Free Co-Founder and Trustee, shares her belief that the Julie Ward Centre is a place of love, healing, and respect for all living creatures, including those we hold dear in our memories. “Many visitors, including local school children, come to the Julie Ward Centre, and we feel that it is a place of love, healing and respect for all living creatures as well as those who continue to live in our memory.”

Will Travers, OBE, Born Free’s Executive President, said: “The Julie Ward Centre has helped give dozens of rescued big cats a life worth living. It has educated and inspired tens of thousands of people, including children from local communities. Born Free is honoured to be part of Julie, Jan and John’s incredible legacy. They may be gone - but they are never forgotten.”