Most young children are still trying to figure out what they like. Not Leo Sordello-Savala. He’s already started his own conservation movement with his love of animals. The 12-year-old from Camberwell, south London has spent much of his childhood trying to make a difference from making videos about endangered species to organizing school fundraisers and supporting rewilding projects, reports London Post and Southwark News online. Now his work is said to have won him national recognition and a rare endorsement from one of Britain’s most decorated naturalists, Sir David Attenborough. Scroll down to read more.
From lockdown hobby to call
It was seven years ago that Leo’s journey began, with a simple idea of connecting with other young animal lovers and doing something meaningful about wildlife conservation, online reports say. It started as a personal project, and eventually became Leo’s Animal Planet, which spans YouTube, podcasts and other social media platforms.His online following has grown to more than 35,000 followers on several platforms, where he shares animal facts, educational videos and information on endangered species, according to the London Post. His content is said to seek to make wildlife conservation accessible to young people and inspire people to think differently about their relationship with the natural world, online reports say.
£13,000+ for wild life
A fundraising drive has also raised over £13,000 for animal charities and rewilding projects, fueling the growing online following, it is reported.London Post says he has discovered ways to help the causes he believes in. According to the report, he has donated profits from his online content, profits from a sustainable clothing shop hosted on Teemill and prize money from awards such as the 2025 London Eco Champion Award.His fundraising has also gone beyond the Internet. He has sold old toys, books and clothes and held school events with cakes and badges and participated in races to raise money for conservation. He has also worked with the Cheetah Conservation Fund, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK and Born Free where he is a young ambassador.
A young activist with bigger ambitions
Leo was presented with the BCyA Medal of Honor at the Palace of Westminster on 29th October, alongside other young people from around the country who had been recognized for their achievements.It’s a big award for the young conservationist – but he’s not done yet. With a growing digital community, more partnerships and thousands of pounds already raised, Leo is continuing to use his platform to raise awareness of species and habitats that need protecting.It’s a reminder that conservation doesn’t have to start off with a big organization or a formal campaign. Sometimes it starts with a child, a camera and a genuine interest in the wildlife around us.
Recognition from a conservation icon
In 2021, Sir David Attenborough sent one of the biggest moments of Leo’s journey: a handwritten letter acknowledging his work to protect wildlife. The award was a boost for the young campaigner, whose work began as a way of finding a community of like-minded animal lovers.Now Leo’s efforts have earned him a British Citizen Youth Award which celebrates young people who make a positive contribution to their communities and wider society, says Southwark News.Images Courtesy: London Post and Wikipedia
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