What is the Founding 500?

Every movement for change begins with a group of people willing to go first.

At Beyond Animal Research (BAR), that group is the Founding 500 - the very first 500 people who chose to support a bold new vision: a future where science delivers stronger results for people and animals, without involving the harmful use of animals.

By giving $25 or more each month, these supporters provide BAR with something vital: independence, credibility, and stability. That means we can focus on removing the systemic barriers that keep animals trapped in outdated science systems - and build a future where ethical, effective methods are the norm and thriving.

This precious 500 will always be remembered. Whether they give for one year or ten, every Founding 500 member holds a permanent place in BAR’s history as a pioneer of this movement for animals.

Why the Founding 500 matters for animals and science

Animal testing and more broadly, the harmful use of animals for science in New Zealand, is still widespread - with more than 250,000 animals used or bred for science being killed each year. Many assume this must be necessary. The truth? Much of it continues because of outdated systems and limited access to alternatives.

The Founding 500 exists to change these stuck systems.

Their support makes it possible to:

• Give BAR independence to focus on long-term systemic change for animals harmed in science, not short-term fixes‍
• Build credibility with scientists, policymakers, and institutions by showing a strong public mandate to protect, not harm animals ‍
• Power real solutions that replace harmful animal use with ethical, evidence-based methods.

This isn’t just about New Zealand. By leading the way here, the Founding 500 helps set a model for how a kinder science can evolve worldwide.

Why people are joining the Founding 500

The Founding 500 is a community of pioneers, united for animals. Here’s what some of our members have shared:

We’ll keep adding more voices, like yours, here as our community grows - but only from those who choose to share. Not every Founding 500 member provides a quote, and we deeply respect the privacy of those who prefer to keep their powerful support quiet.  

The words you see here are from members who wanted their compassionate voices showcased to inspire others to join forces with BAR, to stop animals being harmed in science.

What makes the Founding 500 unique?

For decades, efforts to end animal experimentation have often been framed as a battle between advocates and scientists. This us vs them mindset has slowed progress for everyone - and animals continue to suffer because of it.

BAR takes a different approach. We know most researchers don’t want to harm animals - they’re simply stuck in systems that have longstanding barriers including limited access to viable alternatives. The Founding 500 makes it possible for BAR to:

• Work with researchers, not against them. ‍
• Build alliances across science, policy, and industry. ‍
• Harness these powerful relationships to focus on systemic change for animals instead of surface-level fixes.

That’s why respected advisors from across New Zealand and overseas are backing BAR. And it’s why Founding 500 members can be proud of their role as pioneers in a globally significant movement for animals.  

Be part of history

Movements like this don’t come along often. The Founding 500 is your chance to help shape the future of science in Aotearoa and beyond - one where animals are safe from harm, and research delivers stronger results for all!  

Join the Founding 500 today

Whether you’re the 21st or the 499th member, you will always be remembered as one of the first. The first that stood for animals used in science. Determined to end animal harm.