Media Centre
Melissa Matlow, Campaign Director
Melissa has been leading successful animal welfare and environmental campaigns for nearly 20 years. After leading Earthroots’ campaigns to protect wilderness and wildlife in Ontario, she joined World Animal Protection in 2005 to protect the welfare of animals — wild and domestic — in Canada and around the world. As the Campaign Director she oversees the organization’s campaigns in Canada. Melissa has authored numerous reports and regularly advises government and companies on animal welfare policy. She also works closely with Canadian and global travel brands to phase-out harmful wildlife tourism activities. Melissa obtained a Bachelors in Environmental Science from the University of Guelph and a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University.
Lynn Kavanagh, Campaign Manager
Lynn has worked in the animal advocacy field for many years, mostly focused on farm animal welfare. She is currently the Campaign Manager for the Raise Pigs Right and Change for Chickens campaigns in Canada. She received an MSc degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.
Cassandra Koenen, Global Head of Wildlife Campaigns
Cassandra has worked for over twenty years on global wildlife issues at IFAW and World Animal Protection creating cutting-edge campaigns. She now heads up our global work on the legal and illegal trade of wildlife as pets. That campaign recently launched the reports Wild at Heart, an investigation into the illegal poaching of African grey parrots, Trending: Otters as exotic pets in Southeast Asia, which exposes the emerging trade of Asian otters as pets and Suffering in Silence, uncovering the global trade in Ball pythons.
Scott Cantin, Global Head of Disaster Communications
Scott joined World Animal Protection in 2012. Coming from an international development background, he recognized how seldom aid included provisions for animals, despite their critical role in community health and wellbeing. Scott has worked in conflict zones, dozens of disaster responses and humanitarian emergencies and created an induction and training program for deployable communications staff.
