A 12-year-old boy from Camberwell, London, is being recognised at The British Citizen Youth Awards, now in its 10th year, for his dedication
to wildlife conservation.
Leo Sordello-Savale started his ‘Leo’s Animal Planet’ project seven years ago to connect with others who loved animals and escape the
loneliness of the COVID-19 lockdown.
A keen wildlife conservation campaigner, Leo created a YouTube channel, podcast and social media presence dedicated to raising awareness
of endangered animals and conservation efforts. His platforms now have a combined following of over 35,000 and have earned international recognition.
Through his work, Leo has raised more than £13,000 for animal charities and rewilding projects, donating 100% of the proceeds from his
online content, profits from his sustainable clothing shop on Teemill, and prize money from several awards he’s won, most recently the 2025 London Eco Champion Award.
Leo has further boosted his fundraising by selling his old toys, clothes and books, as well as organising school fundraising events selling
badges, books and cakes and taking part in races and online campaigns.
Since launching ‘Leo’s Animal Planet’, Leo has joined the Cheetah Conservation Fund, become involved with the Captain Paul Watson Foundation
UK and, most recently, become a young ambassador for Born Free.
His work has also received support from Sir David Attenborough, who sent him a handwritten letter in 2021 praising his efforts to protect
wildlife.
Leo’s dedication to wildlife conservation have seen him named as a recipient at The British Citizen Youth Award which, in partnership
with Specsavers, honours young people from across the UK that have made a positive impact on their communities and wider society.
Leo said: ‘I started my YouTube channel for one simple reason: to help animals and to raise money to protect them. I hope my videos can
inspire people to care; to question the way we see or treat other species, and to realise something I truly believe: without animals, there is no us.
‘Receiving a BCyA is really special to me. I’m proud that my work has been recognised, and I want to keep doing what I can to help animals
and the environment.’
Leo, along with other inspirational young people from across the country, will be presented with the BCyA Medal of Honour at The Palace
of Westminster on 29 October, with recipients invited to use the post-nominals ‘BCyA’, as a legacy of their achievements and endeavours.
Mike Faulkner, Director of the BCyA, said: “For 10 years we have been recognising the incredible achievements of young people across the
country with The British Citizen Youth Awards. These selfless individuals have shown kindness and commitment to a multitude of causes, raising much needed funds and awareness for the wider community. It’s a privilege to oversee the awards and shine a light
on the amazing work they’ve done.”
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2027 medal presentations, register online at
www.britishcitizenyouthawards.co.uk.
