Laura Coleman

In 2007 Laura Coleman went to Bolivia, and joined the NGO, Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY), which manages three wildlife sanctuaries and gives homes to animals rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking. It was this work, the communities and the stories that she found there, that, in 2012, inspired her to start the Brighton-based charity ONCA. Panthera onca means jaguar. Bridging social and environmental justice issues with creativity, ONCA promotes positive change by facilitating inclusive spaces for creative learning, artist support, story-sharing and community solidarity.

In 2018, Laura moved to the Isle of Eigg in Scotland with her friend and companion, a dog called Nelo. She lives and writes by the sea, whilst also being on the board of ONCA and Friends of Inti Wara Yassi, the UK charity that supports CIWY’s work.

Her first book - a memoir, about life changing relationships with rescued wild animals - is published by Little A. It's called THE PUMA YEARS.