It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Lis, on January 13, 2026, following a battle with illness. This is a tragic loss for Lis’s family and friends, and we extend our most sincere sympathies to them.
Words cannot fully capture what this loss means to the IAR family. To our small team, Lis was just as much a friend as she was a colleague. Having worked with us for over twenty years, it is no exaggeration to say she was an integral part of everything we have achieved; Lis is woven into the very DNA of IAR. Her legacy is unquestionable, her contribution immeasurable, and her passion for animal welfare was an inspiration to so many.
Lis joined IAR just as we began our mission to rescue dancing bears in India. She remained a vital part of our journey as we expanded into Indonesia, Armenia, and Costa Rica. We have received wonderful messages from our teams in these countries, all beautifully articulating how valued Lis was and how much she contributed to the success of every project.
It is incredibly hard to come to terms with losing someone we have known for so long and shared so many memories with. Her love of dogs was her superpower, and we will miss her tales of doggie capers. We will miss her laugh, we will miss the beautiful writing that gave IAR its voice, and above all, we will miss her passion and friendship.
Lis was a force for good. In her memory, we will carry on doing what she was so passionate about: protecting animals from harm, caring for their forest homes, supporting the wellbeing of communities, and making the planet a better place for all – humans and animals.
Our love and sympathy go out to Lis’s son, James, and her family and friends. Rest in peace, lovely Lis. You will be forever remembered with great love and fondness.