Since 2006, we have undertaken over 295 investigative film projects
Our Mission
Tracks Investigations are pioneering specialists in undertaking undercover investigations for animal protection groups across the globe. Our work documents our complex relationship with animals and illuminates the lives of animals we use for food, fashion, entertainment, companionship, and experimentation.
As the world’s longest-established animal investigation agency, it is our mission to shed much-needed light on the actions of animal industries – from live exports to animal laboratories to factory farms – by bearing witness and inspiring the case for change.
We partner with leading animal advocacy organisations to broadcast and amplify their campaigns to a global audience through award-winning films and investigative photojournalistic content.
With over 295 projects successfully delivered to 40 animal protection organisations in 58 countries, Tracks are world leaders when it comes to gathering crucial evidence calling for lasting change for the benefit of animals and the environment.
Our Story
Tracks Investigations was co-founded by Gemunu de Silva (the current executive director) in 2006, who noticed the need for an ethical investigation agency to support the work of leading animal advocacy charities and groups.
Gemunu first started investigating animal protection issues in the mid-1980's. He was the first activist to film covertly in factory farms in the UK. He pioneered the use of undercover investigative filmmaking techniques, directing a number of programmes for Channel 4 and Sky in the UK exposing the tragedies of industrial farming and telling stories of activists campaigning on behalf of animals.
In the mid 90's he left the world of television to set up and run the Investigations Unit at Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) in order to document the lives of factory-farmed animals around the globe. The Investigations Unit was the first of its kind in the animal protection sector worldwide and provided vital footage to further the lobbying and campaigning aims of CIWF. Powerful imagery of battery chickens and pigs in barren sow stalls lead to major changes in legislation in European law - namely the banning of battery cages for chickens and sow stalls for pigs throughout Europe. He also led the unit’s pioneering work on long-distance animal transport.
20 years ago, Gemunu was the subject of a 2003 Animal Planet documentary “Animal Frontline” which followed him as he documented the plight of abused animals involved in the global live export trade. The film can be seen here.
In the early 00s Gemunu went to work as the Director of Research and Investigations at Cruelty Free International in order to investigate the animal testing industry where he specialised in shining a light on the international trade of primates for research. He has led many successful investigative campaigns which have resulted in affecting real improvements for the welfare of animals. His work has been recognised by the RSPCA, which presented him a with Special Investigations Award for his work on the international trade in primates.
The team at Tracks also consists of over a dozen international investigative consultants who have unparalleled skills and experience in planning and undertaking investigations for the animal protection sector. Our diverse team includes internationally acclaimed television broadcasters and photojournalists, ex-special forces personnel, former police officers, research scientists as well as environmental and animal protection activists and campaigners.
Learn More About Tracks Investigations:
Species Unite Podcast, S4. E23: Gemunu De Silva: The Quiet Man Speaks
Tracks’ founder Gemunu de Silva spoke with Elizabeth Novogratz on the Species Unite podcast. They discuss the work he has done for the past three and a half decades that have changed laws, minds, and the world for millions of animals. Listen here.
Sentient Media. Pioneering Undercover Investigator Finally Emerges From Behind the Camera
Gem sat down with animal rights journalism platform Sentient Media to talk about what inspired him to take his camera into some of the darkest places on the planet. Read the full interview here.
Our Hen House “the Most Important Person In The Animal Rights Movement That You Have Never Heard Off”
On Our Hen House podcast, Gem gives advice on what makes for a good undercover investigator and how a team can work together to produce results for animals. Listen here.
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