Leo Sordello-Savala isn’t just scrolling; he’s funding rewilding projects. The 12-year-old from Camberwell, south London, has channeled a childhood obsession with animals into a conservation movement that has now caught the eye of Sir David Attenborough. According to London Post and Southwark News, the naturalist sent a handwritten letter in 2021 acknowledging Leo’s work, a rare endorsement for a pre-teen.
The numbers back up the hype. Leo’s digital platform, Leo’s Animal Planet, commands a following of over 35,000 users across YouTube and social media, but the real impact is financial. He has raised more than £13,000 for animal charities. This isn’t just pocket money; it’s profit from a sustainable clothing shop on Teemill, prize money from the 2025 London Eco Champion Award, and proceeds from selling old toys and hosting school fundraisers.
His work extends beyond the screen. Leo serves as a young ambassador for the Cheetah Conservation Fund, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK, and Born Free. He recently stood at the Palace of Westminster on October 29 to accept the BCyA Medal of Honor, a national recognition for young people making positive societal contributions.
It started seven years ago during lockdown, as a simple bid to connect with other young animal lovers. Now, it’s a structured campaign involving podcasts, educational videos, and direct donations. Leo continues to expand his partnerships, aiming to make wildlife conservation accessible to his peer group.