FÜRTH, Germany (May 16, 2025) — In Defense of Animals is celebrating a historic victory for kangaroos and animal advocates worldwide following Adidas’ announcement that it will no longer use kangaroo leather in any of its products. The decision comes after years of relentless campaigning by In Defense of Animals and other animal protection organizations to end the cruel trade of kangaroo leather.

"This is a monumental win for kangaroos and a powerful example of how advocacy can drive positive change," said Marilyn Kroplick M.D., President and CEO of Director for In Defense of Animals. "For years, we have urged Adidas and other companies to end the use of kangaroo leather, and today, thanks to the voices of our supporters and allies, that day has finally come."

In Defense of Animals supporters have flooded Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden with calls and sent 15,451 emails demanding an end to kangaroo leather. This relentless advocacy played a pivotal role in pushing the company to change its policy.

Kangaroos have long suffered due to the commercial hunting industry, which slaughters an estimated 2 million kangaroos annually, including mothers and their joeys. The hides of adult kangaroos are used for products like soccer cleats, while orphaned joeys are bludgeoned, decapitated, or left to die. This widespread cruelty, coupled with the environmental destruction from leather production, has fueled global opposition to kangaroo leather.

Adidas’ announcement was made at its annual stockholders meeting, where CEO Bjørn Gulden confirmed that the company had already ceased sourcing kangaroo leather months prior. The decision follows a global shift toward ethical and sustainable fashion, with other major brands, including Nike and Puma, also ending their use of kangaroo leather in recent years.

"Today’s victory is part of a larger movement," said Kroplick. "People are demanding cruelty-free, sustainable options, and the fashion industry is finally listening. Adidas’ decision demonstrates that compassion and innovation can coexist."

In Defense of Animals has led numerous campaigns urging brands to abandon kangaroo leather, raising awareness of the industry’s inherent cruelty and its devastating impact on kangaroo populations. The organization has consistently highlighted the environmental harm of leather production and promoted sustainable, cruelty-free alternatives.

This victory is part of a global shift toward ethical fashion, as more companies embrace sustainable practices and phase out animal-derived materials. In Defense of Animals urges other brands still profiting from kangaroo leather to follow Adidas’ lead.

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Contact: Fleur Dawes, Communications Director, 415-879-6879, media@idausa.org

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a history of defending animals, humans, and the environment, through education and campaigns as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi since 1983. www.idausa.org/wildanimals

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