ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author discusses the position and importance of freedom to conceptualisations of leisure, recognising that while leisure includes issues of non-work time, and particular types of activities, it is inherently associated with both a freedom from and a freedom to be. Enmeshed with animal welfare and wellbeing concerns are human leisure desires in relation to wild animals. As editor of the Annals of Leisure Research, Neil sees a wonderful array of articles that attest to the vibrancy of the leisure studies research field. For us, the editors, the result is both a recognition of the vibrant state of studies of animals and leisure, and a new awareness of the areas of work yet to be undertaken to help ensure the welfare of animals in human leisure, and their welfare through their own leisure. The chapter also present some concepts discussed in this book.
