The Dandelion Foundation

We are proud to present The Dandelion Foundation, an organization founded with the mission to support the environment, promote animal welfare, and aid human health. Our purpose is clear: Through our three pillars of focus, we aim to inspire hope, protect nature, and empower those who need healing the most.

First, our foundation works to purchase land and preserve it as wild nature, ensuring these spaces serve as a sanctuary for animals, allowing them to thrive in their natural habitats.

Second, we support the incredible work of our NGO partners, providing them with the necessary resources to establish and grow sustainable volunteer programs. These programs help individuals transform their lives, allowing them to gain new perspectives and craft their game plan for change, empowering them to return home and continue impacting their communities in meaningful ways.

Third, The Dandelion Foundation offers hope and support to young women facing mental health challenges, abuse, self-harm, or other personal struggles. Through The Conquer Academy, we provide them with the chance to rebuild their lives, develop leadership skills, and receive educational support. Our goal is to help them reconnect with their true identity, give them the tools for emotional healing, and encourage them to design projects that give back to the global community.

We know that true healing begins from within, and the connections with animals at our facilities are integral to that process. A woman’s ability to heal her heart, mind, and soul is often supported by a profound connection with animals, whether they be wild, farmed, or companion animals, and this journey is what makes lasting change possible.

You might wonder why we focus on these three important areas: environmental health, animal welfare, and human health. Our founder, Tanja Andersen, shares a personal story that illuminates why these pillars are so essential and deeply meaningful to her. It’s her story that drives the mission of the foundation.

In March of 2006, Tanja tragically lost her father to suicide, a loss that plunged her into deep grief and darkness. Unable to connect with herself, let alone with others, Tanja shut down emotionally. The loss of her father shattered her, and she found herself in a battle to survive rather than truly live.

After inheriting funds from her father, Tanja made the decision to invest in her own healing. She used this opportunity to reconnect with her purpose and identity, eventually making her way to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Malaysia, where she would meet Gutuk, the sun bear who would forever change her life.

Gutuk had suffered profound abuse. He was blind, underfed, and had been confined in an enclosure too small for him. But in his eyes, Tanja saw a reflection of her own pain. That moment sparked a shift in her, a deep sense of justice that flowed through her, offering clarity on the purpose she was meant to serve: to fight for those who suffer in silence, whether human or animal, and to protect and preserve what is so often neglected.

From this moment forward, working with animals and protecting the environment became Tanja’s life's mission. It also became her lifeline, a path to recovery from the depression, trauma, and abuse she had endured. And so, the foundation was born, a space where young women like her can be supported in finding their strength and reclaiming their true selves.

Tanja's work with the animals and in collaboration with NGOs has brought her healing, resilience, and a renewed passion for life. These three components, her father's legacy, her work with animals, and the powerful guidance from her mentors, have empowered Tanja to not only rebuild her life but also to offer that same hope and healing to others.

Through this foundation, we strive to ensure that no one is alone in their struggle. In Denmark and across the globe, mental illness affects an increasing number of people, and particularly young women. Many feel disconnected from themselves, adrift in the pain of trauma, abuse, and despair.

The foundation believes that no one should ever feel like they are beyond help. Mental illness should never be the reason for a life’s destruction. Through Tanja’s experience, we’ve learned that emotional trauma, grief, and mental health challenges need not define who we are. Women, young or old, can face their demons, reclaim their lives, and build a future they control, one where they can say, “I own my past, and it does not own me.”

The Dandelion Foundation stands not only as a tribute to Tanja’s father but also as a tribute to Gutuk, the Sun Bear, and to all the animals and women who continue to inspire the work we do.

Our focus on animal welfare, environmental preservation, and the healing of those struggling with mental health issues is at the core of who we are. These issues are intertwined, and healing can only happen when we recognize their interconnectedness.

The name Dandelion was chosen intentionally. The dandelion symbolizes resilience, transformation, and hope. It grows in challenging environments, representing strength in the face of adversity. Its seeds, carried by the wind, signal new beginnings and infinite possibilities. The dandelion’s roots run deep in the soil of life, grounding us to the earth and encouraging us to reach for the sky. This is the essence of The Dandelion Foundation, resilience, hope, and the power of transformation.

The Dandelion Foundation is here to carry Tanja’s legacy forward to provide young women with the resources to heal, to support animal welfare across the world, and to restore harmony with the natural world. It is a place where nature, animals, and people can come together in peace and healing, free from the damage caused by human-induced darkness.

We are inviting you to be part of this mission to join our fight for hope, healing, and change. If you are moved by our mission and would like to get involved, support, or create a partnership with The Dandelion Foundation, we welcome your involvement. Please contact Tanja Andersen directly for further inquiries.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Live, Love & Conquer,
The Wildlife Footprints Team 🌻