[7] IDA works for the protection of animals used in scientific research, food and clothing production, entertainment and sport, and other areas.

and focuses on pressure campaigns, education, and hands-on animal rescue in Mississippi, South Korea, and India.

IDA was one of many animal protection organizations that helped shut down the Coulston Foundation, once the largest chimpanzee research center in the world.

[26] IDA's campaign against elephants in zoos is also supported by animal rights group PETA.

[28][29] IDA claimed it pressured the San Francisco Zoo to transfer its elephants to a sanctuary in 2004.