Animal welfare is a broad term
that encompasses the general wellbeing of animals, and volunteering in the
field of animal welfare is a way that people can contribute while gaining
experience, skills and life lessons. In my experience I have found it can be
particularly beneficial to individuals who are interested in or studying animal
psychology, veterinary medicine or animal research or conservation, in addition
to those who simply have a deep love for animals.
Overseas volunteer programs that centre on
animal welfare vary widely, and there are many that aren’t geared towards
the welfare of the animals, however there are a few projects that have the best
interests of the animals at heart and are designed to provide an exceptional
level of care. Volunteers are needed within these organsations to help with the
workload of caring for and rehabilitating these animals for release, where
possible, and in turn, they are provided with a unique opportunity that is not
able to be gained elsewhere. Imagine
working with a like-minded team to look after wildlife, help promote animal
rights, conduct research, educate communities and fundraise. Animal volunteering
programs abroad provide these kinds of opportunities for individuals who hold a
great passion for animals and the environment to interact with wildlife close
hand.
Working with wildlife
highlights the issues as to why these animals came to be in care. It educates
and enlightens someone to the real fact of habitat destruction, one of the
biggest threats to animals. It is here that we become horrified to the
destruction of species on a daily basis and how people, corporations and
governments make decisions nonchalantly that leave countless animals displaced,
injured and on the endangered list.
Animal welfare is becoming a
larger concern around the world since social media has put the world in touch
with what is really happening, therefore there are more and more people wanting
to help. International volunteers are the largest group with volunteers
choosing to travel overseas for wildlife volunteering opportunities. It’s a
good way for people to travel and experience a country while seeing the native wildlife
up close, without visiting or supporting zoos and wildlife parks which, in most
cases, exploit animals for profit.
