-Organizations to Volunteer with While Traveling-
Give back while traveling! Here are a few organizations that I love, that I think you will too!
The first one that comes to mind is ‘Wildlife Friends foundation of Thailand.’ As far as volunteering in Thailand goes, its one of the cheaper routes to go. You will get to work with elephants every day, and meet amazing people from all around the world. I suggest staying longer than a week. The longer you stay, the cheaper it gets. This place holds a very special place in my heart. I KNOW it will imprint on you as well. https://www.wfft.org/
The second is local for me, but knowing a lot of people travel to California, I think it’s a worthy cause. It’s called ‘Surfrider foundation.’ They do two beach clean ups every month. It’s only for a few hours out of a Saturday or Sunday, you’re cleaning up the planet, and you’ll meet amazing people who want to change the world like you! Keep up to date on clean ups here- https://www.surfrider.org/
The third one I have not been to, YET, but plan to go 2019. ‘Living with big cats’. Located in South Africa. You will get to stay on the sanctuary, and work with injured or rescued lions, leopards, cheetahs etc, with a mix of elephants and other wild animals. I believe so strongly in giving back to the land and the creatures that inhabit it. I have heard so many beautiful stories about this place. I can’t wait to visit, and hope you will too! https://www.volunteersa.com/our-programs/wildlife-rehabilitation-care/living-big-cats-south-africa/
This next one you can’t volunteer at, but they accept donations. I am a bit weary myself about causes and donating, not knowing exactly where my money is going. But this place tugs my heart strings because I’ve seen the works these people do to rehabilitate these orphaned elephants. I was first introduced to this sanctuary from a documentary called ‘Born to be Wild’. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth a watch. It talks about two different sanctuaries, one in Kenya for elephants, (David Sheldrick Wildlife trust) and the other is in Borneo Indonesia, (Orangutan Foundation International). David Sheldrick doesn’t accept volunteers to work with them because the idea is to rehabilitate them and release them back into the jungle with as little human contact as possible.
https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/
Orangutan foundation International!
I am not 100% sure, but I don’t think you get to work hands on with these guys. As far as I know, it’s more cleaning of enclosures, rebuilding structures, preparing food, etc. Because of palm oil being so high in demand, deforestation has left these little babes homeless and or separated from their families. They need as much care as possible before being released back into the Wild. If volunteering isn’t feasible, donating to this non profit is so encouraged.
https://orangutan.org/volunteer/
I believe giving back to those who were here before us is so important. I personally am not one to travel just for myself. I try to give back in some way to the community or animals where ever I travel. Kindness is the sweetest medicine. I hope you can find it in your heart to give back as well on your ventures.
Wandering Erika 