Help me achieve my dream

Both travel and animals have always played a large role in my life. I have found that seeing the world from another perspective and stepping into someone else's shoes builds empathy and creates a higher level of connection. The empathy with which animals instinctively act can be one the greatest lessons for us as human beings.

I have decided to volunteer at the Living with big cats programme in South Africa on my gap year (along with the Cocodile research expedition at the Steve Irwin wildlife reserve) before attending University, studying the Bachelor of Science (majoring in Zoology). Ever since I was young it has been my dream to go on a trip like this to help out the animals and do my part in conservation. I have always loved animals and ever since i was a little girl i have always wanted to visit South Africa so I thought this would be an amazing thing to do on my gap year.

My day to day activities will include

- Feeding/caring for the animals

- Assist with farm maintenance

- Elephant walks

- Building shaded areas in animal enclosures

- Assist with the exercise of the animals

- Watch the animal wranglers exercise the larger cats

- Help with various maintenance tasks around the sanctuary.

Any amount helps me keep this project going. The amount needed covers the programme fee, flights, vaccinations and local travel expenses. Thanks!