Peru – Wildlife Rescue Volunteer + Work Experience

Hello everyone!

See program website here if you'd like to skip reading my campaign: https://www.planmygapyear.co.uk/peru/peru-wildlife...

As some of you know, over the last two years, I have found my calling - Environmental Conservation. I have been working towards a degree in Environmental Studies/Sciences, and I have been joining organizations to volunteer and gain crucial work experience whenever and wherever I can, all of which are unpaid. Experience includes but is not limited to: a month in Thailand working with green sea turtle rehabilitation, planting mangroves, cleaning beaches, and more. I joined the Canadian Conservation Corps and added a few certifications to my belt including Wilderness First Aid and CPR, Outdoor Council of Canada's Field Leader 1 course, and Canadian Wildlife Federation education programs (Project Wild, Wild about Sports, and Below Zero). I also joined a three month work placement in Goderich, ON and worked on the following; species at risk technician assistant for snake and turtle research, invasive species identification and removal, Green Ribbon Champion program (coastal property assessment to improve Lake Huron coastal erosion, including dune fencing, invasive species removal, and beach grass harvesting/planting to improve dune stability). I worked with the Conservation Youth Corps on various environmental educational activities for high school students to gain volunteer hours necessary to graduate. I worked with the Huron Forestry division to maintain and improve county forests. (This included preparing roads for logging, maintaining existing hiking trails, building new hiking trails, garbage cleans)

Conservation is very important to me, and I strongly believe that I can continue to make positive impacts all over the globe, and this time I am asking for your help . During my time off school, I try to join an organization to improve upon my skills and add to my resume for future employment. These programs are paid for by me and usually include amenities such as basic meals, accommodations, airport shuttle, and 24 hour support from the organization. Things such as round-trip airfare, Visas, Criminal Background check, immunizations, travel insurance, and Covid-19 protocols are extra charges that I am solely responsible for as well. The reason I choose programs like this out of the country is because underdeveloped nations do not normally have the funding and the power to regularly induce such initiatives. The cost is justified to keep me safe, and to keep programs like this going for years to come.

Program website: https://www.planmygapyear.co.uk/peru/peru-wildlife...

Plan My Gap Year has an amazing opportunity for me to work with endangered animals in a biosphere that I have not yet encountered. (The high elevation of the Andes Mountains and the Peruvian jungle) Please note that I would be working 5 days a week (UNPAID), in very high elevation (over 11 000 feet). I would be staying with a local family in Cusco who will be providing me meals and accommodation for the month. I will be taking a 45 minute bus ride to the animal shelter daily for work. I will also need to brush up on my Spanish before I leave. I would be flying to Lima Peru from Toronto (following all Covid-19 protocols), and taking another local flight to Cusco. I would like to assure you that I do NOT consider this a vacation to let loose and relax. I am doing this for the work experience and for the love of animals and conservation as a whole. Throughout the month, I will only have 4 days off, from which I will stray off the path and explore at my leisure.

This specific program is located in Cusco, Peru in the month of July. It is a Wildlife Rescue program scheduled for one month. My responsibility will be to help care for different varieties of animals that are endangered, and/or have been displaced and poached. Some of these animals have been used for bestiality, illegal trafficking, and for fighting rings. There is a range of animals at the center that I will work with including pumas and small bears that had been drugged and used for entertainment purposes, special types of birds such as condors and a hawk who lost one of his eyes because of human hunting, and other animals at the center including foxes, turtles, monkeys, deers, alpacas, llamas and more! My tasks for the month would include the following;

Taking care of the animals

Assisting with cleaning and general maintenance

Support with feeding the animals

Helping with any medical treatments required

Assisting in any educational programs

Helping build new houses on-site

''Peru wildlife rescue volunteer projects typically receive little to no government funding or assistance. Therefore volunteer support and contributions are a big help to the project that otherwise can receive limited help. By choosing to work closely with this wildlife project in Peru, your support as a Peru wildlife volunteer will be much appreciated by those connected at the sanctuary. ''

Your generous donation would definitely take some weight off my shoulders. (especially during these crazy times) These animals need all the care and attention in the world and it pains me to know that these wildlife workers simply do not have the funding necessary to care for these beautiful creatures. Your donation, no matter the amount, would alleviate some of the costs necessary for me to continue my journey into the world of environmentalism, conservation, and sustainability. I love and appreciate all of you for taking the time to read my campaign. You have all been so supportive of my endeavors the past few years and I hope to make you all proud.

Please note that the 2500$ amount is a cost estimate of the entire trip. I do not have a specific goal in mind. Your donations will instantly be used to reduce the cost that I will need to pay out of pocket. I still plan on doing this regardless.

Thanks again everyone! And remember to stay hydrated, refuse plastic bags and straws whenever you can, and help those turtles!