The recent bushfires in Australia are the worst the country has seen in decades. Countless animals – including roughly 8,000 koalas – have lost their lives due to the destruction. Although you may not live in Australia, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Not only for the crisis in Australia but for animal conservation efforts around the world. There are numerous ways you can get involved with animal conservation to protect the many species that are at risk of extinction.
So, if you’re passionate about protecting our wildlife, read on for some ways that you can make a difference in 2020.
Show Support for Zoos
One of the most accessible ways to start supporting animal conservation is to visit your local zoo. Many zoos, such as Gulf Breeze Zoo in Florida, actively promote wildlife preservation and are home to endangered species of animals. Gulf Breeze Zoo prioritizes its conservation programs and works to educate the general public about how they can help preserve these animals. Some of the zoo’s programs include the Sumatran Orangutan Society, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Gulf Breeze Zoo is just one of the zoos that makes up the Zoofari Parks Corporation run by conservationist and CEO Eric Mogensen, who you can learn more about at https://www.business.com/advice/member/p/eric-mogensen/.
By showing your support for these zoos and their conservation efforts, you can do your part for wildlife conservation.
Adopt an Animal
You’ve most likely seen those ads on the TV, where organizations ask for people to adopt an animal for just $5 a month. And while you might usually ignore these ads, if you want to increase your conservation efforts this year, it is definitely worth adopting an animal. From snow leopards to polar bears to penguins, there is a wide variety of animals to choose from. All you have to do is choose which animal you’d like to support, how much money you would like to give per month, and you’ll be on your way to making a massive difference to that animal’s future. You may not realize it, but your support helps to fund the important work that conservationists carry out to monitor animals and protect their natural habitats. You’ll also receive regular adoption updates so you can see for yourself how you are helping to make a difference.
Volunteer
If you want to be more actively involved in conservation, then why not try volunteering overseas? There are hundreds of volunteer projects that are just waiting for willing helpers to sign up, from marine conservation in Thailand to rainforest studies in Peru to living on a game reserve in South Africa; the opportunities are endless! Not only will you be making a difference, but you’ll also be broadening your horizons, not to mention expanding your skillset. Meet new people, embrace new experiences and get even closer to some of the incredible animals you are so passionate about. No matter your age or background, anyone who is willing can make it as a volunteer. And it will look very impressive on your resume!
Get a job in Conservation
Perhaps your dream job is to work in animal conservation? And, if that is the case, then great! However, don’t assume that getting a job in conservation is going to be easy; there is fierce competition, so you need to be prepared. As mentioned before, volunteering looks great for your resume, so if you can do volunteer work, that will be hugely beneficial. This doesn’t necessarily have to be overseas if you can’t afford it, but it can be something local, such as volunteering at an animal shelter.
You also need to note that most conservation jobs are more focused on personal reward, i.e., they are more concerned about making a difference than they are about money. So, if you’re hoping for a well-paid job, then you may want to rethink your career choice. Jobs in conservation aren’t known for paying that well, but if you’re truly passionate about wildlife, then this shouldn’t matter. You could work in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, looking after injured animals and helping them recover before they can be returned to the wild. Or you could even get a job working as an animal care professional at a zoo or aquarium.
There you have it; 4 ways that you can get more involved in animal conservation. As long as you have the passion and the drive, there shouldn’t be anything stopping you from helping to protect this world’s endangered species.
