Wednesday, January 11, 2017

One thing I encountered often as a wildlife educator is people that say they want to help but don't know where to start.  They complain that there is NOTHING in their area, but if they lived anywhere near a park or sanctuary, they'd volunteer all of their spare time.

That's a wonderful and noble thing, but what is the motivation, really?  If you can't find a way to help wildlife within one block of your own home, are you really environmentally conscious, or do you just want to hang out with tigers?

I've said it a hundred times, but it bears repeating.  If you are truly motivated to help endangered species all over the world, then buy fewer disposable products, recycle what you can, and consider composting.  

Stay off the wildlife rescue websites, and keep your money.  Don't forward anything published by The Dodo, Big Cat Rescue, or HSUS.  That media machine is funding lobbyists, not conservation.

Going camping, or out for a hike, or a walk on the beach?  Great!  Bring a couple of extra trash bags so that you can help clean up after the entitled shitheads that were there before you.

If you really want to assure the future of this planet for your children, then teach them to clean up after themselves.  Throwing fast food wrappers on the ground is littering.  Leaving your empty popcorn and soda containers in the cup holders at the theater is littering.  Ignoring the garbage that falls out of your car every time you open the door is littering.  Getting in the habit of making certain that waste is secured in it's proper receptacle could make a huge impact on the state of the planet. 

There is nothing wrong with wanting to work directly with animals.  Many facilities rely heavily on volunteer labor to keep things running.  But it's not the only way to help. Actually, it's probably the least efficient method you could choose, and unless you bring some really specialized skills, you'll probably not get anywhere near the animals even if you are accepted.  

I often had people ask about volunteer opportunities at the park.  The majority of those hopefuls never actually showed up once it was made clear that they were only allowed access into the public areas, and would get no closer to the animals than any visitor.  What these people were missing is the concept that a generous offer to come and help clean enclosures means that an experienced veteran keeper has to stay and babysit that volunteer.  And yet what would truly be helpful is someone to come in and pick up trash along the highway and the parking lot, or to clean the floors and bathrooms in the gift shop before the park opens, or to water the flower pots and fill the bird feeders.  That right there can give a keeper two whole hours of breathing room on a typical day, but those are the sort of menial, boring chores that nobody wants to do.  These are the tasks that expose the lie when someone says, "I would do anything to help."
Other types of parks may be able to accept volunteers for more interesting tasks, but when it's a facility full of cats, then it must be understood that everything there is dangerous.  Until a new staff member has been working under the constant scrutiny of an established employee for at least a month and often longer, they don't get to work on their own.  That sort of intense hand-holding simply cannot be wasted on someone who might not show up next week.

Getting back to the original point - If you want to help wildlife, start at home.  If you want to help at a wildlife park, then be willing to take on some less than glamorous tasks until you've proven your worth.  

Who ever you are, and whatever your background and motivation, you really can have a positive impact on our little planet.

5 comments:

  1. Leave this place better than you found it - apply as often as you can. It is always possible to do so. Every minute of every day.

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  2. And donate to viable, legitimate conservation projects that are making a difference!

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    1. Wendy, you have hit on the subject of a future post. I want to try and explain the difference behind a brilliant marketing campaign and a viable conservation project.
      I would love to talk to you and/or Dale about the projects you are working on, and have touched in person, to get examples.

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  3. Great post. Thank you for the reminder to do good, no matter what. Thanks for the good read. :)

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  4. Great post! Another way to help wildlife is to spay/neuter your pets and keep them indoors or on leash at all times. It is amazing how destructive pets can be.

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