Non-Profit animal volunteer projects abroad?

Question

I am planning a round the world 12 months (min) trip for the end of 2009 - by myself.

I am planning on going to Africa, Australia, NZ, China, Japan, Thailand & America (at least) and want to part take in plenty of wildlife/animal conservation projects - BUT i do not want to give £££££'s to Profit Companies - who will organise my stay for me - i have pleantly of time to do that myself.

So my question is does anyone know and small - but in need projects around the countries that i have suggested, that i could contact directly and cut out the middle man and make more direct donations.

Any other backpacking/round the world planning advice would be greatly appricated.

Answer 1

I think you are looking at this in the wrong way.  For any conservation project to work the charities need full time staff there on a long term basis.

The people that work for the companies are generally local people and that is their full time job, when tourists go to "volunteer abroad" effectively what they are doing is paying a fee to help keep the project going.  The people that go along to these projects aren't the ones making the difference they are there to help with the funding.  

Think of the gorilla protection projects where ex-poachers are now being paid to protect the gorilla's.

I understand your frustration about giving ££££s to companies to arrange this for you, but these charities probably receive thousands of requests like this every year and just don't have the time to deal with it.  So they invite companies to arrange the volunteers for them, and both the charity and the company that arranges this get a share of what you pay.

However if you do want to do some volunteering for free I suggest you forget about anything to do with animals and the environment and instead contact your local church and ask which Christian Organisations they are helping.  From what I here they are always willing to have backpackers volunteering with them.

Hope this helps and enjoy your trip

Answer 2

I wish I could helpo you, Its something I would like to do myself, though my main ambition is the Galapogos..... I've had a thing about saving the sea turtles that nest there, since I saw them in a wildlife book when I was 5... I'm now 32.... And still have the book..

Thats beside the point....

There used to be a lot of adverts for voluntary workers in the back of the Economist.... Not had one in a while so can't verify that.

The only other thing I could suggest would be to contact the World Wildlife Fund/Green Peace/ Friends of the Eath directly and say you will organise your own transport... Etc...

Unfortunately I know they have to organise accomodation, food etc. for insurance purposes (which they will also organise).

Good luck and what a fantastic experience for you to have...

I'd love to see pics of the trip when you get back

Answer 3

I can only answer for America as I am an American. Since we don't have a lot of endangered wildlife over here, our cats and dogs in shelters could use your help as you travel across America. Simply stopping by a local animal shelter giving a little love to the animals that are about to be put down may give them one day of their lives with a little respect.

Good Luck!