March 3rd will soon be celebrated as the World Wildlife Day which is the United Nations' International Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world's wildlife and animals. With the constant rise in conscious travellers who travel for a purpose, volunteering and ecotourism is a great way to give back to the local communities. There are numerous non-profit organizations and programs around the world to help the locals, the wildlife of the area and give back to the community at large. With the insights shared by Booking.com, here are a few destinations across the globe where travellers can make a positive impact. From rehabilitating lions in South Africa to recuperating elephants in India, these rewarding wildlife trips will help make a difference.
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Top destinations to do wildlife volunteering work
Top 5 Wildlife Destinations In The World To Visit And Make An Impact
1. Limpopo, South Africa
Occupying South Africa's northern regions, Limpopo is a huge province characterized by vast open spaces and terrific wildlife watching. Within Limpopo, the wildlife charity Global Vision International ensures the long-term survival of lions with a team dedicated to the ongoing research of these animals. Situated on a private game reserve which is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and rhinos, travellers can volunteer to work and live alongside these extraordinary animals and assist in critical wildlife conservation work. Volunteers help with all aspects of research and monitor the lion's feeding behaviour, movement, location, and health. When not working directly with the king of the jungle, travellers will have the opportunity to get involved in other important conservation efforts, such as the removal of invasive vegetation.
2. Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
The Galapagos islands are supported by volunteers who dedicate their time to conserving this extraordinary ecosystem, and there's a range of opportunities including saving endangered giant tortoises. Santa Cruz is an island in Ecuador's Galapagos National Park and home to the town of Puerto Ayora, where the Charles Darwin Research Station has a breeding program for giant tortoises. Volunteers spend time at the El Chato nature reserve, removing harmful plant species and planting new ones for them to eat. Volunteers can observe the unique species respectfully in their natural habitat, including not just the tortoises swimming near the shores, but friendly sea lions and iguanas basking in the sun.
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Giant tortoises
3. Jaipur, India
Elephants are loved and cherished by people all around the world. The Elephant Conservation Program in India helps anyone who wants to learn more about these devoted creatures. This programme allows travellers to do all kinds of engaging activities with elephants, such as bathing them, taking care of them and feeding them. The Elephant Village, located close to Amber Fort, is the first elephant-themed community in India and the third worldwide. It covers about 30 hectares, provides all the facilities which include a large lake for the elephants.
4. San Francisco, United States
San Francisco is located in the northern part of California and is home to around 450 different species of seabirds including the Canada goose and mallard. International Bird Rescue provides critical care to seabirds who are ill due to oil spills in California. The non-profit organization offers different levels of volunteering, so the more travellers get involved in all stages of care from rescue to rehabilitation and release of these birds.
Varied species of birds
5. Tortuguero, Costa Rica
The dwindling numbers of the jaguar population in America have resulted in an ongoing effort to create programs and policies that protect them. With the charity Global Vision International, volunteers have the opportunity to make a big difference in jaguar conservation by monitoring and researching their prey species, feeding behaviours and population numbers. Once collected, this information can be used by the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment to develop well-rounded and consistent conservation policies.
Jaguars at Costa Rica
For all those travellers who would love to make a difference in the world's wildlife, we hope you find this useful and for flight and hotel bookings, click here.
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