#Volunteer efforts at animal sanctuaries

[lions-tigers-and-bears-blog]

Helping Animals through Sanctuary Volunteering

As a volunteer, you'll have access to a wide range of roles, each one vital to the daily operations and well-being of the animals. You can pick volunteer programs that match your preference and experience level. Helping animals through sanctuary volunteering involves role of volunteer that makes meaningful impact every day which is given as follows:

Feed and Care for the Animals

Animal care is one of the greatest joys of volunteering at an animal sanctuary. As a volunteer, you’ll assist sanctuary staff in feeding and care for the animals. You’ll help prepare and deliver meals to animals, from majestic big cats to curious bears. It’s more than just feeding them; it’s about ensuring each animal gets the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy.

You’ll also help with general care tasks like cleaning habitats, providing fresh water, and maybe even grooming. It’s hands-on work, but it’s fulfilling and rewarding when you love animals like we do!

Create Enrichment Activities

Animals in sanctuaries need mental stimulation for their well-being. Enrichment activities keep them engaged and healthy as they mimic the challenges they would face in the wild. As a volunteer, you might help create toys, set up challenges, or organize activities that keep the animals engaged and active.

For example, you may set up scent trails for the big cats to follow, hide food in puzzle feeders for the bears to solve, etc. These activities are essential for encouraging natural behaviors and keeping the animals mentally sharp.

Participate in Supporting Medical Care

You won’t be performing medical procedures, but you may still help support the health of the animals. This could involve assisting with routine health checks, helping administer medications, or supporting the sanctuary staff during treatments. Your help ensures that the animals get the care they need, and you’ll learn a lot about each animal's health and welfare along the way.

Help Maintain Their Homes Your role will also involve keeping the animals’ habitats clean and safe. This could mean cleaning enclosures, repairing fences, and ensuring everything is secure. It’s physically demanding work, but it’s also deeply satisfying to know that you provide a comfortable and safe environment for the animals. Plus, you’ll see firsthand how much they appreciate a clean, well-maintained home.

Grounds keeping

As a volunteer in this department, you'll spend most of your time outdoors, doing hands-on physical work. Understanding native and exotic plants, landscaping, and gardening is helpful. Your tasks include grounds keeping activities such as trimming, pruning, mulching, raking, and weeding. You might also be asked to perform maintenance tasks, ensuring the sanctuary's grounds stay in great shape.

Participate In Educational Programs and Fundraising

You might help with educational programs, sharing the stories of the animals and the importance of conservation with visitors or school groups. This helps inspire others to care about animal welfare and can be a rewarding part of the experience.

You could also assist with fundraising efforts, whether it’s organizing events or helping produce content for some of our social media campaigns. Every bit of support helps the sanctuary continue its important work.

[call-me-casual]

Okay, so I’m still thinking a lot about that au I came up with like what, a month ago? Two? It’s still marinading in my brain

But at the same time I’ve come up with something that sort of branches off of that but takes a slightly different approach.

I’m calling it the Anderson Rescue and Conservation Centre AU. Basically instead of being brought to life by humans and their dubious methods, in this universe marionettes are an entire living species. They look exactly like they do irl and move the same, but are alive. How exactly is still fairly unknown, they are probably part of the reason humans developed the uncanny valley and they’re an endangered species due to over hunting and habitat encroachment. So in England (because that’s where the studios were), there’s a rescue centre that works pretty much like a private RSPCA for marionettes, rescuing them, nursing them back to health and ultimately releasing them back into the wild if the individual is capable of surviving on its own. If not (or if they want to closely monitor the individual), then they live in the sanctuary.

This is (rather obviously) Thunderbirds oriented, but if people want to it can include basically any and every puppet-based production from AP films (or whatever they’re called). I know that most of the main TOS cast would be permanent fixtures at the centre, such as:

Lady Penelope - I envision her as having been hand raised by humans, and is as a result very calm and composed when compared to her “wild” counterparts. She works as a sort of ambassador, helping distrustful marionettes come out of their shells and being involved in education efforts to better teach people about marionettes. As an addition to this, Parker may be a marionette who has always been around her (perhaps they were rescued from the same place), or she was introduced to him in a similar vain to how some places will give grieving animal parents orphaned young (so this would sort of align towards the TAG dynamic).

The Tracy family - the brothers were all brought to the rescue at a very young age along with their father after being found living in a collapsed building by a volunteer. They don’t really remember life before the sanctuary, and for whatever reason couldn’t be released back into the wild. Either they each have a problem that would hinder their survival chances or are simply too socialised to humans. As a result, they’re in training to take up a similar role to Lady P, sort of serving as mascots for the rescue. Their father Jeff was a bit of a legend to humans and his own kind for his years of daredevil escapes and trickery, rescuing fellow marionettes from hunters.

This is just another idea toying around in my brain. Like the others I don’t know when I’ll really have a good chance to put them to writing or art, but this is completely open for anyone to run wild with. And like I said, it doesn’t just have to be Thunderbirds! It can be anything supermarionation!

[angelxd-3303]

Hi again,

This has been on my mind for a while.

Where does Yoshi in your Luigi x Bowser AU?

Does he live with Mario & Peach?

Or does he live with Luigi & Bowser?

I’ve watch the Mama Luigi episode from the Super Mario Bro’s TV Series recently & I just got curious.

Well, Yoshis as a species live mostly in tropical regions. Certain parts of the Mushroom Kingdom are teeming with the friendly dinos! There was a time in the past when Yoshis were at risk of going extinct. This was mostly due to the War of Beasts and Men, aka the fight between the Mushroom and Koopa Kingdoms. King Toadstool's army used Yoshis for transportation, and the poor things fell quickly, as they weren't made for battle. They were left nearly extinct, but once Princess Peach took the throne she was quick to set up conservation efforts.

There are animal sanctuaries scattered throughout the Kingdom dedicated to helping this species bounce back, and they're now thriving as they did before. I like to think that the Bros get together every week to volunteer at one of these sanctuaries. Since they live so far apart, it's a way for them to stay connected, and to help out in a community that welcomed them with open arms!

[tboycamilo]

in the spirit of the season (mutuals posting about their encanto aus) i wanted to post about mine bc i love them and am not active enough on here and wanna change that bc sharing my stuff is fun! so without further ado here they are lol

next gen au

pretty self explanatory. the story outlines what all the madrigals (mostly the grandkids) are up to in the years following the movie. mirabel gradually takes on more of a leadership role as time passes and eventually becomes the matriarch after alma's death and with enough time to prepare for the role. under her leadership, the madrigals are less shoehorned into roles and are encouraged to express themselves more freely, but being the leader still isn't easy and things still aren't perfect - while alma is still alive, mirabel often finds herself going to her for advice and repairing their bond further in the process. she also gets a gf (lorena), i've been playing around with the idea of her being an outsider that finds her way into the encanto but i would have to flesh that plot out a little more before i make it official. dolores eventually marries mariano, but only on her terms - she realizes quickly after the movie that though she loves mariano, she wants to take things slow, and mariano is more than happy to respect that. he puts in a lot of effort to understand how her gift works and help her out with it whenever he can, and for once, she feels like the one being heard. isabela, now free of her old role as the golden child, begins to let her more adventurous side out, exploring the outskirts and forests of the encanto to observe the plant life. she hones her gift and is able to bring even more exotic plant species to the encanto and starts up a very successful garden. she also ends up marrying two village women - lilli and rosa - and the three of them adopt a daughter, jacinda, together and spoil her rotten. lilli runs a flower shop and isa helps her out immensely with this. luisa finally learns to take it easy, prioritizing rest and relaxation after so many years of working hard to serve the community - though she definitely still loves to lift and hang out with the donkeys in her spare time bc old habits die hard. she probably takes over the care and raising of the donkeys as a whole bc they love her. she marries a village woman, inés, and they adopt two daughters, valentina and ciela. camilo is actually the first grandkid to settle down - he marries his childhood best friend and love of his life marco, and the two of them have six children together - amelia, imelda, brunito, ignacio, felipe, and sofia. they have their hands quite full with fatherhood but on top of that marco works as a teacher at the encanto's school while camilo continues to volunteer in the community, eventually becoming the drama director and soccer coach for the school. antonio grows up and starts his own animal sanctuary in the encanto that becomes wildly successful. he enlists dolores' help to scope out any injured or sick animals in the forests and nurses them back to health at the sanctuary, and he often accompanies isa on her trips to the forest to keep taxonomy records of the encanto's diverse wildlife. he never had much of an interest in romance - though plenty of people swoon over his kindness to the animals - but he is very fulfilled nonetheless and couldn't be happier helping take care of his animal friends. i have a more detailed timeline and bios for the kids that i'll be posting eventually but this is the main rundown of where the grandkids are at years down the line!

swap

essentially follows the plot of the movie but the sides of the family swap roles. instead of alma, pedro is the head of the family. pepa has the gift of healing food and felix is her clumsy husband, camilo is the golden child with the wonderful floral gift, dolores is the middle child with the gift of super strength, and antonio is the baby of his side of the family, cursed to a giftless existence (and being the main character of the storyline). on the other side of the family, julieta's emotions control the weather while agustin keeps her calm, luisa is the eldest with the ability to hear a pin drop from miles away, isabela is the mischievous shapeshifting middle child, and mirabel is the youngest member of the family and gains the ability to speak with animals. bruno is still bruno.  did i make this au entirely to put camilo in pretty pink outfits and make him a mean annoying gay? maybe.

pirates

the warm color family is a fearsome and renowned pirate crew descended from the notorious husband-wife pirate duo alma and pedro madrigal (the latter is dead and the former has long since retired), with pepa as the captain and felix as the first mate. pepa was estranged from her mother and siblings in her youth as she attempted to learn more about her parents' past, and she soon set out on her own to live the pirate life that alma tried so hard to keep her children out of. in the meantime, julieta and her family form their own rival crew and set sail in search of pepa to take their vengeance. bruno tries his best to be a good mama's boy and stay home, but he is soon taken hostage by the fearless captain hernando, a legendary pirate who has feuded with both madrigal sisters and their crews for a while now. he grows rather fond of his bargaining chip over time and bruno eventually becomes the captain's lover and first mate. when the sisters finally put aside their squabbles and unite to save their brother from their enemy's clutches, it's a very awkward family reunion. also everyone has their gifts and uses them to help their crew in one way or another. eventually when the two sides of the family unite, the grandkids take up a ship of their own with mirabel as the new captain. 

roommates

marco and camilo are college roommates with luca and alberto. that's literally it no linear plot just vibes. luca is a first year astronomy student, alberto is a second year student and undeclared, marco and camilo are third years and marco is majoring in education while being on the soccer team and camilo is majoring in theatre (🤢). alberto and camilo despise each other but also camilo is lowkey crushing. camilo and marco are already dating and alberto and luca are also definitely together but heavily in denial about it. they fight over dishes being left in the sink and decorate their dorm all cute

the fall 

wrote a ten chapter fic about this one so read that if you wanna know what it entails but tl;dr au where the family never recovers after the fall of casita and they go their separate ways, with dolores camilo and isa fully moving out, their whereabouts unknown - until, ten years later, mirabel takes it upon herself to track them down, reunite the family once and for all, and save the miracle for real this time. will she succeed? what have the runaways all been up to over these past ten years? read it and find out i'm not telling you! also this fic/au is quite old compared to the others so no marco 😔 fly high king 

mamma mia 

the silliest dumbest most self indulgent au ever. camilo centric of course. the storyline is literally just mamma mia but with camilo. he has twin daughters and one of them (ima) is getting married and wants to invite her other biological father to the wedding - the only problem is she doesn't know who that is, and if camilo's old diary describing all his old hookups in detail is to be believed,  there's three possibilities - marco osma, dante velazquez, and nicolas sorelli (the latter two are ocs, i'll probably post their bios at some point lol also nicolas is trans so he's definitely not the other dad but he's stealth so he's just going along for the ride). she invites all three of them to her wedding and they reunite with camilo for the first time in twenty years. drama ensues. camilo marries marco at the end regardless of if he's the dad or not (but he probably is - they never find out for sure). isa is tanya (so lilli is pepper ofc) and mirabel is rosie (except she doesn't end up with one of the dads at the end bc she actually respects herself). ima's fiancées identity is yet to be determined bc i don't have a partner oc for her but i do know she's a lesbian so. gay greek weddings! camilo in overalls! love wins!

runaway camilo 

this one is a rewrite of the canon plot to a degree but not really enough to be considered a full on au. plays with the scrapped concept of camilo looking completely different after the fall of casita that didn't make it into the final movie, which is like one of my favorite concepts ever especially because of how easily it plays into trans camilo. in this rewrite, camilo has basically used his gift to masculinize himself perpetually since his ceremony, which all but cures his dysphoria - that is, until casita falls, he loses the gift he had become dependent on, and it all blows up in his face. he's unrecognizable when the dust clears, and rather than be seen in such a state, he flees the scene and goes missing just around the same time as mirabel. the family is split as pepa and felix go looking for their son while the cool color family goes looking for mirabel, and both are found within a few days - camilo in the depths of the forest, skin scraped and clothes ragged from running into the forest with reckless abandon, practically digging his own grave and ready to give up for good. when he's found, it takes a LONG time for him to allow anyone to see him, much less recover from the trauma. the rewrite basically involves these events and the aftermath. luckily camilo does get his gift back when casita is rebuilt but the scars are forever and he probably still has nightmares about losing his gift well into adulthood and has to learn to become comfortable going without his gift for short bouts of time in order to get more comfortable lest the worst case scenario happens again! more or less a transmilo angst fest add-on to the main plot of the movie. mimi needs a hug 💔

[thegoddamnwordsmith]

Vote the EcoVivarium Reptile Rescue in the 2024 All-in 4 Change grant program!

Hello, everyone!

Harrah’s Resort Southern California has opened voting for their annual “All-in 4 Change” grant program, where fifteen non-profits in the San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County areas are awarded a portion of a $150,000 cash grant to fund their efforts in helping people and animals through the various programs they run. This year, the non-profit reptile rescue and living museum, the EcoVivarium Reptile Sanctuary, is one of the nominees. EcoVivarium is a cause very close to home for me – members of my family either work there or volunteer there, and we have adopted a number of animals through them, which is why I would like to ask that anyone interested please cast a vote for them. Each person can vote once per day, so if you’re so inclined, please help get EcoVivarium to the top slot! Voting is open until August 28th.

What is the EcoVivarium Reptile Sanctuary?

Located in Escondido, EcoVivarium is one of the largest reptile, amphibian, and arthropod rescues in the United States. Since 2009, they have been devoted to the health and well-being of the animals that come through their doors, and educating children and adults alike about these unique, often misunderstood and misrepresented creatures. EcoVivarium handles many educational programs, both on-site and abroad, as well as birthday parties and events, where people can learn about lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, frogs, and arthropods first-hand, even gaining hands-on experiences with some of them. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about these animals, and has the patience to help even the most misgiving of people the chance to understand these wonderful creatures. In addition to their extensive special programs, EcoVivarium hosts regular on-site tours, both for walk-in customers and advanced reservations. Visitors will get the chance to pet and even hold a variety of animals, as well as meet some of the Animal Ambassadors, such as Ed the Galapagos Tortoise or Mac the Giant Water Monitor Lizard.

On top of this, EcoVivarium also has limited adoption options you can explore if you would like to add a new member to your family and provide a forever home to one of these wonderful animals. As a reptile rescue, they receive many animals regularly, either due to owner neglect or inability to provide for them, or due to injuries and special needs. Many animals will end up calling EcoVivarium their home, due to factors requiring special care (injuries, trauma-related temperament issues, and/or permit-related legal issues regarding private ownership), but still many more are ready to find a permanent family beyond the facility, one who is ready to love and care for a unique, but incredible friend. As of this writing, there are over 400 animals in EcoVivarium’s care, and with so many of them needing special attention, finding homes for those who are capable of being adopted out is a high priority.

EcoVivarium is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, with all funds going directly back into animal care and facility maintenance. The organization is handled by a small staff of animal care professionals and educators, supplemented with a number of volunteers of all ages. For more information, please feel free to contact me, or you can contact them directly at Home - EcoVivarium.

Aside from this grant program, they can be donated to directly as well. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

[nickeverdeen]

Can you do a match up for me (TUA/TSA)?

(Sorry if this is super long. I love to overshare and spill everything about myself to strangers on the Internet. Also idk where to put it but I'm a mix of Genderfluid and Agender, and use They/He)

Physical appearance: weirdly wavy medium length dark brown hair w/ shaved bits on the front sides, dark brown eyes, pale-ish skin (like you can see my veins *very* clearly in some spots) with acne scars on most parts of my body

Main aesthetic/vibe: dark academia mixed with stoner friend (like t-shirts that say "Sorry Queen! I only date crack sluts" in mismatched text colours used like a sweater vest for a honestly professional outfit)

Personality: Outwardly chill, go-with-the-flow, unattached, because of years of trauma and conditioning to not need/ask for anything. Inwardly clingy, in need of some semblance of routine (like two tasks have a specific order, or a weekly event can't be on a different day)

Extra notes: "low-maintenance" Autistic (I could go into GREAT detail why I dislike people calling me that, but TL;WT (too long; won't tell), it's not a low maintenance thing for me), sometimes I will completely space out and not listen while mentally trying to get myself to listen, I like to doodle (blobby cats and underdetailed eyes are my absolute favorites)

(Again. Super sorry if it's too long! Also may I be 🍿 anon (if the emoji doesn't work, it supposed to be popcorn))

Hey, it’s okay if it’s a bit longer I don’t mind at all! And I’m sorry that it’s this short. And ofc you can be 🍿 annon! Love the idea of it

————————————————————

Your TUA match is…

Klaus Hargreeves

Klaus is initially drawn to your unique appearance and style, finding your dark academia mixed with stoner aesthetic intriguing and refreshing

You share a love for quirky t-shirts and he often exchanges humorous ones as gifts

Klaus admires your outwardly chill demeanor but quickly realizes there’s more to you beneath the surface

You bond over your shared love for horror podcasts, spending lazy afternoons listening to your and his favorite episodes together

Despite your outwardly unattached nature, Klaus senses your inward clinginess and makes an effort to provide stability and routine in the relationship

Klaus is patient and understanding when you space out or get lost in your thoughts, knowing it’s a part of your amazing nature

You might enjoy doodling together, often creating whimsical drawings of blobby cats and abstract designs

He’s terrible at drawing btw

Klaus is fascinated by your underdetailed eye doodles and encourages you to explore your artistic talents further

You have a mutual love for music and often introduce each other to new songs and artists

Klaus surprises you with impromptu dance parties in the living room, bringing joy and laughter to the relationship

You might bond over your shared experiences of trauma and find solace in each other’s understanding and support

Klaus helps you navigate social situations and provides comfort during overwhelming moments

Klaus encourages you to embrace your genderfluid and agender identity, creating a safe and accepting space for you to express yourself

You have a playful banter and enjoy teasing each other in a lighthearted manner

Klaus is protective of you and always stands up for you when others make insensitive comments about you

Klaus surprises you with thoughtful gifts that show he pays attention to your interests and preferences

Klaus introduces you to his unconventional family, and you quickly bond with other Hargreeves siblings

You share a love for reading and often spend quiet evenings curled up together with your favorite books

Klaus is your biggest cheerleader and encourages you to pursue your passions and dreams

You have a mutual love for animals and often volunteer together at animal shelters or wildlife sanctuaries

Klaus is your rock if you ever have panic attacks or moments of anxiety, offering comfort and reassurance

You might enjoy cooking together and often experiment with new recipes and cuisines

Klaus is your confidant and trusted advisor, offering sage advice and guidance whenever you face challenges

Klaus loves to kiss you on the cheek, but mainly lips and giving you hugs

Your TSA match is…

Alphonso Hargreeves

Alphonso himself is sorta insecure about how he looks

He fakes so much self-confidence in front of you

If you’re ever even a little bit insecure about the way you look be prepared to be given tons of compliments

He finds your choice of clothesing funny

In the good way

He actually likes it, but wouldn’t wear anything like that as he prefers the more casual clothes

Alphonoso may not look like it, but he actually likes your dark academy aesthic

Steals buys you books or pretty much anything, but won’t tell you he stole it

He couldn’t mind less about you having autism or spacing out

Sometimes Alphonso himself spaces out for some time

Seeing you doodle cute things he tried it few times too, but it wasn’t as good as yours

But he still tried and asked for your opinion

Alphonso likes your chill and go-with-the-flow behaivor and even when there’s a fight going on between someone he might just sit down next to you and offer you some food

In all honesty he’d do his best to hide his excitment during listening to your horror potcasts with you

He wants you to be happy

Alphonose just like Klaus makes an effort to create stability and routine in your relationship

He’s very indecisive about practically everything

Blue or white socks? He has no idea and might spend good 30 minutes trying to pick one out

So it’s either you or Jayme helping him with this one

He might not show a lot of affection, but his feelings for you are serious and valid as hell

Don’t ever doubt it

Alphonso may try to make a deal with you that you’d go and seek help about your trauma to someone professional

But if that would be too uncomfortable he’d stop and understand as he respects your boundaries

Alphonso would wait some time before introducing you to anyone from his family

Jayme would be the first one, though

They may have some comments about his reputation, but Alphonso is quick to defend you and himself

Whenever there’s an argument he might cover your ears if that’d help??

I mean this man has no idea how to comfort people or to know if the individual even needs comfort

He’s not really into PDA, but will hold your hand

But in private…

[francaoliveira]

look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

🦥ʙɪᴏɢʀᴀᴘʜʏ || 🦥ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴀꜱꜱ || 🦥ʙʟᴜᴇ ʜᴀʀʙᴏʀ, ɪʟʟɪɴᴏɪꜱ

🦋ꜰʀᴀɴᴄᴀ ᴅᴇʟꜰɪɴᴀ ᴏʟɪᴠᴇɪʀᴀ🦋

ᴀɢᴇ & ʙɪʀᴛʜᴅᴀʏ: twenty-nine & june 22nd, 1995.

ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀ & ᴘʀᴏɴᴏᴜɴꜱ: cis-woman & she/her/hers.

ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛɪᴄ & ꜱᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴏʀɪᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: panromantic pansexual.

ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘ ꜱᴛᴀᴛᴜꜱ: single.

ᴄʜɪʟᴅʀᴇɴ: mama to four animals: iria the scarlet macaw ; dulce the iguana ; bruna the guinea pig ; philip the dark calico cat.

ɴᴇɪɢʜʙᴏᴜʀʜᴏᴏᴅ: forest lake.

ᴄᴜʀʀᴇɴᴛ ᴄᴀʀᴇᴇʀꜱ: vet tech at bahia wildlife sanctuary ; part-time cashier at earthwave ; part-time zoology masters student at blue harbor university.

ꜰᴀᴄᴇ ᴄʟᴀɪᴍ: giovana cordeiro.

🐊ᴛʟᴅʀ ( trigger warnings: heart attack & parental death )

ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʙʟᴜᴇ ʜᴀʀʙᴏʀ, ɪʟʟɪɴᴏɪꜱ…

For the first five years of Franca Delfina Oliveira's life, she grew up in Salvadar, Bahia, Brazil with her parents, Rafael and Bruna Oliveira, and her older sister, Beatriz. Both of her parents were massive animal and nature lovers and held careers in helping the planet. The couple had always wanted to start up their own conservation organization after working with a wide variety of them in their home of Salvador. And so, after moving to the States when their daughters were young, they began to work towards making their life-long dream come true.

ᴀꜰᴛᴇʀ ᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʙʟᴜᴇ ʜᴀʀʙᴏʀ, ɪʟʟɪɴᴏɪꜱ…

The Bahia Wildlife Sanctuary has been opened since 2004, and Franca's whole world had been the sanctuary and the Oliveira family farm. Growing up and knowing what she wanted to do, she eventually earned her Wildlife Conservation degree through Unity Environmental University distant learning, spending those years traveling around the globe and volunteering for a wide variety of organizations, especially those for wildlife and conservation efforts. After earning her degree, she moved to Denver full-time and spent twenty-four months getting her vet tech degree from Bel Rea Vet Tech school. She got a job as a vet tech at the Denver Aquarium, working there for a year until, at the age of twenty-four, her mother died from a heart attack. Resulting in her returning back to Blue Harbor and spending the past two years working as a vet tech at the sanctuary and even getting a second, part-time job at Earthwave for an extra income. In fall of 2024, she officially started part-time schooling at Blue Harbor University so that she could earn her masters in Zoology.

ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʀᴏᴄᴋ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʀᴇᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ ʜᴀꜱ ᴀ ʟɪꜰᴇ, ʜᴀꜱ ᴀ ꜱᴘɪʀɪᴛ, ʜᴀꜱ ᴀ ɴᴀᴍᴇ.

🦥ꜱᴏᴍᴇ Qᴜɪᴄᴋ ꜰᴀᴄᴛꜱ & ᴛɪᴅʙɪᴛꜱ

🦜While Franca had been living in Denver, the aquarium saved a truck full of animals from a poaching ring. One of those animals ended up being a Scarlet macaw. The bird had lost half of its left wing from the time it'd been taken from Costa Rica to Denver, and Franca had been in charge of taking care of her. The two became bonded and now, Iria the Macaw is under Franca's care. The two are rarely apart from each other.

🦜She had a reputation throughout her schoolyears as being the "Animal Lover Girl", always ready to talk about anyone and everyone about animals and better ways to help the planet. She even started up an Earth Club in high school. Not many people joined it, however.

🦜While her family has always been comfortable money-wise, they're not rich. All of their money has been put into the sanctuary and farm, ensuring that the animals and plants had the best care possible. They live in a fairly reasonable sized log cabin that they worked on themselves, and through the help of friends and extended family members whenever they visited from Brazil.

🦜With that being said, the Oliveiras made sure to visit their home country at least three times a year: Carnaval season, the middle of summer, and around Christmas. Staying connected to their family and culture is highly important to them, though they've been struggling to do so since Franca's mother passed.

🦜The farm is home to four horses, ten cows, a herd of sheep, three goats, five chickens and a rooster, two cats, two dogs, and a pond full of freshwater fish and frogs. They live next to the river and are about a ten minute walk, three minute drive, from the sanctuary.

🦜Along with Iria, Franca is the happy animal mama of Dulce the iguana, Bruna the guinea pig, and Philip the grandpa dark calico cat. And yes, she understands how rare Philip is. But no, she refuses to sell him. She either rescued or adopted all of her babies and loves them all greatly.

🦜Franca is primarily a vegan, but will sometimes adjust to a pescatarian diet every now and then.

🦜She is a certified adventure guide, having earned her certificate through Pure Explorations after partaking in their Nepal Adventure Guide Program.

🦜Summer after she graduated from high school and before she went off to Nepal (as mentioned above), she'd been able to go to Alaska for awhile to participate in Girls On Ice (now known as Inspiring Girls Expeditions): a mountaineering expedition with an alpine ecosystems focus.

🦜As mentioned in her bio, she participated in both SEAmester and Semester at Sea. She spent her fall semester with the first study abroad program, sailing from the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic, before making her way to the Caribbean. For Semester at Sea, she journeyed to Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, India), Africa (Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco), and Europe (Spain and Germany). I have a wc in mind for an ex-lover that she had been on both voyages with that became her biggest "what if", if anyone's interested!

🦜The best way to describe Franca's style is "hippie, granola girl with Brazilian and global touches". She loves brands like Wondery, Inkkas, FARM Rio, Sandcloud, Fahlo bracelets, Live Your Legend bracelets, Pura Vida bracelets, and others that's all about the great outdoors that has conservation efforts and that are connected to her culture and other cultures that she's able to appreciate. This will be further touched on in other posts.

🦥ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴄᴏɴɴᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴꜱ

🦜Franca's big sister, Beatriz (pls with Lucy Alves as her fc pls pls plsss)

🦜BWS and farm employees and volunteers

🦜Earthwave coworkers

🦜Fellow animal, nature, and earth lovers

🦜Franca's friends

🦜High school first love/ex

🦜Her SEAmester/Semester at Sea ex (AKA her greatest "what if" and the one that got away)

🦜Current and former hook-ups, dates, crushes (those she has crushes on, those who have crushes on her)

🦜Enemies/Anyone annoyed by her granola girl/ecowarrior schtick

[nishp]

🐍🦎 Happy National Reptile Day! 🐢🐊

On October 21, 2023, we're celebrating the captivating and diverse world of reptiles. From the slithering snakes to the sunbathing turtles, reptiles play vital roles in ecosystems and fascinate us with their unique characteristics.

🌍 Reptiles in Our World 🌍 Reptiles are found on every continent except Antarctica. They are essential in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, from controlling insect populations to being part of the food chain.

💡 Fun Reptile Facts 💡

Crocodiles have remained relatively unchanged for over 200 million years.

Some snakes can unhinge their jaws to swallow prey larger than their head.

Reptiles are cold-blooded, relying on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.

🌿 Conservation and Education 🌿 National Reptile Day is an opportunity to support conservation efforts and educate others about the importance of reptile preservation. Many species face threats such as habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.

🐢 Get Involved 🐍

Support local reptile rescue organizations or wildlife sanctuaries.

Learn about reptile-friendly practices, such as avoiding the use of harmful pesticides.

If you're passionate about reptiles, consider volunteering or donating to conservation projects.

🐉 Mythical and Majestic 🦖 Reptiles have fascinated humans for centuries and inspired countless myths and legends. From the dragons of folklore to the ancient Egyptian reverence for the crocodile, these creatures hold a special place in our cultural history.

Whether you're a reptile enthusiast, a conservationist, or simply intrigued by the world of cold-blooded creatures, National Reptile Day is an opportunity to learn, appreciate, and protect these incredible animals. 🌏🐢🦎

[thebuildblog]

this.

People love to see and experience animals. They flock to locations and businesses to see animals, often taking photos and videos. They ride horses, elephants, ponies, visit zoos, etc. Today it also means posting to social media, which then inspires others to do the same. 

But, the reality is, this is generally and typically terrifying for the animals, and potentially harmful them whether it is in the wild or captivity. Animals who are used for tourist attractions including in the wild, zoos including petting zoos, parks, horseback and pony riding, birthday parties, racing, dragging carriages around, circuses, etc, are animals that are being abused, threatened or harmed. Those in captivity were either born into it or taken out of the wild for it as babies, and forced - literally - to do what tourists and humans enjoy while having photographs and videos taken, cheering, etc. You can imagine how confusing, frightening and upsetting this would be for them all. 

Very few of these people ever support anything for their conservation and care, just this abuse and exploitation. The businesses that use these animals rarely care for them well, if at all.

Humans are conditioned to think animals don’t feel, think, experience emotions, or have needs. We’re told that these animals “enjoy” it. They do not. People are unaware of this as a result. But, it is true and there is always time to learn, change and evolve about it. If most people saw and understood the reality of what happens to these animals, they would never participate or support these things again. They certainly would not think it is “cool” or special to do it.

There are a lot of really great ways to enjoy and experience animals without contributing to their abuse and exploitation. Animal sanctuaries of all kinds often have visitation hours, including large wild animals who have been rescued from captivity and tourism like elephants, tigers, bears, etc. There is the potential to volunteer in wildlife rehabilitation of all kinds. Animals in the wild can be observed from volunteering for conservation efforts, instead of tourist attractions. These causes do not abuse or exploit animals and desperately need our help, attention and support. 

Imagine being helpless to beings (humans) armed with guns and other means to hurt, scare and kill you, and being forced to endure things that scare, hurt or threaten you -- while people watch, cheer and clap and take photos. That’s what it is like for animals around the world. 

Considering making a change about this, and avoid supporting animal tourism and entertainment, including taking photos/videos of it and sharing it. Encourage others to help and care about them instead. It will be so much more meaningful, cool and rewarding.

[sinfvlwishs]

( so y'all know ash right? ryan's pet dragon?? their species, the lighthook, is endangered, the reason being is that they're small so they're often prey for other wild animals in the devildom and are sometimes even eaten by demons, so it was decided that their species and other species like them should be preserved. ryan's grandmother has been volunteering for an official rescue effort for many years, which is probably hundreds given her age as a demon, so i was thinking. what if they rescued ash's mother when she was looking after her eggs so they basically adopted ash when he was still an egg?? and my other thought is the bros would probably come over to one of the sanctuaries where they kept ash's mother and her eggs whenever ryan went to visit and this one time when levi was around the eggs and mom was off doing something he'd get really protective of them and turn to his demon form so he could wrap his tail protectively around them???? ljskdfhsdkjfhsdk idk i crave levi doing stuff like this more like protecting eggs/baby animals skdjhfsdjkh it seems so perfect for him esp for this cuz his demon form features are reptilian and dragons are reptiles sdjkfhsdkjfh )

[bigcatrescue]

MARCH SAVE AWARD WINNER TAMMY FORD Not only is she here helping out the cats but Tammy also spends her time with her chickens, and volunteers her days around various sanctuaries with Animal Warriors. Always working hard for the animals! Congratulations, Tammy!

The March SAVE award donation of $1,000 is to The Freeland Foundation. The Freeland Foundation is an International Non-Government Organization, headquartered in Bangkok, that works in Asia on environmental conservation. The organization combats the illegal wildlife trade and habitat conservation, addressing threats to endangered species, including poaching in protected areas, smuggling, and the subsequent sale and consumption of Wildlife.

Currently, in and around Khao Laem National Park in Western Thailand, close to the Myanmar border, Freeland is working to monitor and mitigate direct threats to the tigers that reside there. With less than 200 Indochinese tigers remaining in the wild, Thailand is making extra efforts to ensure the future of this endangered species. This landscape is a very important habitat for tigers and an area that suffers from high levels of conflict between locals and the tigers.

2 tigers were found poached with their skins and bones prepared for sale, in the same area a local was attacked by a Tiger a few weeks prior. The poachers responsible were caught and claimed to have killed the wild big cats after they ate their cattle. Freeland also became aware of a three-legged tiger, thought to be a victim of poaching, whose situation typifies threats to other big cats. She was discovered through tree-strapped camera traps that took photographs of her eating cattle that was part of a herd illegally shepherded through the national park. She went for the easy prey.

Freeland is working to track down the injured female, prosecute more poachers, hold mitigation workshops to teach locals how to coexist with the big cats, expand ranger patrolling through new ranger training and support, build a new ranger substation and increase investigations into the cross border poaching and illegal trade with Burma.

Read more about their work here: https://www.freeland.org

[bethrnoora]

i wanted to add that they're looking for volunteers and resource/material assistance for housing people and animals in the coming week, per their fb page:

you can message them regarding financial or product donations! here is what they are looking for:

Alt-text included.

That's tracypaula@erinregananimalsanctuary.com

[natuwa]

Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica: A Life-Changing Experience

Costa Rica is a small but a beautiful country in Central America known for its amazing biodiversity stunning landscapes and welcoming people. It has become a prominent destination for volunteers globally who want to contribute towards meaningful projects while experiencing a new culture. There are plenty of Volunteer programs in costa rica   provide opportunities to make a positive impact like Wildlife Conservation education and healthcare.

Why should you choose Costa Rica for volunteering?

Costa Rica offers the perfect blend of adventure and service. Home to lush rainforests volcanoes and pristine beaches Costa Rica is a paradise for you if you're a nature lover. The country hosts around 5% of the total world's biodiversity making it a hotspot for environmental and wildlife projects. Costa ricans are known for their warm hospitality and lifestyle which means pure life. 

Different types of Volunteer program with tapirs in Costa Rica 

The rich diversity and ecosystem is home to countless species of animals including sea turtles monkeys and exotic birds. The conservation programs focus on protecting the endangered species like sea turtles are monitoring nests and releasing hatchlings. Rescuing and rehabilitating injured animals and wildlife sanctuaries. As a volunteer you play a very important role in preserving the Costa ricans natural beauty through reforestation efforts to combat deforestation beach cleanups to reduce the plastic pollution supporting sustainable farming practices. Education is a very important tool for a change that volunteers can bring. You can teach English to children and adults in rural areas. Furthermore you will help in schools where supporting teachers and organizing activities. At the same time you can provide after school programs focused on arts sports or life skills.

Benefits of volunteering

Your contributions directly impact the lives of people animals and the environment will stop living and working on the local communities make it very easy for you to understand the culture deeply. You can gain valuable skills like teamwork leadership and problem solving and improve your Spanish through daily interactions.

So above all you need to know that volunteering in Costa Rican is a life changing experience that allows you to give back while exploring one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Whether you are a passionate about wildlife educational community development there is a program for you. With proper planning and open heart you can truly make a meaningful difference while creating an unforgettable memories. So just pack your bags embrace the pure life spirit and embark on a journey of discovery and service in costa rica.

For more details visit our website natuwa.com

[doggiedayoutnc]

Why the Holidays Are the Perfect Time to Support Rescues and Pamper Your Pets

The holiday season is a time for love, giving, and togetherness—not just for us humans, but for our furry friends too! Whether you’re looking to support a local rescue or create special memories with your pets, the holidays offer a perfect opportunity to spread joy. Here’s how you can make the most of the season for both rescue animals and your beloved pets.

1. Give the Gift of Love to Rescue Animals

Every year, thousands of rescue animals spend the holidays in shelters and sanctuaries waiting for their forever homes. Supporting a rescue during this season can make a huge difference.

How You Can Help:

Donate Supplies: Many rescues, like Infinite Hearts Dog Sanctuary, rely on donations to provide food, bedding, and medical care for their animals. Check out wishlists or contact your local rescue to find out what they need most.

Volunteer Your Time: Spend a day helping out at a shelter or sanctuary. From walking dogs to organizing events, your time is a valuable gift.

Sponsor a Pet: Can’t adopt? Sponsoring a rescue animal helps cover their expenses and ensures they’re well cared for.

At Infinite Hearts Dog Sanctuary, we’re always grateful for the love and support from our community. This season, consider helping our rescue animals feel the warmth of the holidays by visiting our sanctuary site at infiniteheartssanctuary.com.

2. Create Memorable Adventures with Your Pets

The holidays are also a wonderful time to pamper your pets and create lasting memories together. Whether you’re traveling or staying close to home, there are plenty of ways to make the season special.

Ideas for Fun Holiday Outings:

Explore Pet-Friendly Destinations: Visit dog-friendly parks, trails, or even holiday markets where your pup can join the festivities. Check out Pawfect Getaways for pet-friendly travel tips and destination ideas.

Holiday-Themed Photoshoots: Dress your pets in festive outfits and capture the joy of the season. Bonus points for sharing the photos on social media to spread holiday cheer!

Host a Doggy Playdate: Invite friends with dogs for a fun holiday-themed playdate. Treats, toys, and a festive setting make for an unforgettable day.

At Doggie Day Out NC, we believe in creating paw-some experiences for pets and their owners. Let us help you plan the perfect outing to make this holiday season magical!

3. Shop Thoughtfully for Your Furry Friends

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be just for humans. Treat your pets to something special or give a rescue pet the gift of comfort.

Gift Ideas for Pets and Rescues:

For Your Pets:

Cozy beds, festive sweaters, and durable toys.

Special treats or holiday-themed snacks.

For Rescue Animals:

Blankets, leashes, and collars.

Food and treats to stock up shelters for the season.

Support small businesses like those partnered with Doggie Day Out NC, or contribute directly to the rescue efforts at Infinite Hearts Dog Sanctuary. Every donation matters, and you can give online at infiniteheartsrescue.com.

4. Plan a Holiday Getaway with Your Pets

Planning a holiday trip? Make sure it’s pet-friendly! Traveling with your furry companions can be a fun and rewarding experience when you choose destinations that welcome pets.

Pet-Friendly Holiday Destinations:

Asheville, NC: Explore dog-friendly trails and cozy cabins.

San Diego, CA: Enjoy sunny beaches and pet-friendly cafes.

Charleston, SC: Stroll through historic streets with your pup.

For more ideas and travel inspiration, visit Pawfect Getaways, your go-to resource for pet-friendly travel.

5. Spread Awareness and Joy

Social media is a powerful tool for spreading the word about rescues and celebrating the love of pets.

Ways to Spread Joy Online:

Share Rescue Stories: Highlight rescue animals looking for homes or celebrate success stories.

Encourage Donations: Use your platform to inspire others to support rescues like Infinite Hearts Dog Sanctuary.

Post Your Adventures: Share photos of your holiday outings with your pets and tag your favorite pet-friendly businesses.

At Infinite Hearts Dog Sanctuary (infiniteheartssanctuary.com), Doggie Day Out NC, and Pawfect Getaways, we love seeing how you celebrate the holidays with your furry friends. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts!

Celebrate the Season with Infinite Hearts, Doggie Day Out NC, and Pawfect Getaways

This holiday season, let’s come together to create joy for pets and rescue animals alike. Whether you’re supporting rescues, pampering your pets, or embarking on new adventures, every act of love makes a difference.

From everyone at Infinite Hearts Dog Sanctuary, Doggie Day Out NC, and Pawfect Getaways, we wish you and your furry friends a season filled with love, laughter, and wagging tails!

Ready to get started? Visit our sanctuary at infiniteheartssanctuary.com, donate at infiniteheartsrescue.com, explore local adventures at Doggie Day Out NC, or plan your next pet-friendly trip at Pawfect Getaways!

🐾✨

[krishnayangaurakshala]

Sheltering the Innocent: A Call to Protect and Serve Abandoned Cows

In the bustling streets of India, amidst the cacophony of daily life, lies an unsettling truth. Thousands of cows, revered as Gaumata in our culture, face neglect, abuse, and unimaginable suffering. Once they grow old or stop giving milk, many are abandoned by their owners, deemed as “useless.” Their lives become a painful struggle against hunger, abuse, harsh weather, and life-threatening injuries.

The Plight of Abandoned Cows

Imagine a cow that once provided nourishment to its owner, now wandering aimlessly, searching for food. These animals are often chased away, pelted with stones, or subjected to cruelty. Some are left to die on the streets from starvation or untreated injuries. Others tragically fall victim to butchers. It’s a grim reality for these gentle creatures that once symbolized prosperity and nurturing.

This growing issue reflects an erosion of our values and responsibilities. Scriptures remind us that every family should shelter at least one cow, yet modern life often leaves little space or time for such care. The result? A rising number of abandoned cows in dire need of help.

Shree Krishnayan Desi Gauraksha: A Beacon of Hope

Amidst this crisis, Shree Krishnayan Desi Gauraksha stands as a sanctuary of compassion. This organization shelters abandoned, injured, and aged cows, offering them the care and dignity they deserve. From providing nourishing food to critical medical attention, Shree Krishnayan ensures these cows live with love and respect.

The gaushala currently protects thousands of cows, but the numbers continue to grow. Operating such a large-scale shelter requires immense effort, resources, and community support.

How You Can Help: Adopt a Cow

While not everyone has the space or capacity to house a cow, Shree Krishnayan offers a practical solution: adopt a cow. By donating just ₹3,000 per month, you can ensure the care of a cow for an entire month. This contribution covers food, medical care, and overall well-being.

Adopting a cow not only supports their welfare but also brings spiritual blessings. Scriptures promise immense virtue (punya) to those who serve Gaumata. It’s an opportunity to honor your cultural roots and fulfill your wishes through this noble deed.

The Ripple Effect of Your Support

When you adopt a cow or contribute to their care, you’re not just helping an animal in need. You’re part of a larger movement to restore humanity’s connection to nature and compassion. You’re ensuring that these sacred beings are treated with the respect they deserve, and you’re contributing to a better world — one act of kindness at a time.

Join the Mission

The plight of abandoned cows is a reflection of our collective responsibility. Together, we can rewrite their stories of suffering into tales of hope, care, and love.

Visit Shree Krishnayan Desi Gauraksha today to learn how you can adopt a cow, volunteer, or contribute to this noble cause. Every small act of kindness counts, and with your support, we can continue to protect and nurture our Gaumata.

Let’s shelter the innocent and make this world a kinder place for all. 🙏

[hanumanmandiradelaide]

Exploring Sacred Spaces in Adelaide: Hanuman Temple, Shani Dev Temple

Adelaide, the beautiful capital of South Australia, is home to many places of worship that serve the needs of its diverse religious community. Among the most prominent Hindu temples in the city are the Indian Temple Adelaide, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and other Hindu deities, and the Shani Dev Temple in Adelaide, a sacred space for those seeking divine intervention from Lord Shani. These temples not only provide a serene environment for worship but also foster community spirit, cultural exchange, and spiritual growth.

Hanuman Temple Adelaide: A Place of Strength and Devotion

The Hanuman Temple Adelaide is one of the city’s most revered Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the deity known for his unparalleled devotion to Lord Rama. Lord Hanuman symbolizes strength, loyalty, and devotion. For many worshippers, the temple is a place to seek blessings for courage, wisdom, and protection. Whether it’s seeking relief from challenges or simply offering prayers, devotees visit this temple to connect with the divine energy of Hanuman Ji.

The temple is especially popular during Hanuman Jayanti, the celebration of Lord Hanuman’s birth. During this time, the temple is filled with devotees chanting Hanuman Chalisa, an important prayer that extols the virtues of Lord Hanuman. Hanuman Temple Adelaide serves as a hub for the Hindu community, a place not only for worship but also for maintaining a cultural identity while living abroad. The community celebrates festivals, organizes events, and provides support for individuals through various outreach programs. The temple fosters a sense of unity and belonging, making it a vital spiritual space in the heart of Adelaide.

Shani Dev Temple Adelaide: Seeking Peace and Prosperity

Another important place of worship in Adelaide is the Shani Dev Mandir Adelaide. Dedicated to Lord Shani, the deity associated with the planet Saturn, this temple is a significant spiritual center for many in the community. Lord Shani is believed to have a powerful influence on one’s fate and destiny, particularly concerning life's challenges and obstacles. Worshippers visit the temple to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek Lord Shani’s blessings for peace, prosperity, and success.

The Shani Dev Temple Adelaide holds special significance during Shani Amavasya, a day dedicated to worshipping Lord Shani. On this day, devotees gather in large numbers to perform rituals to ward off the malefic effects of Shani and invite positive energy into their lives. Shani Dev Temple in Adelaide is an essential place for those who believe in astrology and seek to counteract the negative impacts of their planetary positions. The temple not only serves as a spiritual sanctuary but also as a community gathering place, where devotees find solace in times of difficulty.

Cow Shelter: Compassionate Care for Cows

In addition to its worship services, the Hanuman Mandir Adelaide has initiated the Cow Shelter project, which is dedicated to the protection and care of cows. In Hinduism, cows are revered as sacred animals, and their well-being is of utmost importance. The Cow Shelter provides a safe and nurturing environment for cows that are rescued or in need of care. The temple’s efforts to support these animals demonstrate the community's commitment to compassion, care, and respect for all living beings.

The Cow Shelter serves as a reminder of the core Hindu teachings of non-violence (ahimsa) and respect for all creatures. Volunteers and community members actively contribute to maintaining the shelter, which houses cows in a safe and healthy environment. The shelter plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of the cows, providing them with food, medical care, and protection from harm. Through this initiative, the temple extends its spiritual practice into tangible acts of kindness and service.

The Indian Temple Adelaide and its associated initiatives, such as the Cow Shelter, represent the heart of the Hindu community in Adelaide. These sacred spaces offer a haven for individuals to worship, reflect, and find peace. Whether seeking the blessings of Lord Hanuman or Lord Shani, the temples provide an invaluable space for connection, spiritual growth, and community building.

Adelaide’s diverse Hindu population finds solace and strength in these temples, where religious, cultural, and social activities come together. Through these sacred spaces, the community continues to thrive, reinforcing its bonds with the divine and with each other.