#to educate others about their species and conservation. they’re all non-releasable and are trained to be ambassadors for their kind.

[fowlblue]

In excellent news, I have now been signed off on the animal ambassadors I’ve been working with this semester- this means I am now a trainer (albeit not a mentor) as opposed to being trained in how to work with them.

Behold.

[yahooin-travel-inspirations]

Close encounters of the furry kind: animal sanctuaries around the world you should visit at least once

Animal sanctuaries around the world provide safe havens to injured animals, or animals rescued from cruel, unethical, or unsafe environments, and are run by people who genuinely care about the furry (or not so furry) wards under their care. And if you’re an animal lover just like us, the highlight of your trip to a cool new country is when you get to make some cool new animal friends! A great way to do this is by visiting animal sanctuaries in and around the cities you’re travelling to — especially since whatever money you spend on tickets, souvenirs, or experiences in sanctuaries typically goes towards the upkeep for existing animals there, or towards rescuing more animals that need help.  

Ready for some close encounters with some of the most adorable creatures known to Man? Start pinning these animal sanctuaries to your wanderlust Pinterest board now!

Wolf Conservation Center

Photo: Wolf Conservation Center

Channel your inner wolf at the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, New York! Home to up to thirty wolves, the center’s focus is on captive breeding and pre-release of endangered wolf species in the eastern United States. Their efforts have brought about a revival in population numbers for the Mexican gray wolf and the red wolf, both of which were once completely extinct in the wild. Most of the wolves at the center are off exhibit, as the ultimate goal is to release them back to their natural habitat one day. A handful of wolves, however, act as “ambassadors”, and you can meet them through a guided tour of the facility. The Wolf Conservation Center aims to educate the public (especially young children) on the importance of sustaining wild wolf populations, and their crucial impact on the overall ecosystem. If you’d like a more intimate experience, you can also sign up for the Wild Nocturnal Adventure — this is where you can literally sleep in tents just a few feet away from these majestic creatures.

Bat World Sanctuary

Photo: Green World DFW

There are two types of people: those who are terrified of bats, and those who think these winged mammals are nothing but adorable. If you identify as the latter, then mark this place on your bucket list. It all started in the ‘80s, when founder Amanda Lollar found a tiny injured bat on a sidewalk and nursed it back to health. Her love for this creature of the night began that day, and in 1994, she founded the Bat World Sanctuary in Parker County, Texas, U.S. Today, the sanctuary is home to more than 100,000 bats, and even has a ‘bat castle’ where these critters roam free. This non-profit conservation organisation also runs education programs, which aim to spread the message that bats aren’t as scary as they’re often made out to be.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Photo: CNN

This is a relatively new sanctuary on Thailand’s popular beach destination, Phuket. Not to be confused with other elephant parks of similar name, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the sister to Chiangmai’s Elephant Nature Park (founded by the original elephant whisperer Lek Chailert). Sitting on a wide expanse of jungle on the outskirts of Phuket, the sanctuary is now home to six lovely elephants (and counting). Some are here living out their golden years after decades of cruel servitude, while others were brought here after being found sick, injured, or malnourished. Their tagline is ‘Where elephants are elephants’, and aptly so — the elephants here roam wherever they like, completely free from shackles, whips, and human instruction. A half-day tour will take you on a trek around the reserve, where you can observe the elephants just doing their own thing. You will get to feed the elephants, and will have a chance to be close to them, but riding or bathing them are strictly not allowed here. Do note though that you can only visit the sanctuary if you’ve made a booking — no walk-ins are accepted.

Hetta Huskies, Finland

Photo: Hetta Huskies

Visiting Scandinavia and want to experience an authentic dogsled safari? Look out for a dogsled operator that promises ethical care of their sled dogs. A prime example of a homestead that places their puppers’ well-being as a priority, the homestead has won multiple awards for responsible tourism standards and excellent animal welfare. Hetta prides themselves on their adorable huskies, who are all well-trained, well-rested, and basically very good doggos. At the right time of year, you can also hop on a sled tour chasing down the Northern Lights! And if you’re interested, you can also sign up for professional development courses at their in-house school, and train to be a husky guide —perfect if you’re planning a gap year!

Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Borneo

Photo: Sabah Tourism

With ever-increasing deforestation and destruction to natural habitats, our primate cousins are literally staring extinction in the eye. The orangutan in particular, one of mankind’s closest relatives, is currently critically endangered. Poachers are also a big threat to these thinking, feeling apes; infants are snatched away and sold to the exotic pets trade, and their mothers are sometimes killed in the process. The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo, Malaysia aims to rehabilitate these primates in need. The sanctuary cares for around 60-80 orphaned and injured orangutans, nursing them back to health in a protected rainforest spanning 43 square kilometres. If you’d like to catch a glimpse of these primates, and get a taste of the Bornean rainforest, join a guided trek through the lush lowland reserve. You’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these beautiful animals up close, and in the wild — where they belong.

About the author:

Cherylene Renee is an adrenaline junkie, with a thirst for travel and adventure. She bungee jumps, scuba dives, and hunts for the world’s most insane rollercoasters. Check out her adventures and travel tips on Wandersugar.com, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.