Changes and Grief

Hi Friends,

It’s the update that we never want to write, some of our programs are no longer available starting August 2026. Yes, right now. Two that we have to take off our list are wildlife rehab in Australia and shark conservation in South Africa. Why the changes? Many things really: avian flu making biosecurity complicated, declining volunteer numbers, lack of funding, anxiety about travel, and more.

Ethical travel and ethical volunteer travel are not stable markets, you can’t bet on them forever because if you are going to do something ethical, you aren’t going to cut corners, you ARE going to listen to your partners and follow their wishes. Both our partners in Australia and South Africa are deeply heartbroken by the changes in the programs but they said this was the only way to survive as a centre (in Australia they are only having local volunteers) and survive without incurring mountains of personal debt (in South Africa, the research project will be in indefinite hiatus).

What does this mean for you? It means, and this sounds harsh, if you were waiting to go to South Africa for shark or Australia for wildlife volunteering- this is no longer an option through AEI. We don’t have any projects lined up to replace them and we are just as devastated as our partners. We have been partnered with both programs for more than 10 years. If you are looking for a sign to book a trip, as corny as it sounds, here it is. Placements run off donations and volunteer help, if those change or if safety concerns change then we lose our chance to send volunteers.

We are devastated, we are grieving but we are resolute in our hope for the future. We have many other programs you can volunteer with right now and we hope you take this as a motivator. Change is possible but only if we take action.

See you soon friends,

Nora

Why We Need More Volunteers Than International Vets

by Hannah Fowler

At Animal Experience International (AEI), we love connecting passionate people from around the world with projects that make a difference for animals. But when it comes to long- term, sustainable change, there’s one truth that we see again and again: local veterinarians are the cornerstone of animal welfare.

Why Local Vets Matter Most

International volunteers—whether they’re vet students, professionals, or simply animal lovers—can do amazing things to support animal hospitals, sanctuaries, and conservation programs. But volunteers come and go. Local vets are the ones who stay. They understand not only the animals, but also the cultural context, available resources, and community needs. A local vet knows which medicines are accessible and affordable in their area. They know how to build trust with community members, ensuring that solutions are practical and long-lasting. When there aren’t enough local vets, it’s often a sign of limited opportunity in education and training. And without local expertise, communities can become dependent on international

support— which can be very unstable—something we saw clearly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel restrictions made it nearly impossible for volunteers to be on the ground.

Where Volunteers Fit In

So if local vets are so essential, why do we still need volunteers? The answer is simple: there’s always more work than one person—or one small team—can handle. Caring for animals means daily, consistent, and often repetitive tasks: cleaning enclosures, preparing food, assisting with enrichment, and monitoring behavior. These aren’t glamorous jobs, but they are absolutely fundamental to an animal's health and welfare. When volunteers step in to handle these important everyday tasks, local vets can focus on what only they can do—complex surgeries, medical diagnoses, and community outreach. In this way, volunteers don’t replace local vets, they empower them to do their best work.

Building Sustainable Change Together

At AEI, we’re committed to making sure volunteer placements strengthen—not overshadow—local expertise. Our role is to provide safe, ethical opportunities for volunteers to support communities, while ensuring that local professionals remain the leaders of long-term animal care. By working hand in hand, volunteers and local vets create a balance: volunteers provide the extra hands needed for daily care, and vets provide the knowledge, experience, and continuity that ensures animal welfare truly thrives.Because at the end of the day, it’s about partnership, sustainability, and respect—for the animals, for the communities, and for the people who dedicate their lives to caring for both.