Why I chose SAASA

SAASA's main focus, as stated on the homepage of its website, is to improve the lives of the wild animals at each of their sanctuaries. It acknowledges both the physical and psychological health of its wildlife, so makes sure the animals are content in their surroundings as well as physically healthy. Care far exceeds what is required in the regulations of animal welfare. The sanctuaries provide a home for the wildlife that is as close to their natural habitat as possible, with large spaces to roam, indigenous plants, and the proper food to ensure a healthy and balanced diet. The sanctuaries also have a no touching policy, which allows the species to become better accustomed to a wild habitat.

SAASA emphasises its mission to educate the public about wild animals, the adverse effects of keeping them as pets and their rights in tourism. It's also great to hear that SAASA is active in animal rights campaigns, such as #animalrightsintourism and #handsoffourwildlife. It is important to me that any wildlife organisation I work with now or in the future supports the protection of wild animals, especially in tourism.

In tourism, wildlife is often exploited. Wild animals are regularly used as commodities to attract visitors and in turn make more money, but this can mean that the wellbeing of the wildlife is disregarded. Tourists often don't realise that the once-in-a-lifetime activities they are experiencing while exploring another country, like riding elephants, petting tiger cubs, or playing with monkeys, can actually have a detrimental effect on the animals' health. While taking part in this kind of activity might seem like an incredible experience that is relatively harmless, paying to do them can inadvertently support animal cruelty because the organisations that host them do not always care for the physical and psychological needs of their wildlife. Tourists publishing photos of themselves interacting with wild animals to social media can also be harmful, as it might encourage other people to do the same. It is therefore important for wildlife organisations like SAASA to support the protection of animals, educate the public about animal rights in tourism, and promote messages surrounding wildlife protection through their photos, videos and social media.

Being involved with SAASA is already helping me to become more aware of the issues surrounding how wildlife is treated in tourism. I can't wait to learn more and help support SAASA by promoting the messages they care about through the content I create.

As well as their passion for animal rights, there are many more reasons SAASA appealed to me as an organisation to volunteer with. I am thrilled there's the option to be a media volunteer with SAASA; I initially thought I would be volunteering at one wildlife sanctuary just for the experience of working closely with animals, but as well as this I'll be able to use my skills as a photographer and filmmaker while volunteering at SAASA which is amazing! It's also exciting that I'll be able to volunteer at all three of the sanctuaries - I'll be learning about a huge range of different species and will have the chance to really broaden my skills as a wildlife filmmaker. To top this all off, since choosing to volunteer with SAASA, I've come across blogs from previous volunteers who loved their time there and have spoken to people who have been to a couple of the sanctuaries as tourists who told me they really enjoyed the experience.

I'll keep you all updated on what volunteering for SAASA is like while I'm there - I'm sure it'll live up to my very high expectations!

Jess x