Beyond Cats & Dogs - 8 Ways To Adopt An Animal
December 1, 2007 | In Easy Ways To Help |
What do the words “adopt an animal” bring to your mind? The image of a cute kitten or puppy? How about a bunny rabbit? (Although my husband wanted a rabbit, I’m very glad we got a cat instead.) I don’t think anyone can argue that adopting an animal is a good way to help make the world a better place.
But, what if you’re allergic to animals? What if a cat, dog, rabbit, or even a bird or snake aren’t quite your thing? What if you travel frequently and can’t care for an animal? What if you like to stay home but even your plants get neglected?
Guess what? There’s a way to adopt an animal - an exotic animal - and get someone else to care for it.
Perhaps you have heard of the Adopt a Wild Animal Programs, perhaps you haven’t. Even if you have, you probably aren’t aware of all the options out there. I’ve looked over the web and come up with a good list of Adopt a Wild Animal Programs to get you started. They range in price, some come with a stuffed version of the animal, some don’t - but they all provide a way for you to give even if you don’t have a lot of time or energy.
Please note: all images copyright of the respective organizations. I’m using them for illustration only.
Animals of the Water:
1. The Nature Conservatory has an adoption program to “help protect critical marine habitats and species of the coral reefs of the tropics.” As a reminder, Nemo lives on a coral reef.
2. The International Otter Survival Fund was “set up to protect and help the 13 species of otter worldwide through a combination of compassion and science.” Otters are so cute and fun to watch, but until I found this site, I didn’t know there are 13 different species!
3. Save The Manatee Club has an adoption program for these large, gentle animals also called “Sea Cows” because they are plant eaters.
4. The Whale Center of New England is “one of the oldest whale research groups in the world.” Humpback whales are beautiful to look at and beautiful to listen to. Check out the website above to adopt a Humpback Whale or listen to recordings of their songs (click “Audio/Video” on the left hand menu bar)
African Wildlife:
5. The African Wildlife Foundation has 18 types of animals you can adopt, including Elephants, Rhinos and Gorillas. They also have an option to Adopt An Acre, to “Give African Wildlife Room to Roam.”
6. The Cheetah Conservation Fund helps these spotted cats who can run up to 70 mph. Quite beautiful, and in need of help.
Choose Your Own:
The following two organizations have several animals from which to choose, there is overlap in species, but differences in packages, so I’ve included both.
7. Defenders of Wildlife is a “national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.”
8. The World Wildlife Federation’s “ultimate goal is to build a future where people live in harmony with nature.”
Whether whales, elephants, pandas, eagles, or wolves, adopting a wild animal is fun, easy, and helps preserve a little piece of nature. Adopt for yourself, or adopt as a gift for someone else. Either way, you’ve made a difference.
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