I’m trying to find as much information as I can about this. Like specific legislation, stories from people who’ve tried to unionize, success stories, etc. I’m in my third winter of struggling because my seasonal job ended. I‘ve worked so hard in this field and actually suffered because of it and I feel like I have nothing to show for it. Last year there was so much talk of unionizing at my job and no one showed up to help me. I am astounded by the sheer amount of racism and sexual harassment I’ve faced in a field that touts itself for being ethical and liberal. This is the only field I’ve enjoyed working in and I’m good at it, but at this point I don’t know if it’s worth staying in. Right now it feels like I made a huge mistake even working in the conservation industry.

Edit: This is in the midwestern United States.

Giving Tuesday is one day of the year during the holiday season to encourage people to give back to the organizations supporting our wildlife, sealife, and environment. Although Giving Tuesday is today, your support is welcomed any time of the year!

This year we've rounded up some inspiring and successful front-line conservation organizations that need your help. Take a look at our list below for organizations you can be supporting this holiday season and in 2024. Most organizations have donation-matching programs to make your donation go even farther! Also, feel free to give a shout-out to your favorite conservation organizations!

Can't donate right now? That's okay! Educate yourself, your family, and your friends and encourage them to donate. Ask your employer to become a corporate sponsor. When the time is right for you, get involved by volunteering or help your favorite front-line organization by hosting a fundraiser online or an in-person event.

Akashinga - Formerly known as the IAPF, Akashinga has been renamed after its famed all-female anti-poaching ranger group. The organization operates anti-poaching ranger training facilities in southern Africa and provides anti-poaching and conservation services for a wide array of wildlife, but most notably rhino. They are committed to its core objectives of education, research, leadership, and awareness of environmental issues and support a variety of conservation, education, and anti-poaching projects and groups across southern Africa. Registered as a charitable organization in Australia, UK, and USA.

Animals Asia – Operating in Asia as a charitable organization since 1998, Animals Asia focuses on rescuing bears from illegal captivity. They operate sanctuaries for bears in Vietnam and China, both of which have legal and illegal large-scale commercial bear farming operations. They also work to change the dog and cat meat trade as well as provide care for abandoned or stray animals. Animals Asia works to improve animal welfare and strive for sustainable solutions through education and activism at local and governmental levels. Registered as a non-profit in several countries. A variety of volunteer opportunities and online donations are available.

Arcturos - Providing brown bear and wolf sanctuaries in Greece for around 3 decades, Arcturos provides for the well-being of top apex predators and advocates for the end of the use of these and other animals in circus performances. They also have a Greek Shepherd Dog program which successfully deters predator attacks on local farmers' livestock while also preserving a historically important dog breed.

Cheetah Conservation Fund - Taking a holistic approach to conservation in Namibia, CCF has worked for over 30 years to save the remaining cheetah, conserve their environment for the future, conduct genetic research into the species, and to support and educate the local communities who are part of that ecosystem. CCF has worked hand-in-hand with numerous communities to improve their agricultural techniques, initiated a Livestock Guarding Dogs program to protect the livelihoods of farmers, and generally support coexistence. Registered as a charity in Namibia and the United States. In Australia, Canada, and Europe tax-deductible donations may be available if made through partnered non-profits.

Environmental Investigation Agency - The EIA does more than raise awareness and campaign for global climate, forests and threatened species. They send undercover investigators to catch wildlife traffickers and timber companies illegally deforesting vast areas. Together with local law enforcement and intelligence agencies, EIA operates where environmental crimes are being committed and bring justice to these criminals. Registered as a non-profit in UK and USA.

Global Penguin Society - GPS is partnered with Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN), a large organization that helps smaller ones get the funding (and awareness) that they wouldn't otherwise receive compared to big organizations like WWF that usually get the headlines. Please note that when you donate to GPS they use WCN's WildNET website to process their credit card transactions so you will be redirected to that site to make the donation. They are 100% safe to use and are kind of like JustGiving in terms of aggregating payments for multiple groups that don't want to go through the hassle of managing the security of their own credit card payments. Registered as a non-profit in USA and tax-deductible.

International Rhino Foundation – Founded in 1989 the IRF has a major commitment to the Critically Endangered rhino of Asia as well as a sizable commitment to rhino conservation efforts in Africa. Their broad scope of projects, including management, monitoring, research, and protection of wildlife is focused to maintain and even increase rhino populations in select areas. They also provide anti-poaching training and support. Registered as a non-profit in USA.

Painted Dog Conservation – Since 2002, PDC has operated a rehabilitation facility and clinic in Zimbabwe to support the health and future of African painted dogs (also called painted wolves). They also monitor wild packs of painted dogs for their safety while also collecting behavioral and genetic information to better understand the species and develop management plan for ecosystems with painted dogs. PDC has their own anti-poaching unit working closely with the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority and Forestry Commission to provide direct-action against poaching and reduce human-wildlife conflict. PDC is registered as a charity in Australia, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States. Donations may be tax-deductible/tax-effective in the United Kingdom and United States.

Save the Elephants – Founded in 1993 by Iain Douglas-Hamilton, author of two books on elephants as well as television films or documentaries. STE provides a number of crucial roles in the field through anti-poaching, human-wildlife conflict mediation and mitigation, local education initiatives, as well as funding of studies and research on elephants. Registered as a non-profit and donations may be tax deductible in the UK, USA, and South Africa.

Sea Turtle Conservancy – Founded in 1956, STC has seen great success in preventing the Caribbean green turtle from becoming extinct and in improving populations of turtles throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and Florida. Advocacy and policy initiatives backed by scientific research in addition to direct habitat conservation have made STC an incredibly successful organization. Education and outreach programs have reached over half a million children worldwide and continues to teach the importance of protecting the regions' habitats and beaches. Management and stewardship programs, as well as hands-on volunteering opportunities, allow people of all ages and skill-levels to get involved in sea turtle conservation. Registered as a tax-deductible charity in the United States.

Snow Leopard Trust - Since being founded in 1981 the Snow Leopard Trust has supported research, community-based conservation, and funding long-term programs to preserve snow leopards and their habitat. The Trust currently operates in 5 Asian countries constituting roughly 75% of the snow leopard’s natural range and takes a community-oriented approach to preserving the traditions of local people and the habitat of local wildlife. Registered as a non-profit in USA.

Wildlife SOS India – Established in 1995, the organization has grown into a multi-faceted conservation group undertaking wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, anti-poaching, conservation awareness campaigns, and also seeks to uplift and improve the lives of the local residents of Kalandar. Wildlife SOS allows tourists to visit their bear rescue facility and elephant conservation center. They also welcome volunteers for longer visits at the rescue facilities assisting with day-to-day operations. Registered as a charity in both the United Kingdom and United States.

Want to see more? Check the /r/AntiPoaching list of Front-line Conservation Groups, search Charity Navigator, or post a suggestion yourself! Have a question? Post it!

I’ve been considering moving to Nebraska where my brother and his girlfriend live to get a degree in conservation. His girlfriend’s uncle is a conservationist and said that he attended community college in that same area. I’ve never considered community college instead of a university. Would attending community college get me just as far in this field as a degree from a private university would?

For example, when I see road signs related to deer crossings, I am curious if there is a data base or website that shares this type of information either locally or across the entire country.

Hey everyone,

I applied for my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in early May, but it was refused on September 19th because I was deemed not a full-time student, despite graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) as a full-time student. I submitted proof of my status and an explanation letter on October 1st as part of a RECONSIDERATION request.

I called the IRCC helpline on November 28th to check the status and learned that my request is categorized as additional documents, not a reconsideration. The agent forwarded my request to the responsible office regarding my case by now I’m feeling anxious since my study permit expired on August 30th, leaving me unable to work and struggling financially. The IRCC agent also advised me to apply for restoration of status and reapply for the PGWP. I do not have enough money to pay a lawyer.

I did my own research and found a page https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/epay/order.do?category=17 about paying the restoration fee, but I need clarity on whether to apply as a visitor or a student since I've completed my studies in April. Should I just pay the restoration fee using the link and attach the receipt to my new PGWP application? Any guidance would be appreciated. AM I on the right path for the restoration process?

I am optimistic about my reconsideration letter and the proof I have provided but in case given the time frame and to be on the safe side, I choose to take a step forward and reapply for my PGWP when I still have a chance.

Thank you feed!

For the last few years the village I reside in has put on a tree lighting ceremony on the 1st of December. During this ceremony they shoot streamers, confetti and glitter all over the street. I’ve had to clean the trash myself as no one else in this village can be bothered to do so. I’ve addressed this with the mayor of my village with my environmental concerns and have basically just been told that if I’m worried about it I can clean it up. Last year I worked a lot immediately after and the trash was left there for weeks. The ceremony for this year just finished (it’s right outside my window) and I’m absolutely fuming. Can someone please tell me if and who I can report this to? I plan on taking pictures in the morning when I go out to see the damage and start my cleaning process on my weekend (I’m a server while in school for wildlife biology so I work Wednesday-Sunday). Any and all help much appreciated.

Hello everyone,

To introduce myself, I am a Master's student in Environmental Science with a Bachelor's degree in Biology. I also completed a two-month internship on the reintroduction of the yellow-bellied toad in Belgium.

I have several questions.

First, I saw an internship offer at the IUCN office in Brussels last August to which I applied, but I never received a response, even though the internship was supposed to start in October. I recently saw another internship offer at the same office this month, which is expected to start in February, and I applied again. How can I ensure I get a response, even if it's negative, and avoid being left in limbo? I am placing a lot of hope in this internship, as it would be an incredible gateway to start a career in nature conservation.

Most of the offers I see are usually for volunteer work. Do you have any suggestions on where I can look or institutions I can contact to find paid internships? I know that if the internship or organization is located in a European territory (even places like Curaçao, Guadeloupe, or French Polynesia), I can finance the internship with an Erasmus scholarship. I am totally willing to relocate and be in nature to gain experience.

Also, I wanted to ask what your positions are and the corresponding salaries? I’m trying to understand the job market and the mobility that comes with it.

I am a 27 yr old graduate zoologist and I am desperate to have a career in conservation/wildlife, always have been. Life just hasn’t turned out that way for me so far and I have lost a few years due to Covid and now i am nearing 30 in an environmental consultancy job that I really loathe so I want to make the change.

My question is am I too old to start a career in conservation? I don’t have much experience just my BSc and some voluntary work in Laos back in 2018. And I have worked for this company for the past 5 years. I don’t even know where to start looking for jobs.

All I know is, I definitely would want to be based abroad not in the U.K. and I like to stay active not desk based as that is what I do now.

I would love some honesty and some advice if someone could take the time to educate me! Also how important is QGIS and should I prioritise my time learning it back to front? What does the day in the life of a conservationist/zoologist actually look like? Anything would be really helpful!

Ps have tried connecting with others on LinkedIn nobody ever seems to get back to me!

TIA 🙂

I'm looking to protect the environment specifically from human activity like pollution, deforestation etc. to protect animals, humans and nature. I'd like to help come up with plans and implement them in the environment. What exactly should I look into? Thanks.