GROWN-UP GAPPERS MEET THE GERIATRIC PANTHER
Working Conservation Holidays Set in Wild and Remote Destinations

Whether part of the UK’s fast emerging market sector of ‘grown-up gappers’ planning a career break, or a student looking for an unforgettable gap year, joining the WildWings team of ‘ecovolunteers’ and working with exotic big cats and bears in Florida, or with endangered Iberian wolves in a Portuguese recovery centre, would be a thrilling option. And, what’s more, it would be fulfilling too …

Who could possibly resist two of the most recent inhabitants of the 36-hectare animal sanctuary at Zolfo Springs, Florida - 14-year old American black bears, ‘Molly’ and ‘Dolly’ – rescued from an abandoned road-side tourist attraction. For some time the bears were well cared for by a keeper but, for the last two years, they have miraculously survived on pizza, chocolate doughnuts, honey-covered pancakes and 5-gallon buckets of potato chips, donated by local townsfolk. The sanctuary is now a permanent home for these two bears.

An impressive array of big cats call the sanctuary home: two tigers, seven pumas and three Siberian Lynx, as well as a true Florida panther - a ‘geriatric’ at more than 25 years old. All live alongside an expansive species list including American black bear, leopard, buffalo, emu, spider monkey, skunk and Egyptian fruit bats.

Florida’s non-profit wildlife sanctuary is totally dedicated to the adoption of confiscated, retired, abused or otherwise homeless exotic animals and an encouraging fact is that a staggering 77% of the cost of the trip goes directly to the project.

Closer to home, the Iberian wolf centre is set in the rural surroundings of Portugal’s historic town of Mafra, lying between the metropolis of Lisbon and the mountainous Atlantic coastline. The centre’s natural environment provides care and protection for wolves that can no longer survive in the wild. A serious threat of extinction faces the rare sub-species of the Spanish-Portuguese population and the centre’s education programme helps create a greater awareness and understanding of the real dangers facing these illusive, intelligent creatures.

Caring for over twenty injured and rescued wolves at any one time, together with a chance to maximise the potential of the centre’s education programme, provides a superb opportunity to experience firsthand the many facets of wolf conservation.

Both centres actively encourage participants to become totally involved in the daily care of the animals including enclosure building, landscaping and grounds maintenance (d-i-y heaven!), mastering the roles of both chef and waiter to the animals, opportunities for the more creative to produce educational materials and, inevitably of course, scooping the poop!

Both projects offer year-round opportunities.

For two weeks working in Florida’s wildlife refuge centre prices start at £340 (including accommodation, food and participation in the project). Accommodation is close to the sanctuary at a comfortable camp near the Peace River. Flights to either Tampa or Orlando are not included in the price.

For two weeks working in the Iberian Wolf recovery centre prices start at £320 (including accommodation and participation in the project; food is not included in the price). Participants stay in a wooden house complete with fully equipped kitchen, located inside the reserve. Travel to Lisbon is not included in the price.

Many other international projects set in wild and remote destinations can be found on the website www.ecovolunteer.org.uk.

For press enquiries please contact Debra Taylor at toucanmoon 01491 613424 debra@toucanmoon.com

WildWings
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Prepared by toucanmoon /12 January 2005
St John’s Hall, Shirburn Street, Watlington OX49 5BT
(t) 01491 613424 (e) debra@toucanmoon.com