I’m struggling to pull my thoughts together. Struggling even to sit down with my laptop and write this article. This Corona Virus is ever present in my thoughts and occupying far too much of my time.
At least 3 Ways Corona Virus is hurting Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers
ONE: Being distracted.
Be honest, aren’t you also watching your screen for updates? Chatting with friends on Facebook about their experience? Wondering if the meager stash of toilet paper in your closet is going to last? And the list goes on… tons of things on our minds, distracting us from helping where most needed right now. Have you thought about how Corona virus is hurting wildlife? Well it is.
TWO: Travel Ban.
The President of Zimbabwe appealed to foreigners to postpone their visits for at least 30 days. This is huge for the game reserves who rely heavily on foreign visitors. It’s crippling for wildlife rehabilitation centers who rely on paid volunteers.
“It’s really grim at the moment…” Baye with Free to be Wild (Wildlife Rehabilitation Center outside of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) told us. “We have lost almost all our volunteer bookings.” With centers like Baye’s relying heavily on the income from their paid volunteers this is devastating. Not only do the volunteers assist with the care of the animals, they also bring in much needed funding. Without this, help and money, Baye’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is struggling to care for all the rescued animals. Although we can’t wave a magic wand and produce volunteers to help with the injured baby zebra, confiscated pangolin, and orphaned monkeys we can help pay for feed, transportation and vet bills.
It’s real easy.
THREE: Economic downturn.
The stock markets are suffering the worst losses since 1987! Job losses in the travel industry, ports, bakeries and other sectors abound. People are rushing to stores to stock up on the basics. Toilet paper, flour, beans and canned goods are flying off the shelves.
Folks are rethinking where they spend their money. This severely shift impacts the cash flow for Silke with Bambelela (Wildlife Rehabilitation Center near Bela Bela, South Africa.) Silke said, “We’ve had to put a release on hold now, though everything is in place.” Everything is ready to go for this rehabilitated monkey troop to live free again. They can smell freedom. However, due to the drop off in donations they… But wait, you and I can do something about this! If everyone reading this makes a comfortable donation we surely can get these monkeys out there into the bush… living as they were born to do.
Helping is easy.
Silke and Belinda treat an injured monkey
A crisis like Corona Virus can do one of two things… bring out the best or worst in us. What’s it doing to you?
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