According to the UN, Animal trade is only the third biggest illicit activity behind drug trafficking and weapons trafficking. Animal that are smuggled and trafficked are primarily used as pets or killed for their fur, skins or organs (especially in Asia), Around 80% of these animals die often incredibly painful and pointless deaths before they even reach their destination.
There is often very little or no help to help regulate wildlife trade and while many governments have joined CITES (The Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species), Projects are often poorly funded and staffed.
Releasing trafficked animals is often a death sentence as they are too weak, ill or are simply too damaged to look after themselves.
This is where animal rescue centres that are dedicated to looking after these animals play the most important and absoulutely vital role.
Merazonia is a rescue centre for trafficked and abused animals, in Mera, Equador.
Not just an animal rescue centre it also aims to re-educate local children and adults alike with education programs.
I am planning to volunteer at this center for 2 months from may 2009. This is where I ask for your help. Volunteers are vital for the centers running and I need to raise £2000 in order to pay for my lodging, food and construction materials for the center.
I plan to raise this money through fundraising events such as sponsored bungee jumps, walks, cycles, car washes and any other wacky, dangerous or downright stupid ways I can think of to raise money (such as sponsored body hair waxing!)
Every little penny helps so dig deep! Check the diary for any upcoming sponsored events!