Updates On 9th Jul 2014

Some feedback from one of the recent volunteers to visit our Sanctuary in Lao.

Thanks Angela!

“It�s 10am in the morning and it STILL feels like I should be out in the warming sun, checking in on the moon bears – hopefully to catch them in play. Instead, I�m in my air-conditioned corporate office, pushing papers. The �real world� that I am in feels like an alternate reality and my body and muscles, which still remember the toil of the past 2 weeks, actually WANT to be back in Laos� Volunteering at the Sanctuary in Lao was a singular experience that I will never, ever forget.

If you are a potential volunteer, go ahead and jump right in. You won�t regret it.

Some highlights of we did:

� Built outside dens for the 4 gorgeous, male moon bears who were still in their concrete enclosures (they deserve so much better).

� Cleaned and scrubbed enclosures to provide better living environments for the animals.

� Worked our muscles like never before as we felled trees, hacked at logs, split bamboo and mixed cement.

� Prepared enrichment for the animals in the form of treats � this gives them something to do and adds some fun to their daily routine.

� Spent time with the animals, getting to know them in ways that watching Nat Geo Wild won�t prepare you for (you WILL fall in love with at least one of them and cry buckets from missing �your� animal).

� Formed friendships quickly � nothing like communal torture, ahem, I mean labour (heheh), to encourage teamwork and camaraderie.

Be Prepared:

� The vegan diet that we were assigned to really hit me really hard � make sure you have a fair supply of comfort foods. (Instant noodles were a lifesaver, so were cookies, nuts, dried fruit and snacks. You can only get so much variety at the convenience stores in Lao, so bring your personal favs!)

� Bring work gloves and more than one pair � they get dirty fast!

� Bring your own rubber boots if you can � you�ll spend most of your time in them, plus they help channel your inner zoo keeper like no other shoes can.

� A personalized travel medication kit for blisters, cuts and scrapes � plasters, antibiotic ointments and antibacterial sprays will all come in useful.

� The best insect repellent you can buy � there are mosquitoes and they are all starving�

� A light rain poncho you can fit into your bag and carry around.

Basically, imagine that you are a zoo keeper who will be living in a zoo for 12 days, with limited opportunity to get supplies outside. Now pack accordingly.

I�m missing the sanctuary and so very thankful for the experience. Despite the hardships (the food and physical labour) I am grateful. I have never spent as much time with moon bears and never knew them to be as sweet as they are. Know that the work that you do DIRECTLY impacts the animals and that will drive you to work hard, work gratefully and sleep well.

Good luck future volunteers and I hope to meet you back in Lao at the sanctuary someday soon!”

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152256021371523&se..

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ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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