Children Involved with Conservation

VETPAW understands the importance of children in the success of the wildlife conservation efforts by organizations across the planet. Here are a few ways through which children can create awareness about wildlife conservation: 

1. Be aware: The first step to creating awareness is to be aware and informed. Children can research and learn about:

• • Wildlife and its significance for the ecosystem
  • Various threats to endangered species
  • The conservation efforts across the globe
  • The latest news and trends about wildlife 

In-depth knowledge of these will enable children to share the right information confidently and make an impact upon the listeners.

1. Petition: Starting a petition for a cause that children feel strongly about not only helps the wildlife conservation cause but also helps children learn to develop and stand by their opinions and beliefs. They can investigate in-depth about a particular wildlife cause like protecting an endangered species, preserving habitats, or anti-poaching movements. Reaching out to local stores and communities, known personalities, influencers, and print media houses can give momentum to the cause.
2. Fundraising: All conservation efforts need money to function efficiently and continuously. There are resources such as human capital, technological and communication devices, and protection gears that are indispensable to the conservation process. Children can contribute by raising funds for their favorite wildlife conservation organizations through the following ways:

• • Bake sales and lemonade stands
  • Animal photo booths
  • Handmade calendars, cards, and other stationery
  • Wildlife-themed fundraising parties 
  • Online crowdfunding platforms

1. Reach out to the government: After the research, if there is an area of wildlife preservation the authorities may have been neglecting or an endangered species that is not receiving the funding or support needed, children can bring it to notice. Writing an email to the designated person or an influential authority may provide a much-needed boost to the conservation efforts. 
2. Start a wildlife newsletter at school: Children can reach out to their peers with newsletters that are all about wildlife - how it impacts humans, its conservation, endangered species, the conservation challenges, renowned organizations and conservationists and their activities, and so on. This will not only keep everyone updated but also keep wildlife in focus.
3. Go on a wildlife expedition: Witnessing first-hand the beautiful wildlife in its natural habitat, the efforts conservationists make to protect wildlife, and the local communities in these areas, will transform the way wildlife conservation is viewed.  

The VETPAW Experience is one such journey that is incredible not only for its fun factor but the immense knowledge that it grants. These expeditions could be organized via schools or communities and can lead to the making of future protectors of wildlife.

1. Create awareness about wildlife-related careers: Another amazing way to inspire or enhance the love for wildlife is to fuse talent with service. Spreading awareness about wildlife-related careers can help peers find their calling and earn the wildlife conservation movement a lot of support. Wildlife photographers, biologists, veterinarians, and animal nutritionists are some of the professions that children who aspire to be close to wildlife can take up. They can shadow these experts during internships or summer vacations to learn more and create realistic career goals. 
2. Start a volunteer club: Reaching out to organizations that work with wildlife and volunteering to help in kind or by raising funds is one way to create awareness and impact. Enrolling peers and adults to volunteer is a concrete way of keeping wildlife conservation at the forefront. 

VETPAW invites a lot of volunteers to help support them in conserving wildlife. Some of these volunteering activities can be performed remotely.