Reddit4Good: subreddits focused on some aspect of volunteerism, community service or philanthropy.

https://www.reddit.com/r/volunteer/comments/sedenq/reddit4good_subreddits_focused_on_some_aspect_of/

1. Money! We make a huge impact with a small budget - can only imagine what we could do with some serious backing.
2. More influence within the government to address animal welfare/ wildlife trafficking country-wide.

what is the one thing that would make your work immediately easier?

Thank you!

Thank you very much -- me too! x

I actually assumed it would involve protecting animals. I’ve heard being a park ranger/security at the sanctuaries (don’t know what the actual job title is) in Africa are some one the most dangerous jobs in the world so I related it to that. People don’t like having their money threatened. The animal trade sucks, but that’s awesome work you are doing! Hope you continue to stay safe!

This isn't as common in our region/in the country of Peru in general. Weapons are not permitted and are difficult to get in Peru. Luckily we've never reached this level of conflict and even though I've been in some difficult situations that could have become life-threatening, it turned out ok.

I've been in a few potentially life-threatening situations (all involving people, not animals). The jungle has been good to me.
We run into conflicts sometimes, not always with "illegal loggers" as most people would expect, but rather people trafficking wildlife. Those trafficking wild animals are often involved in other lucrative and illegal activities like the gun/drug trade, and are often armed/more dangerous and more used to intense situations. We work hand-in-hand with local governments to rescue animals, sometimes from situations where the police need to get involved and threats are made. Being a foreigner adds a layer of complexity that can be hard to manage. It is very helpful to have the almost 10-year experience with local people/communities that I do, as it adds a layer of respect and credibility to our work and also keeps us safe.

Given how often people in your position are assassinated, what kind of heavy weaponry are you using?

One of the biggest moral conflicts around rewilding is 1) when to start breaking free from an individual wild animal to let them become more independent and 2) choosing the right time to release them into the wild. There is no protocol as every species and even every individual are completely different. They come to us at different ages, with different backgrounds and traumas - physically and psychologically. We have to make really tough decisions about their futures. For instance, wild animals that have come from the pet trade and are extremely used to/most comfortable with human presence. It is difficult and quite emotional to turn away, but often times we have to. This is when speaking to animals would come in really handy...
We also face inter-governmental and inter-organizational issues you just wouldn't expect in this field. We are all working toward the same goal - right? What is best for animals -- right? Not always right. Some people/orgs/govs have different protocols and often times different decisions -- ones that conflict with my personal morals. In the end you have to stand up for what you believe is right, while also recognizing the bigger picture. Easier said than done!

What is the most dangerous situation you have been in?

You didn’t ask the question

For more AMAs on this topic, subscribe to r/IAmA_Science, and check out our other topic-specific AMA subreddits here.

I wish I was able to apply both my masters and doctoral work more specifically to my work at Hoja Nueva but they've always remained quite separate. It wasn't really a surprise, but, not everything I learned in school was applicable to running an international nonprofit out of a place as remote as Las Piedras, Madre de Dios. If I could, I would write a book about everything I've learned to help others who might want to do something similar in the future!

Hoja Nueva is approx 70% funded by donations and 30% by visitors. We run a research center on our reserve - separate from the wildlife rehab center - where we accept interns, student groups, etc. Profits from those visits all go to feeding our animals and paying local Peruvian staff!
Our biggest costs depend on our projects at the time, but is generally split between local salaries and animal care. Depending on the year we also have construction/maintenance costs that can get quite high, and logistics costs from being so remote (4 hours from the closest city, having to transport food and supplies by boat and car, sometimes every 3 days).
Thanks for the questions!!

What moral conflicts, if any, do you find yourself having to balance through this mission?

What's surprised you since completing your masters/doctorate about the field broadly or this mission in particular?

What are the economics behind this endeavor:

• How is this funded?
• What are the biggest costs?
• How do you pitch the benefits? Have you noticed what stakeholders seem to be the most receptive to?

[removed]

[deleted]

[removed]

Whats your favourite Yo Mama joke?

[removed]

[removed]

If you can explain exactly what went wrong, I understand ftx lied about the amount of ftt token they held and they created it out of thin air. What does that mean in terms of real capital, liquidity and more?