500km over 50 days for volunteering in Costa Rica

My name is Sophie Gardner and I am currently in my final year at Hartpury University studying a Veterinary Nursing degree. As part of my final year I am completing a volunteering module where I will undertake a 2 week volunteering trip to a wildlife sanctuary in Costa Rica between March and April of 2024.

The sanctuary provides care for roughly 500 animals at a time which is why I have decided to challenge myself to cover 500km over a 50 day period, running from November 1st - December 20th 2023. I will complete the 500km through walking/running/cycling and rowing which will definitely be a challenge for me!

I will be volunteering with the WorldWide Vets non-profit organisation which is a reputable charity who's aim is to 'reduce suffering, advance welfare and improve medical care' for all species worldwide.

Over the course of my trip I will help provide husbandry alongside preventative & reactive veterinary treatment and help rehabilitate wildlife as the end goal for all species (where possible) is wild release. The sanctuary takes in a wide range of animals that have been affected by hunting, trafficking and habitat loss who are either brought in by members of the community or come directly from the government.

Any money raised through donations will go towards the costs of the trip which include:

I am expecting the trip to cost roughly £2000 and if any extra money is raised it will be donated directly to the organisation.

This trip means a lot to me as I want to be able to utilise my skills I have already learnt to help prevent suffering of animals and better their lives and living conditions. Going to the wildlife sanctuary will allow me to experience a different range of species which would never normally be possible and learn transferable skills which I can put into practice in my future career as a veterinary nurse. Any donations would be greatly appreciated by both me and the wildlife sanctuary and I hope you can support me on my 500km journey in the coming months!