Animal Experience International

We love getting pictures back from our clients. Even when we are at the computer for too long each day we know there are people out and about with the animals!

So who wants to go to Mongolia next!?

It might be hard to believe, but people have actually tried to steal baby giant tortoises from the Galápagos.

It’s a reminder of why conservation work is so important. These incredible animals need people who are committed to protecting them, not exploiting them.

It also made me think about how incredibly important ethical tourism is. The goal isn’t just to see incredible wildlife, it’s to help protect it for future generations.

That’s exactly what AEI volunteers get to be part of. Whether it’s supporting giant tortoise conservation or helping with sea turtle projects, every day is about making a meaningful difference.

“The only thing I hate about this experience is meeting new people and then having to say goodbye to them.”
From caring for elephants to making memories with fellow volunteers, Crizha’s time in Thailand was full of moments she’ll never forget. She spent two weeks supporting animal care, getting soaked during elephant showers, and connecting with people from around the world. 🐘
Thank you, Crizha, for sharing your experience and these incredible photos with us.

The wild horses of Mongolia have roamed these landscapes for thousands of years, but their future depends on conservation efforts happening today.
At the Magnolia Wild Horse Conservatory, volunteers have the opportunity to support the care and protection of these incredible animals while learning about the challenges they face in a changing world. From vast grasslands to meaningful hands-on work, every day offers a deeper connection to wildlife, conservation, and local communities.
These moments are a reminder that responsible travel can do more than create memories. It can help protect species and support the people dedicated to preserving them.

Every year, sea turtles return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs, continuing a journey that has existed for millions of years.
In Costa Rica, conservation efforts help protect nesting sites, collect important research data, and give hatchlings a better chance of reaching the ocean safely.
By joining a turtle conservation program, volunteers play a small but meaningful role in protecting these incredible animals and the ecosystems they help support.

Our cofounder Nora Livingstone just had a new article published about ethical animal volunteering with kids and why these experiences can shape the way families see animals, travel, and the world around them!
One of our favorite reminders from the piece: you do not need to be an expert to make a meaningful difference. Sometimes helping looks like preparing food for animals, cleaning enclosures, or supporting the people already doing the work every day.
If you have ever wondered what ethical wildlife travel can actually look like for families, this one is worth the read.

These are just some of the animals one of our amazing volunteers saw on his trip to Kenya. This could be you! You don’t need to be a vet, or an animal expert, you just need to love animals!

This animal wasn’t saved by a hero. It was helped by someone who simply showed up and cared.
Meet Rachel. She first volunteered with AEI in Thailand during her first year of post secondary school, an experience she describes as something that opened a part of her she didn’t even know existed. She came curious and ready to learn, and later in Costa Rica, our biologist called her an “honorary biological assistant” for the way she jumped in and got involved.
Today, she manages an animal hospital in Ontario and continues to advocate for wild animal welfare.

A few moments from one of our volunteers in Thailand, who is spending her days feeding animals, helping prepare a new otter enclosure, and celebrating Songkran with the sanctuary team and local village.
“The animals are so cute and fun to work with, especially when we feed them,” she wrote to us this week. “The staff at the sanctuary are really friendly and helpful.”
Thailand may be hot and humid, but it is also unforgettable! We love getting these little updates from the field, and don’t forget, this could be you!

Happy Migratory Bird Day and April 1st!