Jen Padgett from Australia had this to say about her weeks as a volunteer
"It felt really intimidating at first, coming to a place that represents such strength, perseverance, compassion and hope and wondering what I could contribute that would help. I have a ridiculous amount of respect for everything the bear sanctuary stands for after first finding out about the bile trade a few years ago. The years since then I found out more and more, eventually finding the project and following along loyally since that day.
We toured the Wildlife Rescue centre and it is enormous! When you see these animals it's sad to see they cannot all be released, however not so much if you could imagine where they would have ended up. I found it confronting to realise the amount and variety of animals but when I saw those tiny little sugar gliders all huddled together. I had no idea that this was still happening at home to that degree and how easy it seemed that they had been smuggled out.
Just confirms even more in my mind that I'm here for the right reasons, to learn, to educate and contribute whatever I can to help and share the reality of our world and the animals. I'm taking in as much as I can and my passion is stronger than ever. Every day is something new, something inspiring and something unforgettable."