Conservation goes beyond just nature. People depend on, extract from, and sustain nature, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting wildlife also need to ensure that these diverse communities are served and supported ⚖️ The people who live alongside wildlife often navigate both coexistence and conflict, and sometimes, they experience both. Conservation is about recognizing and listening to communities to understand these local contexts and adapting accordingly. There’s immense potential in listening to the knowledge of local people—they know the best ways to ensure both they and nature thrive 🌱 We must focus on co-creating solutions with communities, not simply implementing strategies for them. We tend to look for alternative livelihoods to reduce pressure on natural resources, aiming to protect biodiversity while supporting community well-being. But this approach often overlooks local knowledge and the real needs of the people 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 What can YOU do? 🧐 Actively reflect on your positionality. Many of us working in conservation come from positions of privilege, whether through social status or educational access. Acknowledging how our positions and histories shape how we are perceived in the communities we work with—and how this might influence our ideas about what conservation should look like—is crucial. Reflecting on your positionality is an immediate and impactful step we can all take.

My favorite sound in the world😭♥️ The first time I heard a baby howler monkey purr, I couldn’t believe it. And yes, I think my heart physically melted 🫠♥️ It was probably from that moment on that I realized I’d do anything for these animals 🥲 It came to no one’s surprise when I decided to get a masters in primate conservation 😂🐒🎓 Share this with someone who needs this cuteness in their life 🥺🐒♥️

Eco-tourism has become a buzzword in recent years, but what does it actually mean? At its core, eco-tourism is about responsible travel that prioritizes environmental preservation, supports local communities, and promotes sustainable practices. It’s about choosing to visit destinations or support initiatives that make a positive impact. Look for initiatives that: 🐾 Respect wildlife: Avoid experiences that exploit animals or allow close contact for profit. 🌏 Empower local communities: Support programs where locals are involved in decision-making and profit-sharing. 🌳 Support conservation: Choose operators who actively protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats. 🔬 Collaborate with experts: Ensure the provider works with researchers to improve conservation efforts. It is important to be cautious of greenwashing, where companies falsely claim to be eco-friendly, and tourism leakage, where profits mostly go abroad rather than staying within the local community. By supporting authentic eco-tourism, you help fund vital conservation projects and make a real difference to both the planet and local communities🌱

Sh*t happens 😅🤷🏽‍♀️

A career in conservation is almost always messy and never linear. But do you know what has struck me the most? No two stories EVER sound the same 📚 I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what has most inspired me in the field of conservation, and I realize it’s hearing other people’s journeys of success 🌟 In a world where the struggles in conservation are very real and daunting, I think it’s needed now more than ever to share with you the stories of how people broke into this field. It’s so essential we all continue motivating and inspiring each other. For this reason, I hope to start sharing more inspiring professionals soon🫶🏼 Conservation biologists, what’s the most helpful advice that has helped you on your career journey? Leave it in the comments for others to read as we all navigate our own unique journey🌱

Although we might feel a deep connection to wildlife, touching or interacting with them in tourism is never appropriate⚠️ Wild animals used in tourism endure abuse - they’re torn from the wild or bred in captivity, drugged or beaten to stay docile, and kept in miserable conditions. Many suffer injuries, or die young from the constant stress of being handled💔 🌍 These “once-in-a-lifetime” encounters are the entire lives of these animals. And they are just cruel to the individual - they also harm conservation. Some species used in selfies are endangered, and capturing them for tourist entertainment pushes them closer to extinction. Even well-meaning conservationists must be mindful: sharing photos of themselves holding wildlife without context sends the wrong message, making people believe these interactions are acceptable. In reality, wild animals should only be handled for medical care or rehabilitation. 📸 Social media is fueling this crisis. Every like and share of a wildlife selfie encourages more people to seek out these harmful encounters, driving demand for more animals to be caught and exploited. What’s cute online is tragic behind the scenes. 🙌 But we can all help stop this: ✅ Refuse to take or pose in animal selfies. ✅ Don’t pay for elephant rides, tiger cuddles, monkey hugs, or any attraction that exploits wildlife. ✅ If you work in conservation, be mindful of the message your images send—wild animals should not be seen as props. ✅ Educate others about the cruelty behind wildlife selfies. Love them from a distance. Not because it’s what you want, but because it’s what’s best for them♥️

This is NOT sponsored, I just think I found my favorite job board and I wanted to share why👀 @greenjobsboard is a platform that provides a single source for environmental job seekers to discover and educate themselves on employment opportunities with companies who prioritize sustainability as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work🌱 I think this mission is KEY to bridging the gap of opportunity and access within the environmental field, especially for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Peoples with Disabilities etc. seeking work in this industry💚 This is the perfect platform for people looking for environmental or climate related jobs, and it’s so useful to just browse and see what’s out there! Fighting for our planet can look very different, and this job board shows you exactly how your unique skills can make a difference🥹

Wildlife tourism offers a unique opportunity to support conservation efforts while enjoying unforgettable animal encounters🐾&hearts;️

When choosing a wildlife tour, prioritize the well-being of animals and the environment. Opt for no-contact tours

Wildlife tourism offers a unique opportunity to support conservation efforts while enjoying unforgettable animal encounters🐾♥️ When choosing a wildlife tour, prioritize the well-being of animals and the environment. Opt for no-contact tours that focus on observing wildlife from a distance without disturbing them. Look for sustainable operators who respect natural habitats and practice responsible tourism♻️ Ask about their policies on wildlife interactions and sightings, as promises of animal encounters can lead to unethical practices. Ethical guides will focus on education and conservation. Sighting should not ever be guaranteed, as true wildlife experiences are unpredictable🔎 Remember, guides may feel pressure to deliver the perfect experience, but your priority should always be the animals’ well-being. Choose tours that align with your values and ask the right questions to ensure a positive impact🌱 This post was inspired by @connie.needham and @inwanderment who are advocates for experiencing wildlife in responsible, ethical ways 🫶🏼

Wildlife conservation wasn’t just my dream, it was the only path I ever saw. 👉🏼You all know I try not to glamorize this profession. It has come with its fair share of sacrifices, trust me. But when I look back at all the experiences, I feel profoundly proud and grateful. 💭Big dreams don’t come easily. They just don’t. There have been setbacks, obstacles, and moments where it has felt impossible. ❤️‍🩹But if you’re driven by something deeper, something that speaks to who you truly are, you’ll find the strength to keep going. It’s in those moments when it feels like everything is falling apart that you realize the struggle is shaping you, not breaking you. My dream was worth fighting for. I hope you fight for yours too🫶🏼

Most conservationists are no stranger to burn out, and it makes sense! Our lives are wholly dedicated to making the world a better place - and let’s face it, it’s exhausting 🌏 Minimal pay, unstable jobs & witnessing the destruction of the habitats and wildlife we care about- these are just a few of the impacts we face. This isn’t even mentioning eco-grief and the ever building fear caused by politicians, billionaires and polluting industries 🫠 There IS support out there if you need it! 🫂@lonelyconservationists is a safe community that cares for conservationists. Their website has relatable stories from other passionate individuals, mental health resources, and resources to help you care for yourself and others in the industry. 🫶🏼@the_conservation_therapist also has helpful information about vicarious trauma in conservationists and how we can care for ourselves and our emotions. 💌 @wildtesa Please always feel free to message me. I am no stranger to burnout myself, and am always learning how to create healthy boundaries. I’m here, if you need it!♥️