I really need help.

[Deana]

i want to be something where i work with wild animals, but i don't know how to get there. i don't know what to study or anything. can someone help me? cause i'm trying to get my life together and back on track and i'm determined to do this.

[Ashley Phillips]

Deana, what kind of wild animals? What part of the world? There are a handful of members here I'm thinking might be able to give you some good direction, but it would sure help them out if they knew what you were interested in.

[Deana]

more or less big cats and wolves. i find them amazing.

[Regina Dickerson]

Yes, Ashley right. What kind of animals are you interested in????

[Belles]

Deana,

I was in South Africa last year and I was speaking to several of my safari guides, who were mostly South African student and from the UK and the USA. You can go over there, get your training to be a safari guide and then spend a couple of years out in the bush if that's what you want to do. There are several to choose from, non are really inexpensive and you have to fly your way there, pay for the school and attend. Once you do that, however, they pay for your room and board. If you work for a safari lodge, they will also give you room and board and a small salary. It truly is for those who love the wildlife.

Check out my page for images I took in South Africa. If you are seriously interested in doing something like this, I can find out from some connections I have and they can recommend a good school where they hire from.

My avatar is a picture of Tommy, the Cheetah when I visited him at the Hoedspruit Cheetah Conservation Center. It was an incredible moment.. and I can understand why this would be your dream.

Oh.. and plus the other safari guides are oh so cute in their little shorts and shirts.. just be on the mind that you can easily catch "khaki fever!" LOL

[Deana]

oh man, that cheetah is beautiful. thank you all very much. i know i have to major in biology in college?

[nancy brandt]

You might want to check with a zoo near you or a park like yellowstone.They can tell you where to go and what classes might be required.Wolves and big cats are amazing!Good luckc

[Ashley Phillips]

Great idea, Nancy, I never thought of that.

Deana, are you finding this information to be helpful? I know Belles has some great info on this subject... I'm sure there are a few more of these gals who can help get you on the right path, also! :)

[Bobbie]

Go to Bigcatrescue.org here in Tampa Florida. Click on Volunteers. several volunteer options. We have a 3 month program for free lodging while you are learning and working with the Big cats. click on that one as I see U live in NY Be advised we do background checks and U must B Squeeky clean, 18 or older and our rules of Conduct are strict and enforced. If U fit the profile , you may be one of the lucky few to get in on this outstanding free program. . It is an amazing experience and when your 3 months R up , you will never be the same. If U wish to base your carreer on this work, much more work and yrs are necessary as well as accrediation. We are voted number 1 in the country, with sponserships from all over the world. Check us out. This could be the beginning of the rest of your life. You never stop learning. This is Not for anyone who doesnt want to get there hands dirty. A joyous carreer. Hope this helps. Bobbie

[Ashley Phillips]

I want in!! :)

[Regina Dickerson]

Wish I thought of that back in my younger years and was single. Too late now. Oh, well. Can't win them all. GO FOR IT, GIRL!!! If you really would like to do that.

[Deana]

thank you so much. i have a year to wait, since i'm 17, but i would love to do this more than anything. i used to like 30 miles away from tampa in spring hill, so if anything, i could see what one of my family members could do, as far as letting me stay there.

[Bobbie]

Please do an application Now so on your 18 th b-day U will B ready and at the head of the line. The Lodging is for a reason. It is part of this program so U are in a restricted serious learning enviorment. No distractions but serious work......I dont think living off Campus will qualify with you . This is for Serious learning only. They have a toll free number on the web page and U may want to talk with them and have all questions answered before starting the application process. Good luck. Bobbie