Have you ever wondered how animals in the wild stay healthy? The research into zoopharmacognosy has revealed an intriguing truth: animals use therapeutic plants and minerals to self-medicate – maintaining a state of physical and psychological balance through understanding and using the natural materials present in their habitat.
As one of our enrichment strategies the Captive Animal Enrichment Project (CAEP) is harnessing this vital research to improve the lives of animals in shelters and sanctuaries in South Africa. Whether they are rescued, injured or rehabilitated, these animals need the right compounds at the right time for optimal physical and emotional well-being.
An urgent need for healing
While captive animal environments provide necessary care and shelter, they frequently lack the natural diversity of flora and minerals that animals find in the wild. This limited access can result in deficits and means animals don’t have access to the plant materials which they use to bring themselves back into balance.
Stress and stress-related health disorders are often pandemic among captive animal populations. Our work addresses and improves the mental and physical well-being of these animals by bringing enriching or medicinal plant materials and minerals into their environments, giving them the opportunity to forage for that which they need, simulating their natural behaviours and giving them freedom of choice.
This work requires funding. We are always looking for donations and support from companies and the general public. CAEP is deeply committed to sourcing quality materials through our local South African markets whenever possible. We ensure that we are always providing the highest quality natural materials to ensure the maximum possible efficacy and the most significant healing potential from the materials we offer. We are extremely grateful for funding and donations from companies that support animal-based corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Empowering animals through zoopharmacognosy
The CAEP advocates a unique approach to animal welfare using zoopharmacognosy. This goes beyond conventional enrichment as it enables animals to take control of their own well-being. Here’s how you can participate in this ethical initiative:
- Donate money – Every contribution, large or small, helps the CAEP source and provide important plant-based materials and minerals to animal sanctuaries.
- Volunteer – We can always use help with administrative work, fundraising events, accounting, or even developing novel enrichment strategies for sanctuaries.
- Sponsor an animal shelter – Provide critical support to a specific shelter, allowing them to implement the CAEP’s enrichment and zoopharmacognosy programmes and directly help the animals in their care.
Monetary donations can be made to CAEP by EFT or cash deposit into the following account:
- Bank name: Nedbank Limited
- Account number: 1284554317
- Account name: The Captive Animal Enrichment Project Npc
- Branch code: 198765
- Account type: Current
- Account Branch name: Nedbank South Africa
- SWIFT code: NEDSZAJJ
When making a donation we would appreciate it if you could send your proof of payment to info@captiveanimalenrichment.org with your name and contact details (unless you prefer to remain anonymous), we’d like the opportunity to thank you personally. Alternatively for secure card payments, please use the ‘donate’ button on our website:
https://www.captiveanimalenrichment.org/donate/
Become a champion for animal welfare
Giving animals the chance to heal themselves through the power of nature is not only fair and kind, but beautiful and inspiring. Together, we can create a future where captive animals not only survive but thrive in their captive environments. Make a lasting impact – donate, volunteer, or sponsor a captive animal facility that needs help today.
Help the CAEP rewrite the narrative for animal well-being in South Africa. Let us work together to create a peaceful cohabitation with animals and a safer world for every animal. Please contact us today if you’d like to donate or get involved.
