The Captive Animal Enrichment Project (CAEP) is changing the way animals in captivity are cared for in South Africa. Through developing and offering various enrichment strategies and practising applied zoopharmacognosy, we can enable animals to self-select high-quality plant materials and minerals, facilitating the opportunity for them to make choices that help improve their physical and psychological health.
But we can’t do it alone! This is a massive undertaking and as a small new charity, we face several limitations and constraints. We need your help to enable us to actualise our goals to improve the well-being of captive animals. There are numerous ways in which people from all walks of life can get engaged and make a significant difference.
Help from everyday animal lovers
The easiest way to help us is to donate money. Every contribution, large or small, helps the CAEP secure important natural materials and minerals for animal sanctuaries around South Africa. Your gift will have a direct impact on animals’ lives and we ensure accountability for all monetary donations made.
You can also help by spreading the word and raising awareness. Inform friends and family about the CAEP’s goal and the value of enrichment and self-selection for captive animals. Share our articles and social media postings to increase interest, and subscribe to our newsletter so that you can stay informed and talk about elements of our work that stand out as important to you, these are all incredibly supportive in the bigger picture.
Lastly, the Average Jo/sephine can volunteer their time. Do you have a few spare hours each week? We could use your assistance with administrative work, fundraising events, and even brainstorming the development of new more enriching surroundings within sanctuaries. Do you have accounting skills that you could offer? Do you have an excess of relevant plant materials that you’d like to see used? If you are compelled to contribute but wish to do so in a less ‘active’ way, take a minute to think about what you are supporting as a consumer – does it encourage less cruel practices, for example, the difference between consuming battery chicken eggs as opposed to small scale label-less egg boxes sold at your local organic veg market? Is your dishwashing liquid cruelty-free? All of these contributions fuel a culture of care for animals, which is really what we are all about!
For educators
Professors, lecturers and teachers can do their part by integrating our work into their curriculum, or even just their anecdotal conversations and inspire the next generation of animal advocates. Use our work as a foundation for teaching students about animal behaviour, zoopharmacognosy, and the value and importance of captive animal care.
Educators can also plan a fundraising event. Collaborate with your university, school or community centre to organise a mass dog walk, a car wash, a pangolin fancy dress egg-and-spoon race, there are no limits and no expectations when it comes to fundraising! Get creative and help us raise funds to support our efforts. You can also help to connect the CAEP to other institutions and professionals within research facilities.
For companion animal guardians
Look for animal food suppliers or veterinarian offices who have active corporate social responsibility programs that support animal welfare organisations such as the CAEP. Your buying power can make a difference! Animal guardians can advocate for responsible companion animal care; raising awareness about how to better care for companion animals leads to a greater understanding of animal welfare in general, including the needs of caged animals.
Animal guardians might consider getting involved in local animal shelters – you love your dog, but you can actively love so many more! Volunteer your time, give them a little bit of companionship or a nice walk, or contribute supplies to shelters.
For business owners
Corporate sponsorship benefits us and your business. Partner with CAEP to demonstrate your company’s commitment to animal welfare. Sponsorship choices range from monetary contributions to product gifts. We also need support with bookkeeping and management, so any expertise offered in these areas will help us a lot.
Business owners can host charity events or fundraisers at their offices to raise awareness of the CAEP’s goals among employees and the wider community. Money raised at these events can be tax-deductible as charitable sponsorships and donations for organisations who are registered public benefit organisations.
For animal experts and veterinarians
Form research partnerships and collaborate with the CAEP to conduct research into the efficacy of zoopharmacognosy in enhancing captive animal welfare. Your findings could have a big impact on the future of animal care. Share your expertise with colleagues and professional organisations. Help to incorporate zoopharmacognosy principles into standard captive animal care methods. Let’s all do better!
Everybody can make a difference
By working together, we can create a future in which captive animals thrive in their enclosed environments. Whatever your background or skill set, there is something you can do to help CAEP achieve its purpose. Monetary donations, expertise and volunteering your services are the best way to help out our start-up. We are all on the same team, let’s play together!
Together, let us empower animals to heal themselves organically and naturally. Please contact us today if you’d like to donate or get involved. We appreciate any and all efforts made to help the CAEP realise its goals of making a meaningful difference in the lives of captive animals in South Africa.
