We acknowledge the traditional and contemporary custodians of the land on which Animal experience International’s Barrie office is located. These people are the Ho-de-no-sau-nee (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo People, and we recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
Animal experience International (AEI) is a B Corporation with a mission to help animals around the globe by matching clients with animal-related volunteer opportunities at sanctuaries, hospitals, and research projects. Through their work as a wildlife veterinarian and as a volunteer coordinator for wildlife rehabilitation centres, Heather and Nora have come to understand the need for such an organization. People like you, from all walks of life and from every country, are seeking animal-related experiences as volunteers. We are here to make sure you have a safe and rewarding journey.
Co-founder
Co-founder
Animal experience International is a certified B Corporation. B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. For more information, please visit the B Corporation website. AEI is a certified Ontario Social Enterprise, a member of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, a member of Tourism Cares, a member of the Family Travel Association, a member of ACTA, and a ChildSafe Supporting Business. Nora is a certified Good Travel Advisor, Woman for Nature member, Kenya Authorised Travel Specialist, Aussie Specialist Agent, and on the Women’s Advisory Council of JourneyWoman.
I loved all of it! My favorite part was when a sea turtle was caught, and getting to measure it, tag it, etc., to help the biologist monitor the turtle. I also really enjoyed learning about the turtles from the biologist! It was also fun to see different aspects of sea turtle conservation such as recycling and mangrove reforestation.
America
My favorite part was getting to know the bats. Each one has a different personality, and it’s great to learn about those nuances. Especially when I was able to recognize certain bats, and they touched my heart. I must have 800 photos just of bats.
America
Getting to hand feed and walk the elephants in an environment that the elephants were happy in, clearly well cared for, and where their well-being appeared to be the number one priority.
Germany
The trip was incredible. I learned so much and connected with the Galgos in a way I didn’t expect. Everyone was so nice. I feel like I’m just getting over jet lag. Thank you for helping me with setting up this trip!
America
I loved learning about the animals and each specific story as to why they were at the sanctuary. I loved how the centre took the time to explain why animals exploited in tourism were in our hands and that we could stop it just by not participating in it. I absolutely loved my time at the wildlife centre and I would recommend this experience to everyone. I am extremely grateful for this experience!
UK
I loved learning about the animal and each specific story to why they were at the sanctuary. I loved how the Przewalski’s horses centre took the time to explain why animals exploited in tourism was in our hands and we could stop it just by not participating in it. I absolutely loved my time at the wildlife centre and I would recommend this experience to everyone. I am extremely grateful for this experience!
Puerto Rico
Amazing company, cannot wait to plan another international experience with you guys! My favourite part of my experience would have to be being able to work alongside other amazing volunteers and helping the injured/orphaned wildlife. It was incredible to see how different Australia’s wildlife species are.
Argentina
This trip was absolutely incredible and life-changing and has taught me so much.
America
Being able to volunteer with dolphins was a dream. The gelato was also a highlight.
Australia
There is something so special about volunteering with all these horses. Living on the finca really meant we healed together. I can’t wait until I can come back.
America
Thank you so much for helping me volunteer with sharks. This was a dream come true and I couldn’t have done it without AEI. I appreciate how quick Nora is to answer all my questions, it meant a lot.
Canada
B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. We have been a B Corp since 2013, and since then, we have always been in the top 10% of quantifiable benefits to the environment and the communities in which we operate.
We acknowledge the traditional and contemporary custodians of the land on which Animal Experience International’s Barrie office is located. These people are the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo People and we recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
TICO REGISTERED: ONTARIO REGISTRATION # 50022902
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Dr. Heather Reid is a wildlife veterinarian with over 20 years of experience. She has worked with more than 200 species of native wild animals in Canada’s busiest wildlife hospital. Her veterinary interests are many, ranging from orthopedic surgery to conservation medicine, and she enjoys the challenges that come with working with wild patients. Whenever possible, Dr. Reid takes her clinical skills out of the hospital and into the field where she can work with wildlife in their natural habitat. Her work with conservation research projects has ranged from salamanders to wolverines and has taken her deep into the wilds of Canada’s forests. Dr. Reid is a member of the Canadian Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians. She has been an instructor for the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and has taught Chemical Immobilization of wildlife for the CAZWV. Dr. Reid enjoys working with students and has taught and mentored countless veterinary and veterinary technician students over the years. It is the enthusiasm and dedication of these students and volunteers that inspires Dr. Reid. She is excited to take the skills of volunteers to animal organizations around the world that can benefit from their help.
Nora Livingstone has extensive travel and volunteer experience. She has volunteered with animals in places such as Nepal, Oman, Sierra Leone, Croatia, and Guatemala. She loves the idea of empowering people to live their dreams and travel while helping animals. Nora holds a double major from Trent University in Environmental Studies and Cultural Anthropology. She is an Online Suicide Intervention Specialist and holds an internationally recognized competency certificate from the QPR Institute. She recently became a Good Travels Travel Advisor. While working as a volunteer coordinator at a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Canada, Nora was able to gain extensive knowledge of volunteer management. Nora holds FEMA certifications for volunteering, leadership, and deployment during natural disasters, which she has put to good use in rescuing animals in places like New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Having spent thousands of hours on planes, trains, tuk-tuks, buses, canoes, and in her dirty ol’ hiking boots, Nora is excited to be helping people experience AEI’s animal adventures for themselves. Nora is a Nature Canada Woman for Nature, is on the advisory board of the Orangutan Project, and the Women’s Advisory Council of JourneyWoman. Nora is also the host of Fanimal’s Animal Chat Time! Nora has been the group leader on: Expedition Greece, Expedition Kenya, Expedition Guatemala (x2) and Expedition Nepal, and soon Expedition Mongolia. She has been featured on numerous travel blogs; read about her adventures on the AEI blog.
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