Amy Douglas

Photos

Riding an elephant with a baby by its side

Amy Douglas is from Perth in Western Australia and works as a travel coordinator. Travel and tourism are huge passions of hers and she is currently studying for a degree in tourism. After her experience with Imire, she is looking to direct her studies to focus on conservation tourism. After traveling across Europe, she feels that people have an opportunity to get so much more out of their time abroad when they become a part of a program with a bigger vision such as Imire’s.

Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with Conservation Travel Africa in Zimbabwe?

I previously did a day trip to the Imire Farm when I was last in Zimbabwe in January of 2012, and fell in love with the place instantly, so when I learned that they run a volunteer program, I was keen to go back.

The biggest draw card for me was the elephants and the chance to interact with them and the other animals on the farm.

Witnessing them on a day safari is one thing, but you learn so much more when you spend time with them on a daily basis.

Ten years from now, what’s the one thing you think you’ll remember most from the trip?

I hope to remember everything but I think just the thrill of the interaction with the animals is what will really stick with me.

If you could go back and do something differently, what would it be?

I would stay for longer. I have every intention of going back to visit again.

Tell me about one person you met.

I met a bundle of amazing and memorable people on the trip but Judy Travers for me, was a truly amazing person.

Her passion for the farm is unwavering and her way of life is something to be admired. The Imire Farm and the Community as a whole is a credit to her leadership, companionship and huge heart.

Has your worldview changed as a result of your trip?

It’s good to know that there are some teams of people out there raising conservation awareness and making every effort to contribute to the rectification of decreasing population numbers, especially with the rhinos.

When I was there both of the black rhino females were pregnant which was encouraging after the farm had to rebuild their breeding program due to poaching incidents.