I began researching the charities that were involved and one immediately stood out, The Cat Survival Trust in Hertforshire which focuses on the protecion of both wild cats and their environment. At their headquarters in Welwyn they have a collection of wild cats that have been taken in due to being unwanted or were confiscated from un-registered owners. I immediately e-mailed enquiring about the scheme and was thrilled to see a reply the very next morning. I arranged to visit the charity the next day so I could further discuss about applying with them
On arriving at the charity I was first introduced to Dr Terry Moore, the honorary trust director and a truly inspiring man. I was then shown round the trust and met many of their furry felines. I was particularly touched by the story of their African Serval who was illegaly smuggled into the country in a handbag at 2 days old. He was then handed over to the trust when the keeper though he may get found out.
Next I was shown the snow leopards, and I was thrilled to find out they had succesfully just had their 7th litter of cubs. 3 females only 3 weeks olds. Terry encouraged the mum outside and she peacefully left her babies, as if she knew no harm would come to them. Then Terry climbed inside with the cubs and one by one weighed each of them. Then he handed one to me. I was so overwhelmed! It was incredible. I was actually cuddling a 3 week old snow leopard! I can barely describe the feeling I got holding this gorgeous creature. It was one of the most amazing moments in my life.We then returned back to the office and Terry proceeded to show me some video footage of his 10,000 acre reserve in Argentina. It was so fantastic to see how enthusiastic he was about his work. He was so passionate about conserving wildlife.
He purchased the nature reserve in 1991, which was home to 40 cats from 5 different species. There are currently now 70 cats in the reserve so it is very clear it is having a positive impact! The reserve is not only home to cats but a huge array of both flora and fauna, including the orginal genetic stock of fruits and vegetables which we now take for granted from the supermarket commercial hybrids. This also included a cherry without a pip growing naturally within the reserve!
Terry then went on to explain the importance of conserving the rainforest. The trees of the forest absorb moisture which is continuously released as a flow throughout the dry season. This provides fresh, clean water for farms and agriculture further down stream. He also explained that the forest helps prevent the soil from being washed into the river and this was clearly evident from the aerial video footage. The river alongside the rainforest was a beautiful clear blue, this later joined a much larger river with a very muddy, dirty appearance. This was due to it taking a path through Brazil, where nearly all the rainforest had been cleared. This means the land becomes completely in-plantable and useless.
Terry is currently working on a new project which involves raising funds to purchase another 300,000 acres of forest across 7 different countries. If I gained a 2 month position I would be very proud to help him do this. This would give me the opportunity to learn so much and develop new skills that could really help my career. I found Terry so inspiring and I would be thrilled to work alongside him.
You can help out by donating to the cat survival trust, or perhaps you may want to adopt one of their rescued cats. See here for more details: http://www.catsurvivaltrust.org/
