Wildlife and Animal Welfare Institute
WAWI is dedicated to the preservation of and provision of medical care for wildlife and animals around the globe and the diversification of the veterinary profession.
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WAWI is dedicated to the preservation of and provision of medical care for wildlife and animals around the globe and the diversification of the veterinary profession.
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Dr. Erica Ward has been an elephant veterinarian in Thailand since 2013. Her goal in WAWI is to take advantage of opportunities to provide care and medical treatment to domestic and wild animals around the globe, with a specific focus on elephants in Thailand. Small actions, such as canine spay and neuter clinics, can have a huge positive impact on animal and human health.
In the wake of the Australian bush fires, WAWI committed to helping the wildlife of Australia and working with our local partners on actionable conservation solutions. If you want to get involved in helping us help animals around the world, we want your help! Medical care costs money and uses supplies, so we can always use either of those! In addition, we occasionally need volunteers to assist in research or providing or supporting medical care. Please contact us if you have a way to help or join our mailing list if you want to hear about opportunities to get involved. |
WAWI teamed up with Dr. Peter DiGeronimo from University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Wasinee Thepapichaikul from Mahidol University and Dr. João Brandão from Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences to conduct a research study on blood parameters in Asian Elephants. This research will help our understanding of the deadly Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus Hemorrhagic Disease (EEHV-HD) and has the potential to be used in the study of heart disease in elephants. It took months of preparation, but in April and May 2019, Dr. Erica, Dr. Pete, Dr. Wasinee, research assistant Stefan Gallini and a team of Loop Abroad veterinary students from Ross University collected and tested samples from 64 elephant in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Special thanks to the elephant facilities that allowed us to conduct the important research: Elephant’s World, Elephant’s Home and Nature, Chang Puak Elephant Camp Kanchanaburi, Wangpo Elephant Camp, Taweechai Elephant Camp and Ganesha Park. Without their cooperation, the study would not have been possible. Stay tuned- there are more plans for elephant research on the horizon!
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Enrichment for ElephantsProviding enrichment is an extremely important part of providing good welfare to elephants in captivity. WAWI’s Dr. Erica Ward teaches about welfare and enrichment to staff and visitors of elephant sanctuaries including future veterinarians participating in Loop Abroad programs in Thailand. Not only is enrichment beneficial for elephants, it is also very enjoyable to plan, construct and implement!
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In May 2018, Dr. Erica Ward and Dr. Ruth Parkin embarked on an exciting outreach mission to Corfu Donkey Rescue, an impressive sanctuary in Greece that provides care and shelter for Corfu’s abandoned and abused donkeys. WAWI provided vaccinations and health checks to many donkeys, dogs and cats in need.
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GIVE MONEYWe always appreciate donations of time and in-kind items, but the most-needed and easiest-to-use donation is funding of any amount. If you'd like to do a fundraiser for WAWI at your school or organization, please contact us. WAWI is a 501(c)3; all donations are tax deductible.
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GIVE ITEMSOur in-kind donations are organized through 27 Heartbeats, a US organization started by a high school student. We can really use almost anything and, if we can't, we can try to get it into the right hands.
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GIVE TIME AND SKILLSAre you a veterinarian? A professor? A vet tech? We may be able to use your help and support!
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