A Truly Exotic Volunteer Vacation: Saving Animals In The Cook Islands

August 13, 2009 at 12:43 PM | by cmb | 0 Comments

In 1993, an American tourist visiting Rarotonga befriended a dog named Honey and quickly realized that there were no veterinary services available for the thousands of dogs and cats on the island. That same tourist, Cathy Sue Ragan-Anunsen, took action as soon as she returned home and, with the help of her Oregon community, established the Cook Islands' only veterinary hospital, including an all-volunteer veterinary team.

In its 14-year history, Ragan-Anunsen�s organization, which she named The Ester Honey Foundation after her grandmother and Honey, the first dog she met in Rarotonga, has treated 24,000 animals and sterilized 10,000 for free. EHF has also recruited nearly 200 veterinarians and hundreds of other volunteers from a dozen countries.

The organization has now reached out to animals in additional remote locations, like on the islands of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro and Bora Bora via more than 100 "Vet Trek" clinics. Their next trip to Mangaia leaves Monday.

We know you dream of a Cook Islands escape, and what better reason to go than to lend a helping hand while soaking up the rays? The Ester Honey Foundation is currently looking for volunteer veterinarians, administrative assistants, clinic assistants (technicians, veterinary students), outreach coordinators and student interns to assist with the maintenance responsibilities of the animals, facilities and EHF residence in their Rarotonga clinic.

Volunteers work for two weeks to a year at the clinic, five days a week with some on call responsibilities in case of an emergency. Volunteers live together for free in the foundation house and are able to take advantage of the swimming, snorkeling, hiking and shopping opportunities in Rarotonga on their downtime. But most volunteers will tell you, that despite the great climate and beaches, being able to help the animals of the Cook Islands is the highlight of this volunteer vacation.

To apply as a volunteer or make a donation, check out Ester Honey�s website.

Related Stories:
· Ester Honey Foundation [Official Site]
· Volunteering For The Ester Honey Foundation [NZ Veterinary Nursing Association]
· Volunteer Travel [Jaunted]

[Photo: Stateman Journal]

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Tags: Volunteer Travel / Cook Islands / Rarotonga / Island Travel / → All Tags