It will not escape anyone who follows our social media accounts, but on 3 October we made a flight to Paramaribo with a enthusiastic group of WFA volunteers. During this 48 hour stopover in Suriname, we rolled up our sleeves and worked at various projects we support.
Packed and loaded with an enormous amount of stuff, we arrived at the Johan Adolf Pengel Airport. Everything was immediately sorted upon arrival. Fortunately Martijn was already waiting for us at the so that we could transfer the things we brought for the “Surinam Wildlife Sanctuary” immediately
After a quick refreshing shower, everyone gathered for the kick-off. All projects that we have worked with over the years, but also new contacts, received an invitation to informal drinks. Here we could get to know each other, and listen to a speech by Wings for Animals founder Annelies. This networking event was useful for discussing a possible follow-up.
After a well-deserved night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we set off to visit Martijn and Valeska Kuyperes at the Surinam Wildlife Sanctuary. They recently moved to Suriname (Commewijne) to realise their dream. Nature photographer Martijn and veterinary assistant Valeska are building a large rescue centre for native animals near their home. The aim of their sanctuary is to rehabilitate the animals in their own habitat.
After a brief tour of the grounds, we split into small groups to get to work. We moved sand for the tortoise enclosure and built its perimeter. The real strongmen hauled heavy concrete posts and measured them out. These will form the fence around the capybara enclosure.
We also generated a great deal of media attention. We had contacted various TV and radio stations in advance to promote this anniversary trip, but also this new project, and to give it the necessary attention.
In the afternoon, we were guests at the Green Heritage Fund Suriname, where we were given a tour and information about sloths, armadillos and anteaters. We gained insight into how this organisation works and what its objectives are. We were welcomed so warmly that we immediately made a generous donation and added this organisation to our WFA project list. Hopefully, we will be able to provide additional support to this organisation in the future, for example with large-scale intakes.
After a long, busy day, we toasted and ate to celebrate this successful work trip to mark the 10 years anniversary of Wings for Animals coming to an end. We hope that this work trip has planted a seed and that we can organise more of these work trips in the future.
