If you’ve ever considered adopting but simply don’t have all the means right now, adopting virtually might be the gift you didn’t know you could give. Meet a few incredible virtual adoption options:
South Africa (23 June, 2023) — If you’ve ever considered adopting but simply can’t make the commitment right now, virtual adoption might be the gift you didn’t know you could give. You don’t need to build your own conservation centre to change the life of an elephant or penguin. And, if you’d love to make a difference in the life of a child in need, virtual adoptions can make all the change in the world.
Here are a few virtual adoption options that help lives in South Africa; accessible to anyone in the world:
1. Welcome an Elephant into Your Life (Just Not Your Home)
Elephant lovers, this one’s for you. The HERD Trust has an incredible programme that allows you to adopt an elephant; ensuring that while you might not be there physically, your love is still felt.
Through adopting an ellie, you get to contribute to their health and happiness.
You’ll pick your elephant family member and then choose a foster option level. Each level (from Marula to Platinum) includes different things to look forward to—from updates to personal videos and birth certificates.
You can also adopt an elephant for someone else—the ultimate elephant lover gift!
Meet your ellie here.
2. Sponsor a Child’s Future From Anywhere
Sponsoring a child’s future is one of the most wonderful forms of adoption out there.
Organisations like Ingane Yami (which means ‘My Child’) are incredibly special and offer sponsorship for the children in their unique village.
Unlike other orphanages, Ingane Yami has created a permanent village for the children there made up individual homes headed by foster moms.
You can help better the little ones’ future virtually through sponsorship and you’ll get to build a long-lasting relationship with the child.
You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the village, receive updates on your sponsorship’s impact and get progress reports.
Find out more here.
3. Make Room for Your Next Aquatic Bestie; No Ocean Required
You can adopt a hatchling, teen or grown turtle and help their rehabilitation journeys led by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation. When you welcome a turtle into your life virtually, you get to be part of the people who put aquatic life first.
Or, rally for the penguins and virtually adopt with SANCCOB! You can either welcome a wild penguin into your life from afar, or choose a pen bird that lives at SANCCOB (the penguins who are not able to survive in the wild).
Again, either of these options make for one-of-a-kind gifts. As a new ‘parent’ you can choose to name your penguin or turtle and you’ll receive certificates of adoption.
Choose your turtle or penguin pal!
4. Choose a Critter From Afar
Critter Rescue SA has its own virtual adoption option for the people who love critters but can’t have them in their homes. You can help all kinds of tiny rescued animals—from hedgehogs to bunnies and chinchillas.
Meet your next critter cutie here.
5. Change a Doggo’s Life From a Distance
Rescuers like Adora-Bull Terrier Rescue and Rehabilitation have special virtual adoption programmes for the dog parents who might not be able to have a four-legged family member at home.
Choose a bullie in need, and make the difference you always wanted to make! You’ll contribute to their care, receive an adoption certificate and get your name up on their kennel as well as lots of updates.
Pick your bullie bestie here!
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