Nora Livingstone has had a passion for traveling, coupled with a deep empathy for animals, for as long as she can remember. But after graduating college, she wasn’t quite sure how she would channel those things, so she became a globe-hopping volunteer. Throughout her collective experiences volunteering at animal sanctuaries and rescues, Nora knew she’d found her calling. She felt responsible to tell the world about the plight of the animals she’d saved and spread the word to garner more support for the organizations that served as their sanctuary.
At one volunteer wildlife center, Nora met her future co-founder, Heather. Working as a coordinator, Nora instantly bonded with Heather, a wildlife veterinarian. The two connected further over a shared love of helping connect volunteers with animals around the world, and their company, Animal Experience International, (which helps match volunteers with animal-related volunteer opportunities globally) was born.
“My entire life, I’ve wanted to help animals, but until I volunteered myself, I thought my fear of math and my lack of a rooted biology education meant I couldn’t.” As Nora’s quick to point out, this couldn’t be further from the truth. “When we started AEI, it was important for me to be able to show everyone who wanted to help that they were able to help.” And now, thanks in so small part to AEI, everyone can. Keep reading to see how.