England
http://ears-eu.orgVision statement: “Europe and its’ people protect exotic and wild animals, and when captive care is needed, highest standards are applied”.Mission statement : “To represent rescue centres and sanctuaries across Europe, and enable them to work together to achieve mutual animal welfare and conservation goals”.Purpose: “To ensure the highest standards of captive care for exotic and wild animals, particularly in rescue centres and sanctuaries across Europe, and to work with partners and governments to protect exotic and wild animals in captivity and their natural habitats”.
Animal Welfare
Across Europe, exotic wildlife species are rescued, rehabilitated and protected within a variety of captive facilities. These facilities and the animals that reside within them are increasing in number, and indeed more are needed to support national and regional animal welfare and law enforcement efforts as the illegal trade in exotic wildlife species continues unabated. At the same time, there are no formally agreed standards of care in Europe, and standards vary between facilities making it difficult for partner organisations and donors to distinguish between the good and the bad. Pressurised working environments, coupled with logistical and economical constraints can hinder communication and collaboration, including the sharing of best practice. It is increasingly recognised that communication, cooperation, and collaboration (the three C’s) are vital to building capacity, enhancing effectiveness, and increasing support and awareness. Networks and alliances are an increasingly popular tool to formalise and facilitate the three C’s. Collaborative models to strengthen, support and advance the work of rescue centres and sanctuaries have been created in Africa, East and Southeast Asia, North America and Latin America. They all share the same common goals: to provide the best possible care for all animals in their care, to release back to the wild where possible, and to put themselves out of business by ending cruelty and the illegal trade. Spearheaded by AAP Sanctuary for Exotic Animals, an inaugural convening in 2011 inviting Directors of sanctuaries, rescue and rehabilitation centres from across Europe, led to the development of The European Alliance of Rescue centres and Sanctuaries (EARS). With a current membership representing 15 governing institutions and 18 wildlife rescue centres and sanctuaries (including exotic and native species) across 11 European countries, once EARS is properly established it will reach out to other rescue centres and sanctuaries across Europe to expand its’ membership and impact. Currently in the process of developing supporting processes and organisational structures, with a website under development, and registration ongoing, we are primarily seeking help with logo design and also advice on the EARS website.
Looking for a creative mind to hep us design marketing materials for a London fundraising event in April. Get in touch - we'd really value your input. Thanks
Posted on Feb 11, 2015