We Are All The Same

Animals can feel empathy just like humans do. Empathy for each other, for us, and even for other species.

Donkeys

1. Donkeys are very strong and intelligent. 2. Donkeys have an incredible memory – they can recognize areas and other donkeys they were with up to 25 years ago. 3. Donkeys have a reputation for stubbornness, but this is due to their highly developed sense of self preservation. It is difficult to force or frighten a donkey into doing something it sees as contrary to its own best interest or safety. 4. Donkeys are more independent in their thinking than horses and will reason, then make decisions based on their safety. 5. Donkeys don’t like the rain and being out in it for long periods can damage their health as their fur is not waterproof. 6. Donkeys in a herd will groom each other in the same way as monkeys and chimps do. 7. Donkeys are not easily startled (unlike horses) and have a keen sense of curiosity. 8. Donkeys have incredibly efficient digestive systems, utilizing 95% of what they eat. 9. Donkeys are very sociable and form strong bonds - you will often see pairs of best friends within a herd. 10. Wild donkeys travel in herds. The herds are usually comprised of one male with an assortment of females and foals, and they’ll work together to find food and shelter as they explore new territories. 11. A donkey can hear another donkey from a distance of 60 miles in proper desert conditions. This is possible because of their large ears. 12. Donkeys enjoy rolling on ground. This is in fact their best pastime. 13. A male donkey is often referred to as Jack while a female goes by the name Jenny or Jennet. 14. Donkeys get depressed very easily when left alone. That is the reason why they live in herds. 15. The leading donkey will sacrifice itself. If we were talking about the wild, a lead donkey will stay to ward off an attack by a wolf or other predators so that the rest of the herd can escape to safety.

STUDY SUGGESTS ONLINE COURSE CHANGES VEGAN AND ANIMAL CAREER PLANS A new study suggests that Animal Advocacy Careers’ free online course leads to changes in which job roles people take and in their long-term career plans.

A new charity, Animal Advocacy Careers, ran a study comparing participants in their free online course to a control group. Being offered a place on the course increased the number of people who changed their long-term career plans in the six months after applying, and nearly tripled the number of people who actually landed new roles that seem promising for helping animals.

Additionally, 78% of participants changed the job that they were planning to apply for next, compared to only 45% of the control group.

“The course opened my eyes up to how you can view animal advocacy as a career and not just volunteering or something you care about,” remarked Charlie Wilson, a previous participant in the course. “I didn't realise that a career in animal advocacy could be so well thought out and that this could increase your impact so much!”

Animal Advocacy Careers have responded to the promising findings by offering another cohort of the course. The deadline for applications is the 10th November, with the course itself beginning shortly afterwards.

“We’re thrilled about the results of the study,” said Lauren Mee, Animal Advocacy Careers co-founder and CEO. “We feel confident that participating in the course helps people to find the career opportunities that are best for them and best for animals. All that’s left now is for more vegans, animal advocates, and aspiring effective altruists to sign up and participate in the next cohort!”

The course itself walks you through some of the key considerations involved in working to help animals. It condenses key findings from research by groups like Animal Charity Evaluators, Sentience Institute, and 80,000 Hours into an accessible format, with each of the nine weekly sessions taking one or two hours to complete.

As well as sharing valuable knowledge and introducing you to a cohort of like-minded animal advocates, the course provides structuring for you to create a personalized career plan.

You can find out more about the course here.

Animal Advocacy Careers (AAC) is an organization that seeks to address the career and talent bottlenecks in the animal advocacy movement, especially the farmed animal movement. We are providing free careers services for individuals at all levels of experience with animal advocacy: those new to animal advocacy, those looking for career planning and support, and those employed at animal advocacy organizations.

For further information: Lauren Mee, Co-founder and CEO lauren@animaladvocacycareers.org