EARTHWATCH INSTITUTE, (Wildlife Eco-Tours) —  

For over 40 years, Earthwatch has supported scientific research on wildlife and ecosystems, ocean health, climate change, and more.   Volunteers make hands-on contributions to research while experiencing the cultural and natural wonders of places around the globe.  Founded in 1971 by four scientists from the Smithsonian Institution, Earthwatch now has offices in the U.S.,  the U.K., India, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, and Brazil.  Current wildlife tours /conservation projects include tracking penguins in Patagonia, tracking wolves and forest fires in the Canadian Rockies, tracking dolphins in the Adriatic Sea, tracking hyenas in South Africa, studying sharks in South Africa, tracking owls in Utah and Arizona, and studying the effect of climate change on wildlife in Australia’s rainforests.  Many expeditions do not offer private rooms, but rather dorm style housing, and meals tend to be more basic, sometimes prepared by the volunteers themselves.