The Wildlife Sanctuary You Can Visit from Anywhere | Maya Higa | TED

Overview

Maya Higa shares her journey of leveraging the internet and live streaming to revolutionize wildlife conservation and education. Through her virtual sanctuary, Alveus, she has created a global platform that connects millions to rescued animals, fosters environmental awareness, and inspires a new generation of conservationists.

Notable Quotes

- Our animals would be able to reach millions and millions of people without having to meet a single one of them in person. – Maya Higa, on the vision behind Alveus Sanctuary.

- Over the course of a 21-hour long live stream, we fundraised $573,000 to build the sanctuary. – Maya Higa, on the power of community-driven conservation.

- Millions of brand-new conservationists fighting for wildlife and wild places, all doing it from their homes. – Maya Higa, on the future of conservation through digital engagement.

🦅 From Zookeeper to Viral Conservationist

- Maya began her career as a zookeeper, teaching children about wildlife by bringing animals to schools and events.

- A chance encounter with live streaming on Twitch led her to broadcast her life, including the rehabilitation of a red-tailed hawk named Bean.

- Bean’s story went viral, sparking a global audience’s interest in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.

🌍 The Birth of Alveus Sanctuary

- At 22, Maya envisioned a virtual animal sanctuary where rescued animals could educate millions through live streams.

- She raised $573,000 in a single 21-hour live stream, even shaving her head as part of the fundraising effort.

- Alveus Sanctuary, based in Austin, Texas, now houses animals rescued from the illegal pet trade, fur trade, and commercial agriculture, including marmots, foxes, and a cow named Winnie the Moo.

📹 Conservation Through Technology

- Alveus uses 36 live-streaming cameras to provide 24/7 access to its animals, making conservation education accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

- The sanctuary avoids traditional guest experiences like gift shops, focusing entirely on animal welfare and education.

- Interactive features, like a $5 donation treat dispenser for Winnie the Moo, have raised over $38,000 for the sanctuary.

🐾 Inspiring a New Generation of Conservationists

- Maya’s audience, primarily aged 17-28, often discovers Alveus through social media rather than an initial interest in conservation.

- By meeting young people where they are—online—Alveus fosters environmental awareness and activism among future voters and decision-makers.

- Maya draws inspiration from conservation legends like Steve Irwin but emphasizes that her work shows ordinary people can make extraordinary contributions to wildlife protection.

🐺 Expanding the Mission: Rewilding Efforts

- Alveus is now preparing to breed endangered species, starting with critically endangered wolves, for reintroduction into the wild.

- The goal is to replicate the emotional connection viewers felt with Bean, fostering care for wild species and their habitats.

- Maya envisions millions of people becoming conservation advocates from their homes, creating a global movement for wildlife preservation.