This study surveyed animal conservation project volunteers to analyze their motives for participating. Volunteers wanted contact with animals, wanted to offset their guilt about mistreatment of animals and differentiate themselves from humans responsible for it, and wanted to associate with a group identity they found affirming. The author called for further research with populations who live more closely with animals and who have more diverse cultural outlooks, as well as on emergency rescue volunteers.

[Abstract excerpted from original text.}

“This study explores identity in providing voluntary help for endangered animal species. Identity is a cornerstone of social psychological explanations of helping behaviour but has not been understood in relation to human–animal relationships. Open-ended questionnaires were administered to 111 volunteers working in a range of international conservation projects aimed at protecting endangered animals. Participants were asked their reasons for volunteering, choice of project, experiences and expectations. Thematic textual analysis explored common features across the dataset. Themes identified were identifying with animals, humans dominating nature and collective identity with the organization and fellow volunteers. The paper suggests social psychological knowledge about helping behaviour be applied to understand human–animal interactions to offer insight into the conditions under which we will engage with conservational and environmental concerns and provide aid. Social psychology has been slow to apply its knowledge to an examination of human responses to the challenge of loss of biodiversity. To act, humans must identify with those they seek to protect.”