Media Centre for Volunteer with Humpback Whales in Brazil

Brenda Pearson

Hi my name is Brenda, I am a senior citizen who has long held a dream to see Whales at close quaters, in their wild enviroment.I have travelled extensively from Alaska to Antarctica, from Norway to New Zealand and many places in between, to see these beautifull animals, but have only ever caught glimpses of them.Suddenly things were about to change, I saw a GVI advert in my Scuba Dive magazine and the seed was sown, I checked the web site and there was the answer---'volunteer with Humpback Whales in Brazil.'

I just had to convince GVI that my age was not a barrier,( took a bit of persuasion.) and that I had no health problems.So I filed my application and anxiously waited to see if I would be accepted, at long last I was!!!

Soon I was packing my bags and was on my way, looking forward to four wonderful weeks seeing and learning about the whales, in their breeding area off the coast of Praia do Forte, north of Salvador, Brazil.

In spite of my advanced years, I soon convinced the team at the Baleia Jubarte Institute that I had energy and stamina to keep up with the rest of the team, many of whom were young enough to be my grandchildren!!

I was made very welcome by a great friendly team who were more than willing to help me get by, inspite of my sketchy(to say the least)grasp of Portugese,limited computer skills, and lack of science degrees. I tried to make up for these short comings by being willing to take on whatever tasks I might be given.

I had a wonderful time in a beautiful place,with the most delightful people.

Regards to all at GVI