Recent news about an American hunter who killed a rare giraffe just for the sport of it can be disturbing. To respond to such tragic happenings, senior travelers have alternatives by signing up for trips that feature improving the lives of animals.

Just one example involves an orangutan sanctuary in Borneo. The species of ape closest to humans is in danger of extinction. Some scientists predict that if current negative conditions continue, the species could be gone within 50 years. For more info, go to www.volunteerworld.com