Twitch creator and conservation advocate Maya Higa says her community has raised more than $7.5 million for animal conservation efforts since she began streaming in 2019.
Higa shared the milestone during a recent TED Talk — becoming the first Twitch streamer to deliver a main-stage address at TED — where she highlighted how livestreaming can translate into real-world impact. The appearance earned a standing ovation and underscored her growing influence beyond the platform.
Much of the fundraising supports Alveus Sanctuary, the nonprofit wildlife sanctuary Higa founded in 2021 in Austin, Texas. Alveus operates as a virtual education center and sanctuary for more than 30 rescued, non-releasable animals, including foxes, macaws, marmosets, wolves, and an emu. The organization reaches audiences primarily through 24/7 livestreams on Twitch, blending animal content with conservation education.
A key part of Alveus’ fundraising model involves interactive stream features that allow viewers to donate in exchange for on-screen animal enrichment. One of the sanctuary’s most recognizable stars is Winnie the Moo, a rescued Red Angus cow whose automated treat feeder is triggered by viewer contributions. According to the sanctuary, donations tied specifically to Winnie’s stream interactions have generated more than $38,000 and continue to grow.
The interactive setup has helped turn Winnie into a viral presence across social media, with clips frequently circulating beyond Twitch. Supporters say the format transforms passive viewing into active participation, encouraging audience engagement while funding animal care, veterinary expenses, and sanctuary operations.
Since launching Alveus, Higa has also hosted large-scale fundraising events that have generated substantial sums for habitat construction, emergency repairs, and conservation initiatives. In recent years, some campaigns have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars — and in certain cases more than $1 million within days — for specific projects.
Higa’s streams reportedly reached more than 250 million viewers in 2025 alone, with a significant portion of her audience falling within younger demographics. Through collaborations, educational programming, and livestream events, she has positioned her platform as both entertainment and advocacy.
