Antelope Park Lion Release Programme

  Zimbabwe

Gweru

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: No set start dates. Please inquire.

Description: Lions... 250,000 lions used to roam the African continent - latest estimates are that only between 12,000 and 15,000 remain. The end objective of the Antelope Park Lion breeding and rehabilitation programme is to re-introduce lions into the wild. This project is a World First, and is supported by some of the world's leading ecologists in this field.

Spending time with the lions in the wild each day is an essential part of the cub's upbringing. If the cubs are to be released into the wild it is important that they spend time out in a natural environment. They need to adapt to it, learn from it, understand, observe, feel and smell the wild.

Since the start of this intensive programme, we have noted a marked increase in the Lions' awareness of their natural surroundings, as well as an improvement in their hunting skills. The larger cubs are now able to take down smaller game species whilst out on walks, and these abilities are being enhanced each day whilst under the supervision of volunteers. These are invaluable discoveries, which have earned us further support for our world first endeavours.

Elephants... You will also have the opportunity to spend time with our orphaned African Elephants and their trainers. The elephants at Antelope Park were saved from certain death during a severe drought that ravaged Zimbabwe's South Eastern Lowveld in 1991 and 1992.

The elephants play an important role in the Antelope Park's activities schedule. You may be asked to assist in the daily duties with the elephants, but please note that they will not necessarily be the main focus of your work.

Free roaming wildlife...The few remaining areas of wildlife sanctuary in Zimbabwe are extremely precious and must at all costs be protected. Part of your project will involve assistance with the wildlife management scheme such as finding and removing snares ('snare sweeps') within the game park and checking for holes or fence cuttings on the boundary fence ('Boundary Patrols') and repairing them. These activities are usually conducted on foot, horseback or elephant-back.

You may also be asked to assist in any other duties at the game park such as:
Cutting and collecting firewood; daily schooling and exercising of horses; basic repairs and maintenance; assisting the Antelope Park Guides in their duties; any other wildlife or camp related activities.

Highlights:
- Walk alongside lions as part of the pride and enjoy the exhilaration of being part of a hunt as the young cubs learn to stalk their prey
- Bottle feed and help take care of younger lion cubs
- Work on the world's only programme for the release of lions back into the wild
- Experience the African bush in a very special way on this private reserve. Explore the savannah grasslands on horseback or whilst riding on African Elephants
- Have horse riding lessons from our experienced guides
- Immerse yourself in local Zimbabwean culture
- Make friends for life with the other international volunteers on the programme

Qualifications: No qualifications necessary.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 1 month at USD 3,410

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Someone who wants to make a difference to African Wildife and Conservation, work hands-on with lions and support their release back into the wild. Also travelers with an open mind and the willingness to learn valuable lessons from their time in Africa.

Age Range: 18 - 70 (dependent on health and physical fitness)

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Zimbabwe Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference

African Impact's Mission Statement: African Impact facilitates cultural exchange programmes through volunteer work. We awards you the opportunity to immerse yourselves in local schools, health institutions, communities and wildlife conservation programmes. In this way as a volunteer you are able to leave your mark on a corner of Africa whilst at the same time experiencing a lifestyle that will shift your perspectives and allow you to see our world in a different light. We invite you to join us on a journey to Africa to explore, to inspire and to impact. We invite you to be more than a tourist, but to be a traveller, a conservationist and a humanitarian.

Year Founded: 1999