Lion Care, Conservation, and Re-Introduction

  South Africa

Mpumalanga

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Year-round

Description: Our partner in South Africa has just signed a four year contract with a lion breeding center on the east coast of South Africa. Set in nearly 300 acres of superb bush and grassland, the Park offers a unique aspect of lion breeding and is also malaria-free.

The first of 4 Phases for the re-introduction project began September 1, 2006. Currently there are 3 areas in Africa earmarked for this reintroduction program.

The lion population in the Park is currently 80, of which nearly 25 are sub-adults and cubs. All the lion cubs born at the park are hand-reared and micro-chipped. The cubs have been inoculated against all known feline diseases including rabies, and have all been tested and found to be free of feline AIDS and TB.

The park boasts more than 40 species of wildlife, housed in camps and cages in the sanctuary areas. They are released when and if they are able. This project will also look at reintroducing captive bred tigers back into Siberia.

The volunteers will be involved in many aspects of conservation, lion care, and preparation of lions for re-introduction program. When we do have lion cubs volunteers will have the rare opportunity of caring for them. Interacting with the public extends to assisting our talented restaurant staff during busy periods or functions.

Other volunteer tasks include:

    * Daily practical course on fauna and flora in the region as well as identification of mammals, wildlife spoor, animal dung etc.
    * Assisting with upkeep of the small reserve such as road maintenance, removal alien vegetation etc.
    * Upkeep and improvement of lion enclosures for all lions.
    * Walking lions on a daily basis, at times with paying clients.
    * Assisting with community projects in the area at least 1 day a week.
    * Observing, studying and recording the lion cubs and their behavior

Accommodations

    * Up to 12 volunteers share accommodation in their own comfortable rustic accommodation near the lion enclosures.
    * Television and games are available in the communal lounge
    * Volunteers will cook their own meals in the volunteer house.
    * Internet facilities are available for emergency purposes at the cost charged to us, and time will need to be booked in advance as the computer is the private office in the house. (Own laptop can use the telephone link from the restaurant. Don't forget to bring your converter and charger).
    * Electricity is available to charge mobile phones, camera's etc.
    * Optional outings nearby on weekends to Port Elizabeth, Jeffery's Bay (Surfers paradise), Elephant rides, quad biking, Tsitsikama forest tour, highest commercial bungy jump in the world, and much more.
    * Mobile reception is good in the area.
    * Washing & ironing is a service provided daily on your behalf.

Qualifications: Applicants should:

    * Be 18-45 years of age
    * Be in good health
    * Have a positive attitude and be willing to live/work as part of a team
    * Enjoy working with animals and outdoor activities

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-45

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Up to 12

Scholarships are Available. InterExchange Foundation Grant awards are intended to defray the costs of transportation, participation fees, travel insurance, housing, and meals related to a work, internship, or volunteer abroad program. Recipients must submit a written report to InterExchange upon completion of their program, describing how the grant allowed them to gain international understanding through working abroad. Recipients will be selected based on intent, with preference toward those with limited international travel experience and longer programs.

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

InterExchange's Mission Statement: InterExchange is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness through a wide range of work & travel, language, teaching English, volunteer, professional training, internship and au pair programs within the United States & around the world. Our goal is to create affordable and exciting cultural exchange programs, each with an unparalleled level of support. We take great pride in the professionalism and service of our staff and work hard to ensure our programs provide a rewarding experience for all participants.