WV08 Wildlife Volunteering Project

  South Africa

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Any

Description: They offer persons in the age range 18-35 years, the opportunity to experience first hand, the work of the Centre, during an intensive, 21-day programme.
The programme is divided into three main sections: Participation, Conservation, and Sight Seeing.

The focus of the programme is on the cheetah and during the course; participants are involved with the everyday care of the cheetahs. This includes, cleaning, feeding, and where required, assisting with or observing any veterinary activities that may occur during their stay. The same activities apply to other species being cared for at the centre. The knowledge gained about the animals and work of this centre through this kind of participation is both specific and personal.

*The Conservation section of the programme involves daily lectures on all major aspects of conservation and includes specialist input on all animals, grasses, trees, and basic biodiversity.
*The Sight Seeing section of the programme is where participants get to put theory into practice either through directed observation in the wild or at other centres that specialise in other areas of research or conservation.
*The programme is largely based on the interactive involvement of participants, who in the process gain valuable knowledge of and experience in nature conservation.
*Students will also have the opportunity to visit numerous places of interest and attractions in the area, including the renowned Kruger National Park.

Included in the programme is the unique and memorable experience of an elephant-back safari with the resident herd of Camp Jabulani (www.campjabulani.com) the herd's namesake also arrived at the Centre at the age of four months in a terrible state of dehydration and shock (he had been abandoned by his herd after getting stuck in a silt dam). It took a year to nurse him back to health under 24 hour-dedicated care.

You will also be offered informal lectures on:
-Conservation
-Animal identification
-Plants and ecology
-Astronomy
-Survival
-Firearm handling and safety
-Tracks and signs
-Reptiles
-Birds
-South African history and cultural diversity.
-Anti Poaching

Highlights: Their aim is to equip students with the aptitude to actively participate in conserving the wildlife of Southern Africa; to build awareness of conservation in a broader global scale; and to experience the beauty and rich diversity of South Africa.

Working with cheetah, wild dog, small spotted cats, African wildcats and more.
-Preparation of animal food and feeding the animals.
-Possibility of working with the wildlife vet (darting, capturing and operating on animals).
-Possibility of assisting in the hand rearing of animals.
-Local community involvement (e.g. visiting schools in rural areas).

Program fee includes:
*Three meals per day prepared by participants in the camp
*Shared accommodation
*3 weeks course
*Activities including an elephant excursions, game drives in open safari vehicles and guided bush walks, accompanied by experienced game rangers.
*Return road transfers between the Centre and the Airport

Program fee does not include:
*Paint ball war-games
*River rafting in the Blyde River Canyon
*Horse riding
*Bungi jumping
*Telephone calls
*Curio Shop purchases
*Any flights
* 3 days introduction in Cape Town + flight from Cape Town to the Cheetah Farm
* Personal insurance (medical and travel) cover.
* Toiletries, cigarettes, special diet-requirements other than Halaal + Vegetarians
* Visas
* Personal expenses
Volunteers must bring along:
-Good pair of hiking boots/ Walking shoes/ Trainers
-Leisure clothing [preferred color: khaki/bush clothes]: shorts, shirts, flip-flops, swimming clothes,denim, track suit, sleeping clothes etc.
-Some old clothes for working with animals
-Sun cream, sun glasses

Qualifications:
-None,but must be eager to learn and to participate.
-Must be prepared to have some fun.
-Must have a desire to make a difference while gaining invaluable experience and knowledge.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Eager to learn and to participate. Must be prepared to have some fun. Must have a desire to make a difference while gaining invaluable experience and knowledge

Age Range: 18 or older

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

Participants Travel to South Africa in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Varies

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network